How to Get Ordained and Legally Officiate a Wedding in Delaware

Becoming a Wedding Officiant in Delaware: A Comprehensive Guide

Delaware, a gem of the Eastern Seaboard, offers an enchanting mix of scenic coastal landscapes, historic venues, and intimate settings for weddings. Whether you’re drawn to officiate a ceremony on the serene beaches of Rehoboth or within the charming courtyards of Wilmington’s historic estates, Delaware is an ideal backdrop for a memorable wedding. The state’s welcoming approach to officiants and straightforward legal requirements make it an attractive choice for those wishing to preside over such a joyous occasion.

This guide will walk you through the unique aspects of officiating a wedding in Delaware, from the legal essentials to practical tips to ensure the ceremony goes off without a hitch. Let’s begin with what makes officiating in Delaware unique and explore how you can create an unforgettable ceremony.

Why Delaware?

• Scenic Venues: From picturesque beaches to historic mansions, Delaware offers a variety of beautiful locations for weddings.
• Inclusive Laws: The state recognizes officiants ordained online, making it accessible for friends or family members to legally officiate a wedding.
• Convenience: With no residency requirements and a straightforward registration process, Delaware ensures officiants can focus on the celebration, not red tape.

General Tips for Officiating a Wedding

To ensure you create a meaningful and legally binding ceremony, keep these key tips in mind:

1. Meet the Couple: Schedule a meeting with the couple to understand their vision for the ceremony, their vows, and any special rituals they wish to include.
2. Write a Custom Ceremony Script: A personalized script tailored to the couple’s love story adds a special touch. Consider Provenance.co for guidance on crafting heartfelt and unique ceremony scripts.
3. Practice and Prepare: Familiarize yourself with the script, especially any names or details that are important to the couple. Practice reading it aloud to ensure smooth delivery.
4. Stay Organized: Keep track of the marriage license, ensure all signatures are collected, and file the completed license promptly.
5. Get Out of the Way for the First Kiss: After the vows, step aside to let the photographer capture the couple’s first kiss as a married pair.

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in Delaware

To officiate a wedding in Delaware, you must meet specific criteria:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Residency: There are no residency requirements.
• Gender and Religion: There are no restrictions regarding gender or religion.

According to Delaware law, the following individuals can legally officiate weddings:

• A clergyperson or minister of any religion, whether a Delaware resident or not, as long as they register with the Clerk of the Peace in the appropriate county. Ministers of The Provenance Center qualify!
• Current or former judges from various courts in Delaware.
• Current or former federal judges or magistrates with jurisdiction over Delaware.
• The chief executive officer of an incorporated municipality within their municipality limits.

How to Become an Officiant in Delaware

1. Get Ordained: Become legally ordained online through organizations like The Provenance Center.
2. Register with the County Clerk: Whether you are a resident or not, you must register with the Clerk of the Peace in the county where the wedding will take place. Present your credentials of ministry.
3. Receive Your Ministerial ID: Upon registration, you will receive a registration card with your personal ministerial ID number. This number must be entered on the marriage license.

How to Officiate a Wedding in Delaware

Here are the essential steps to officiate a wedding in Delaware:

1. Preparation: Collaborate with the couple to plan the ceremony. Use resources like Provenance.co to craft a personalized script.
2. Conduct the Ceremony:
   • Ensure both parties verbally consent to the marriage in the presence of two witnesses who are at least 18 years old.
   • Pronounce the couple as married.
3. Complete the Marriage License:
   • Fill out your section of the marriage license, including your name, title, and ministerial ID number.
   • Ensure the witnesses sign the necessary paperwork.
4. File the Marriage License: Return the signed marriage license to the issuing Clerk of the Peace within four days of the ceremony.

How to Fill Out a Marriage License in Delaware

1. Complete Your Section: Include your full legal name, title (minister), and ministerial ID number.
2. Witness Signatures: Ensure the two witnesses sign the license.
3. Submit the License: Return the completed license to the Clerk of the Peace office within four days.

Applying for a Marriage License in Delaware

To get a marriage license in Delaware, the couple must:

• Appear in Person: Both parties must apply in person at the Clerk of the Peace office.
• Present Identification: Provide a government-issued ID to verify identity and age.
• Pay the Fee: For Delaware residents, the fee is $70. For non-residents, it’s $120.
• Wait 24 Hours: There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be a Delaware resident to officiate a wedding there?
A: No, you do not need to be a Delaware resident, but you must register with the Clerk of the Peace in the county where the wedding will take place.

Q: How long does it take to become ordained?
A: Online ordination through organizations like The Provenance Center can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Q: Is there a fee to register as an officiant in Delaware?
A: Generally, there is no fee to register as an officiant, but you should check with the relevant county office for specific details.

Q: Can I officiate a wedding for same-sex couples in Delaware?
A: Yes, Delaware recognizes marriage equality, and you can officiate weddings for same-sex couples.

Q: How soon after the ceremony must the marriage license be submitted?
A: The marriage license must be returned to the issuing Clerk of the Peace within four days of the ceremony.

Conclusion

Officiating a wedding in Delaware is a rewarding experience that combines legal responsibility with heartfelt celebration. By understanding the state’s requirements and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure a seamless and memorable ceremony.

Ready to officiate a wedding in Delaware? Explore The PCO to learn how to get ordained online. For additional details, check out the following helpful guides:

• Which States Allow Officiants Ordained Online and Which Don’t
• Guide to Becoming a Wedding Officiant: What You Need to Know

By following these guidelines, you’ll be prepared to create an unforgettable wedding experience in Delaware. Happy officiating!

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Please Note: State and county marriage certificate requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. Everyone’s situation is different, and we would always advise that you contact the office of your local marriage authority or a licensed attorney to address any specific questions or concerns you may have. While Provenance will aim to update this information as relevant and as able, you should reach out to the local county clerk for the most up to date information.