Delaware Marriage Records

Marriage Records in Delaware

Marriage records contain basic information about the married couple.  This information includes the names of the two individuals, the date of the marriage, and the place of marriage.  Some marriage records will also include the names of the mothers and fathers of the couple.  Additionally, some records contain the names of the official witnesses to the marriage.  Some governmental marriage records contain the maiden names of the mothers of the bride and groom as well as the place of residence of the married couple.

A marriage record should not be confused with a marriage license, a marriage announcement, or a marriage index.  The marriage license is the legal document that was issued to the couple that was married.  The marriage announcement is the public listing of the wedding, in most cases, in a published newspaper.

A marriage index is simply a list of the marriages within a specific location.  Typically, such an index includes the names of the bride and groom, the date of the marriage, the name of the county in which the marriage occurred, and either the file number of the license or the volume and page name for a register listing as well as the location of the marriage record. 

In Delaware, marriage records can be obtained through several methods including in person, by telephone, online, or written request.  To acquire a copy of a marriage record in person, it is necessary to visit one of the following locations during the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:15 PM during the days of Monday through Friday:

Limestone Building

2055 Limestone Road

Wilmington, DE 19808

302-995-8632

directions can be obtained at the following link:

http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/main/maps/other/limeston.htm

Jesse S. Cooper Building

47 Federal Street

Dover, DE 19901

302-744-4556

directions can be obtained at the following link:

http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/main/maps/other/cooperbd.htm

Georgetown State Service Center

546 South Bedford Street

Georgetown, DE 19947

302-856-5574

directions can be obtained at the following link:

http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/main/maps/dsscmap/gtown.htm

Another method that can be used to acquire marriage records is to call the following number: 1-877-888-0248.  Instructions will be provided and the proper information will be taken in order to process the request.

Additionally, you can visit the following website in order to obtain marriage records in the state of Delaware- Vital Check Network at the following link: http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_locator.asp.

This takes you to a page where you will enter the following information into search boxes: the type of record that you are requesting, the state where the event occurred, the city of the event, the date of the event, and the reason for the request.  The county is automatically filled in for you once you select a city.  Each of the search boxes has a drop down menu for your convenience.  Moreover, each of these pieces of information is required before you can go to the nest step.

Once you have entered your data, you may then click the continue button.  This generates a page that lists the type of record, the agency involved, the shipping options available, and the itemized costs of your request.  Once you select the shipping option that you prefer, you may select the purchase button to move on to the next page.  At the bottom of this page, a few links are available to obtain additional information on the listed agency, the types of records, and the available methods of purchase.  The document that you will receive is a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

Additionally, a written request for marriage records can be sent to the following address:

Jesse S. Cooper Building

47 Federal Street

Dover, DE 19901

For a successful search for the marriage records that you are trying to locate, follow these steps:

1. Print or type each name and address clearly to avoid confusion.  This includes the full name of both the husband and the wife.  The maiden name should be included for the wife.  Include nicknames and alternate spellings that may have been used, but list them as such.
2. Keep your request brief and to the point. 
3. Limit your request to one marriage record.
4. Include the full address of the individuals at the time of the marriage, including street, city or town, and state.  If you know the county in which the marriage took place, include that as well.
5. Include the date that the marriage occurred.  If you do not know the date, include a time frame for the search.  Generally, it is best to specify a short span of years for an unknown year search.  You can always expand the number of years that you search, and a shorter span will lead to a shorter search.  You can expect to pay an additional fee for searches such as this that require more effort.
6. Include contact information where you can be reached in the event that more information is required.  Include a telephone number, fax number, or an e-mail address.
7. Include your relationship to the individuals listed in your search request.
8. Include the reason for your request.
9. Print your name clearly and sign your request.  Some states may also require additional identifying information on you as well.  Therefore, you may want to include your driver�s license number.
10. Include a SASE, or self addressed stamped envelope with your request for a speedier delivery.

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