How to Get a Marriage License in Rhode Island

Obtaining a marriage license is an important step in making your marriage legal. Follow these guidelines on how to obtain a marriage license if you plan to wed in Rhode Island.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Certified copies of birth certificates
• Payment
• Marriage license application
• Pen
• Photo identification
• Certified copy of divorce decree or death certificate, if applicable

1. Apply for the marriage license in person and personally sign the license in the presence of the city or town clerk or his or her assistant. Both bride and groom must be present.

2. Bring proof of birth facts, preferably long-form certified copies of birth certificates. A valid passport or alien card may be accepted for persons born outside the United States who cannot obtain a birth record in their country of birth. Additional requirements, such as valid government-issued picture identification or Social Security cards may exist in some locations.

3. Pay the license fee and head to the altar. The license is valid for three months upon issuance. If the bride and groom do not marry, the marriage license should be returned to the city or town office where the license was issued.

Tips & Warnings

• If previously married, present a certified copy of the final decree of divorce (with the raised or original stamped court seal) or a certified copy of the death certificate of the previous spouse.
• If both bride and groom are residents of Rhode Island, the marriage license is valid in any city or town in Rhode Island and the couple may be married anywhere in Rhode Island. If only one of the applicant's is a Rhode Island resident, apply for the license in that person's city or town of residence. If neither the bride nor groom lives in Rhode Island, the marriage license must be obtained at the city or town clerk's office where the ceremony will take place. Rhode Island law states that the marriage license is valid only in the city or town in which it was issued.
• Blood tests are not required.
• Marriage license requirements often change. Verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel arrangements.