Best Places To Get Married In Delaware: Charming Venues for Your Big Day
Planning a wedding is an extraordinary journey, and choosing the perfect venue is a big part of it. Delaware, with its charming landscapes and rich history, offers an array of beautiful settings for your special day. Whether you dream of a grand ballroom, a cozy outdoor space, or a stunning waterfront view, you can find it here.
You’ll discover a venue that fits your vision and makes your wedding day truly unforgettable. Delaware’s wedding venues range from historic estates to modern event spaces, ensuring there’s something for every couple. By choosing Delaware, you’re setting the stage for a celebration that’s as unique as your love story.
1) The Waterfall
The Waterfall in Claymont, Delaware, is a stunning venue for weddings. It offers two grand ballrooms with elegant decor. The Grand Ballroom can host up to 500 guests. The Cascade Ballroom is perfect for smaller gatherings of up to 325 guests. Both spaces feature beautiful design elements like blown-glass chandeliers and marble dance floors.
Outside, you’ll find beautifully landscaped gardens. These gardens provide a charming backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and photos. The Waterfall focuses on luxury and distinctive, all-inclusive events. This makes it a top choice for many couples planning their big day.
Experienced event coordinators at The Waterfall help arrange everything. From the smallest details to the biggest ones, they ensure your event runs smoothly. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or an elegant luncheon, their team is there to assist.
Rating: 4.6 (798 reviews)
Location: 3416 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703
Contact: (302) 792-2600
Website: Visit Website
2) The Farmhouse
The Farmhouse offers an intimate setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. Their all-inclusive wedding packages make planning stress-free. You’ll get a premium open bar, gourmet food prepared onsite, linens, candle centerpieces, a wedding cake, hotel accommodations, and even a wedding coordinator. Everything is handled in one place for your convenience.
Indoor spaces include a bright and open main terrace hall, an indoor lounge and bar, and dressing suites. Outside, you’ll enjoy a large wrap-around deck and patio that overlook a gazebo bar and beautiful gardens. The historical estate features a picturesque outdoor ceremony site under romantic willow trees.
The Farmhouse is perfect for both indoor and outdoor events. The four acres of manicured grounds and gardens provide plenty of pretty spots for photos. You can also upgrade to Barnwood accent tables for a more rustic feel.
Prime wedding dates are still available for Spring 2024. Planning a last-minute wedding here is easy with their preferred vendors and all-inclusive packages. You can take a tour during one of their open houses without needing an appointment.
Rating: 4.6 (198 reviews)
Location: Wilmington, DE
Contact: (302) 999-8477
Website: Visit Website
3) The Carriage House at Rockwood Park
The Carriage House at Rockwood Park blends 150 years of charm with modern amenities. Perfect for weddings, this venue has flexible indoor spaces. Whether you want a small, intimate celebration or a large gathering, they can accommodate your needs.
You’ll love the picturesque setting surrounded by elegant gardens. The dedicated events staff will take care of every detail, so you can relax and enjoy your big day. The cuisine is top-notch, promising a delicious experience for you and your guests.
Located in Wilmington, Delaware, this venue is easy to reach, especially if you’re coming from Philadelphia. The professional staff aim to create a seamless experience, allowing you to enjoy your special day without worry.
Rating: 4.6 (132 reviews)
Location: 4671 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19809
Contact: (302) 472-2433
Website: Visit Website
4) Willowbrook Weddings
Willowbrook Weddings offers a stunning venue in Bridgeville, Delaware. Whether you’re planning a glitzy, glamorous wedding or a shabby chic, rustic celebration, Willowbrook can accommodate your vision. You can find various ceremony locations with a beautiful wooded backdrop that compliments any style.
The venue provides an enchanting mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. From the moment you say “I do” to celebrating with family and friends, Willowbrook sets the perfect stage for your special day. The natural scenery adds a touch of magic to your wedding photos, creating memories you’ll cherish.
Discover the venue like no other. Willowbrook promises to make your wedding moments truly magical, helping to turn your dreams into reality. This wedding location in Bridgeville is ideal for those looking for charm, elegance, and a bit of nature all in one place.
Rating: 4.8 (86 reviews)
Location: 8275 Cannon Rd, Bridgeville, DE 19933
Contact: (302) 228-0787
Website: Visit Website
5) Riverfront Events
Riverfront Events in Wilmington is a wonderful choice for your big day. Nestled on the Christina River, the venue offers stunning outdoor spaces perfect for a beautiful ceremony. The attached Hyatt Place provides convenient overnight accommodations.
Riverfront Events is run by the Big Fish Restaurant Group, bringing their award-winning cuisine and top-notch hospitality to your special event. The team’s mission is to ensure your day is seamless and memorable.
You can expect modern design, professional staff, and a fantastic location. It’s ideal for those looking for a mix of beauty, convenience, and exceptional dining.
Rating: 4.6 (93 reviews)
Location: 760 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Contact: (302) 656-2665
Website: Visit Website
6) Lighthouse Cove Event Center
Lighthouse Cove Event Center offers a stunning beachfront location for weddings. Located in Dewey Beach, it features over 19,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. Overlooking Rehoboth Bay, you and your guests can enjoy panoramic views and beautiful sunsets.
This venue is perfect for both private and corporate events. The event center staff can customize your event to meet your needs, ensuring a memorable experience for you and your guests. The elegant and romantic setting makes it ideal for weddings.
Surrounded by the beauty of the bay, Lighthouse Cove Event Center is a top choice for those seeking a picturesque wedding venue in Delaware. With its versatile event spaces and scenic backdrop, your special day will be unforgettable.
Rating: 4.6 (12 reviews)
Location: Lighthouse Cove Event Center
Contact: (302) 567-2233
Website: Visit Website
7) Smokey Hollow
Smokey Hollow is a charming wedding venue located in Selbyville, Delaware. It sits on a 100-acre private estate, giving it a secluded and intimate feel. This venue is a perfect spot for couples looking to celebrate their special day surrounded by natural beauty.
The property features picturesque views, a beautifully manicured landscape, and a serene courtyard. There’s also an awe-inspiring barn that adds a rustic touch to any event. Its close proximity to popular beaches like Bethany Beach and Ocean City makes it a very appealing option.
The lake and the expansive grounds provide a stunning backdrop for photos. Whether you are planning a small gathering or a grand celebration, Smokey Hollow offers a “blank canvas” to create your dream wedding.
Rating: 4.9 (48 reviews)
Location: 37632 Lakeridge Dr, Selbyville, DE 19975
Contact: (302) 927-8368
Website: Visit Website
8) Salero
Imagine saying “I do” with the ocean as your backdrop. Salero is a beautiful beachfront venue in Rehoboth Beach. The golden sands and clear waters create the perfect setting for your special day. The team at Salero plans and executes each event with care, ensuring every detail is flawless.
Salero is not just for weddings. It’s also a great place for corporate events. Their staff offers full service from planning to catering. With dishes prepared by Chef David Horton, your guests will enjoy delicious meals while overlooking the ocean. This can turn any work event into a memorable experience.
Salero also caters to private parties. Whether it’s a baby shower, Christmas party, or bachelorette party, events are customizable for each guest. If you want a unique and unforgettable event, Salero is the perfect choice. Their new BBQ delivery service adds more options for your gatherings.
Rating: 4.7 (39 reviews)
Location: 511 N Boardwalk #8, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Contact: (302) 841-2229
Website: Visit Website
9) Hopkins Heartland
Hopkins Heartland offers a special blend of classic romance and historic charm. Located in Coastal Delaware, this venue is where farmland meets coastline. You can enjoy both indoor and outdoor settings for your wedding, making it a convenient and breathtaking spot for your big day.
The venue spans 700 acres of preserved farmland and historic barns. This place is perfect for those who treasure history and natural beauty. Your wedding here is not just an event but an experience that becomes part of the venue’s preservation story.
Guests have praised the venue for its supportive staff and the flexibility to use the property from Thursday to Sunday. The farm setting provides a perfect backdrop for photoshoots, whether it’s for engagements, maternity, or family sessions.
Rating: 4.9 (120 reviews)
Location: 30249 Fisher Rd, Lewes, DE 19958
Website: Visit Website
10) University and Whist Club
Looking for a sophisticated wedding venue in Wilmington, Delaware? The University and Whist Club could be your perfect choice. This venue offers elegance with its eight separate dining rooms, each with unique decor. You can also take advantage of their in-house catering service, making it easier to plan your big day.
The club hosts various events throughout the year, including weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and more. You don’t need to be a member to book an event here, which makes it accessible for anyone looking for a stylish setting.
The Whist Club also has six different private rooms available for meetings and events, each equipped with audio visual options. This flexibility ensures that your wedding will be just as you imagined. Their food and beverage staff is experienced in handling diverse groups and needs.
Rating: 4.7 (184 reviews)
Location: 805 N Broom St, Wilmington, DE 19806
Contact: (302) 658-5125
Website: Visit Website
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Delaware
To get married in Delaware, you need to follow specific steps. These involve applying for a marriage license, providing necessary documents, meeting residency and age rules, and paying fees.
Marriage License Application Process
To start, both you and your partner must apply for a marriage license together. This can be done at the Clerk of Peace Office in Wilmington or other county offices. You need to visit during business hours, usually between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The application process includes filling out forms and paying the required fee. After you receive the license, you must get married within 30 days. Don’t worry; no blood test is needed.
Required Documentation
You will need to bring specific documents when applying. Both of you must present valid identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
If either of you was previously married, you need to show proof of divorce or a death certificate of the prior spouse. Also, proof of residency may be required if you claim Delaware residency for a fee discount.
Residency and Age Requirements
Delaware welcomes both residents and non-residents to marry within the state. Residents generally have lower fees and shorter wait times. Proof of residency, like a utility bill, may be needed.
You must both be at least 18 years old to apply without parental consent. If you’re younger, you need a signed consent form from your parents or guardians.
Fees and Waiting Period
The cost of a marriage license depends on your residency status. For Delaware residents, the fee is usually $50, plus a recording fee of $20. For non-residents, the fee is higher—typically around $120.
Once you apply for the license, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before you can get married. This waiting period applies to everyone, regardless of residency. After that, you must use the license within 30 days, or it will become invalid.
Popular Wedding Venues in Delaware
Delaware offers a diverse range of wedding venues, from serene beaches and historic sites to picturesque farms. You can find the perfect spot to match your dream wedding vision and style.
Beachfront Locations
For a wedding by the sea, Delaware has several stunning beachfront venues. Grain On The Rocks in Lewes offers a beautiful waterfront locale, perfect for a scenic ceremony. The venue can host up to 150 guests and provides both indoor and outdoor space options.
Another popular choice is the Indian River Life Saving Station in Rehoboth Beach. This historic venue includes a museum, gift shop, and dressing areas. Their sandy beach setting is ideal for both ceremonies and receptions, giving you a beautiful ocean backdrop for your special day.
Historic Sites
Delaware is home to numerous historic wedding venues that provide a touch of elegance. Harry’s Savoy Ballroom in Wilmington is known for its sophisticated ambiance. The ballroom, added to the renowned Harry Savoy Grill, offers a charming setting for your wedding day.
Belmont Hall in Smyrna provides a Georgian mansion surrounded by stately trees and well-maintained gardens. The regal setting is perfect for both ceremonies and receptions, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Rustic Farm Settings
If you’re dreaming of a rural wedding, Delaware has several rustic farm venues. These locations provide a charming and cozy atmosphere with plenty of natural beauty.
Many of these venues have ample outdoor spaces, ideal for a relaxed and inviting ceremony. You can celebrate your big day with beautiful barns, rolling fields, and a peaceful countryside backdrop.
Delaware’s variety of wedding venues ensures you can find the perfect spot for your big day, whether you prefer sandy beaches, historic elegance, or rustic charm.
Weather Considerations
When planning a wedding in Delaware, it’s essential to consider the weather to ensure a perfect day. Delaware’s climate varies, offering different advantages depending on the season.
Best Time of Year for Weddings
May to September is ideal for weddings in Delaware. During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant. Springtime in May offers blooming flowers and fresh greenery, perfect for outdoor setups.
In the summer months of June through August, you can expect sunny days, making it great for photos and outdoor festivities.
September marks the start of fall, providing a comfortable climate with less humidity and the beautiful backdrop of autumn leaves. Avoid winter months due to colder temperatures and potential for snow.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Settings
For an outdoor wedding, consider the temperate seasons of late spring through early fall. Venues like The Farmhouse offer stunning outdoor pergolas that provide a picturesque setting for your ceremony.
For those planning during warmer months, ensure there is shade or tenting to keep guests comfortable.
Indoor settings, like those with cathedral ceilings and skylights, offer a reliable alternative no matter the weather. These venues provide a dry and temperature-controlled environment, which is crucial in unpredictable weather months.
Choose indoor options for winter weddings or when you prefer a more controlled setting. Venues like Grain On The Rocks offer the flexibility of both indoors and outdoors, accommodating various weather conditions.
