How to Officiate a Wedding in Delaware

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

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The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In Delaware?

Delaware is straightforward. You can handle the paperwork here, but there’s one extra step — you need to register with the Clerk of the Peace before performing ceremonies. It costs about $50 and can take up to 30 days. You’ll receive a ministerial ID number that must appear on the marriage certificate. Residents register in their county of residence; non-residents register in the county of the ceremony.

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You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

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Preparing for the Ceremony

1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
2. Register with the Clerk of the Peace — Delaware requires ministers to register before performing ceremonies. Costs about $50, can take up to 30 days. Residents register in their county of residence; non-residents in the county of the ceremony. You’ll receive a ministerial ID number — this is required on the marriage certificate.
3. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
4. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
5. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

• Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials, your ministerial ID number, and a black pen
• The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
• Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

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If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Delaware allows ordained ministers to sign the marriage certificate, but you must register with the Clerk of the Peace first and have your ministerial ID number.

Statute: Delaware Code Title 13 § 106 — clergy or ministers of any religion may solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail	Info
Can officiant sign the license?	Yes (with registration)
Registration required?	Yes — Clerk of the Peace, ~$50, up to 30 days
Marriage license cost	$70 (residents), $120 (non-residents)
Waiting period	24 hours
License valid for	30 days
Return deadline	Within 4 days of ceremony
Witnesses needed	2 adults (18+)

Before the Wedding

• Register with the Clerk of the Peace — Costs about $50, takes up to 30 days. Residents register in county of residence; non-residents in county of ceremony. You’ll receive a ministerial ID number — write it down and bring it to the wedding. Do this well before the wedding.
• Call the local Clerk of the Peace — Tell them you’re an ordained, registered minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They do this every day and they’re almost always helpful.
• The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the County Clerk’s office. 24-hour waiting period. Valid for 30 days. Cost varies: $70 for residents, $120 for non-residents.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage certificate — you, the couple, and two adult witnesses (18+). Black pen. Make sure your ministerial ID number appears on the certificate. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed certificate to the Clerk of the Peace within 4 days. This is a tight deadline — set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. Mail it or drop it off.

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Delaware Tips

• Registration takes up to 30 days — start early
• Your ministerial ID number MUST appear on the marriage certificate — don’t forget it
• 4-day return deadline is tight — don’t procrastinate
• 30-day license validity is short — coordinate timing with the couple
• 2 witnesses required at the ceremony
• 24-hour waiting period on the marriage license
• Online ordination is widely accepted

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Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to your local Clerk of the Peace before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

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This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with your local Clerk of the Peace.