Marriage records in Sussex County, Delaware, are available through several channels. SussexCourt.us allows you to start searching for publicly available marriage record information in the county. Additionally, certified copies of marriage certificates are issued by the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics, and marriage licenses are processed by the Clerk of the Peace of Sussex County. Requests can be submitted online, in person, or by mail.
Sussex Marriage Records Search
In Delaware, marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Peace of the respective county. In Sussex County, this function is performed by the Clerk of the Peace office, headed by Norman "Jay" Jones. This office accepts applications for marriage licenses, verifies eligibility, and issues the license itself. After the ceremony, the signed license is returned to the Clerk of the Peace for registration.
Certified copies of marriage certificates are maintained and issued by the Office of Vital Statistics, a division of the Delaware Division of Public Health. This office has a regional branch located directly in Sussex County. Historical marriage records older than a certain period may be stored at the Delaware Public Archives.
Office of Vital Statistics — Sussex County
Clerk of the Peace — Sussex County
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Sussex
The fees for issuing certified copies of marriage certificates are set by the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics. Below is an approximate fee schedule according to the current office policy.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a marriage certificate | $25.00 |
| Each additional copy (in one order) | $10.00 |
| Search fee (included in the cost of the copy) | Included |
Source: Office of Vital Statistics, Division of Public Health. Fees may change — it is recommended to verify current rates directly with the office before submitting a request. Processing time for requests is usually a few business days for in-person requests; mail requests may take longer.
As for the marriage license, the fee for its issuance is paid directly at the Clerk of the Peace office. The exact amount should be verified on the Clerk of the Peace page, as it is regulated separately from the fees for certified copies.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Sussex
There are several ways to order a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Sussex County.
Online
The state of Delaware offers the ability to order birth, death, and marriage certificates through the official online portal VitalChek, which is serviced by the Office of Vital Statistics. To place an online order, you need to:
- Provide the full names of both spouses
- The date and place of the marriage
- Upload a copy of the applicant's ID
- Pay the fee with a credit or debit card (an additional processing fee may apply)
In Person
Visit the regional OVS office in Georgetown. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay the fee. An appointment is usually not required, but it is better to call ahead.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Office of Vital Statistics. In the letter, include:
- The full names of both spouses (including the maiden name)
- The approximate date of marriage
- The county where the marriage took place
- The purpose of the request and your relationship to the record
- A copy of your ID
- A money order or check for the appropriate amount, made payable to the Office of Vital Statistics
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
The mailing address and current document requirements can be found on the Delaware Certificates page.
If you specifically need a marriage license (not a certificate), contact the Clerk of the Peace of Sussex County directly — both spouses must appear in person to apply. The waiting period in Delaware is 24 hours from the time the license is issued to the ceremony, unless a waiver of this restriction is obtained.