Georgetown, Del., April 28, 2009: Love is never without cost. And some of those costs are rising in Sussex County.

County Council, at its Tuesday, April 28, 2009, meeting, approved new rates for services provided by the Clerk of the Peace, which issues marriage licenses and performs wedding ceremonies. The rates were adopted by ordinance, and take effect immediately.

The series of fee increases will help the office, which has operated at a loss for years, become more self-sufficient, and shift the cost of services from taxpayers to those making use of the services, Clerk of the Peace George Parish said.

The cost of a marriage license from the Clerk of the Peace would increase from $30 to $50 for residents of Delaware, and from $50 to $100 for non-residents. Other fee increases include those for Memorable Marriage and Renewal of Vows ceremonies. Just as with the cost of obtaining a marriage license, the fees would be set differently for in-state residents and those from out of state. Officials said the adjusted fees more accurately reflect the cost to provide those services.

“The County government and our Clerk of the Peace want our services to be as affordable and as accessible as possible,” County Administrator David Baker said. “We must make sure, though, that our fees cover the cost of doing business. We believe these new rates are fair and appropriate.”

To view a copy of the ordinance spelling out the new rates, visit the County Web site at sussexcountyde.gov and select “Ordinances” under the Online Services tab at the top of the page.

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