The Marriage License
For detailed information & requirements for the State of Rhode Island
Couples marrying in Rhode Island must apply for a license at a city or town clerk's office. The license is valid for three months after the issuance date and the ceremony must occur during that 90-day period. The ceremony vows are held in the presence of an Officiant empowered to join persons in marriage under Section 15-3-5 of the Rhode Island General Laws along with two witnesses age 18 or older. The location of the ceremony vows must take place where the marriage license is valid. Don't forget to bring the marriage license to the officiant the day of the ceremony!
Before you say "I Do"
How to Apply:
Both Applicants must apply for the license in person and provide a birth certificate and a valid government issued picture ID. If you were born outside the United States and cannot obtain a birth certificate, bring a valid passport or alien card. If you were previously married, bring a certified copy of the final decree of divorce or certified copy of a previous spouse death certificate. If you are under 16 or 18 years of age, you may need either a "Minor's Permit to Marry" or approval of the Family Court. A list of city and town offices with contact numbers is located at www.health.ri.gov under the Vital Records section.
Where to Apply:
If Applicant lives in RI apply for the license in the Applicant's city/town.
If the Applicant does not live in RI but the other Applicant does, apply for the license in the other Applicant's city/town.
If either Applicant are RI residents then the marriage license is valid in any city/town in RI and you can be married anywhere in RI.
If both Applicants are not residents of RI apply for the license in the city/town where the ceremony will take place because you must marry in the city/town where the license was issued.
The fee for a marriage license is approximately $24.00.
After you say "I Do"
Where to get a certified marriage license:
To obtain a certified copy of your marriage license, you must present valid picture identification issued by a governmental organization.
The fee for a certified copy of a vital record (from state or local registrars) is approximately $22.00.