Fenwick Island

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By Seaside Bride, 10 February, 2022

(302) 539-3011

Step 1: A Special Events Application form available for download at https://fenwickisland.delaware.gov/special-permits/ must be filled and out returned to the Fenwick Island Town Clerk at 800 Coastal Hwy. Fenwick Island, DE 19944 aloing with a check for the permit fee and a separate check for the refundable deposit.  

Step 2: Obtain Sussex County marriage license www.sussexcountyde.gov/applying-marriage-license *

*Note: The marriage license is valid for 30 days, based on time of application. It must be used in that time period. It is only valid in the State of Delaware. The waiting period is 24 hours (based on time of application) for all applicants.

Fee schedule:

  • Permit fee for up to 75 people (non-refundable) — $150
  • Permit fee for more than 75 people (non-refundable) — $25 for each group of 25 persons (requires Town Council approval)
  • Police coverage fee (nonrefundable) $100 per hour - minimum of 4 hours (required when more than 75 people in attendance)
  • Deposit (Refundable) - $250

Rules & Parking:

  1. Ceremonies are permitted as long as neither pedestrian nor vehicular traffic is obstructed.
  2. The wedding party and guests should be aware that the public’s access to the beach may not be restricted for the wedding. No walking on or disturbing of the dunes is allowed.
  3. The wedding event is only permitted during hours when lifeguards are not on duty.
  4. No alcohol is allowed on the beach between May 15 and Sept. 15.
  5. The Town of Fenwick Island does not allow glass containers on the beach strand for the ceremony.
  6. No outdoor speakers, lighting or bathroom facilities are permitted without the approval of the town council.
  7. The chief of police will issue a permit and authorize no more than six temporary parking permits for the date of the wedding ceremony. These parking permits may be used at the beach-end of the designated street where the wedding is to be held and must be displayed hanging from the rear view mirror of the vehicle. Arrangements for additional parking are the responsibility of the permit holder. Paid parking permits are required and enforced between May 15 and Sept. 15, and parking is at a premium during this time. Additional parking rules/regulations are available at https://fenwickisland.delaware.gov/parking-regulations/