How to Get Married in Rhode Island

Rhode Island was the first colony in America to declare itself independent from Great Britain. This independent spirit lives on today, and the storied history of this state can provide the dramatic backdrop to the wedding of your dreams. Just follow these step-by-step instructions to get married in Rhode Island:

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Marriage license
• Identification

1. Acquire a Rhode Island marriage license. The fee for application varies depending on which county you apply to in Rhode Island, but it will cost between $25 and $30 (see Resources below).
2. Hire a professional to perform the ceremony. Couples can choose to have the ceremony performed at the county clerk’s office by an ordained member of the clergy of their faith of choice or by an otherwise qualified public servant (like a judge).
3. Set a date that allows flexibility when scheduling a venue.
4. Choose the location of the ceremony. Then see what dates are available for that time period. Fhode Island offers plenty of places to hold the ceremony, from a posh reception center in Providence to a quaint colonial church in the countryside (see Resources below).
5. Make a guest list. With the date and location set, you can now begin inviting your friends and family to the ceremony.
6. Plan a reception. The ceremony may be more important, but often the reception is more difficult to plan. You’ll need three main ingredients: refreshments, entertainment and decorations.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a copy of your birth certificate when applying for your marriage license. If you don’t have your social security number memorized, write it down or bring your card.
• Save a little money by holding the ceremony at your home. Your Rhode Island marriage license is good anywhere in the state. Additionally, the state of Rhode Island recognizes common-aw marriages.
• Same-sex marriages or civil unions are not recognized by the state of Rhode Island.
• Marriage to one’s cousin is legal in the state of Rhode Island, and no blood tests are required for the acquisition of a marriage license.

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