How do I get a marriage license?

Step by Step

How to do it

MOST Rhode Island city/town clerks now require APPOINTMENTS - call ahead or check the city/town website to schedule; many have limited walk-in availability
Both applicants appear in person together at the city/town clerk's office; download and complete the Marriage License Worksheet from the city/town website in advance to save time; do NOT sign the worksheet before arriving (must sign in person before the clerk)
Present required documents; pay the $24 fee
License issued immediately - NO waiting period; can marry the same day
License valid for 90 days from date of issue; license valid anywhere in RI (if either party is RI resident) or only in the issuing city/town (if both are non-residents)
Two witnesses aged 18 or older must attend and be present at the ceremony
Officiant must return the completed marriage license to the issuing city/town clerk within 72 HOURS after the ceremony (3 days); this is one of the shortest return deadlines nationally
Certified copies of marriage certificate: available from the issuing city/town clerk; fees vary: typically $22 in-person, $25 by mail, $18 per additional copy at same time; marriage records on file at the city/town are generally restricted for 100 years (public after 100 years)

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (driver's license, passport, military ID)
CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE (government-issued, with raised seal) for both applicants - many Rhode Island clerks require this; verify with your specific city/town clerk as some accept photo ID only; ALL documents must be originals; no photocopies accepted
Proof of address for RI residents (driver's license with current address, utility bill, paystub, etc.)
If previously married: certified copy (with raised seal) of divorce decree or final dissolution document, OR certified copy of death certificate of former spouse; ALL copies must be certified originals with raised seal
No blood test required
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old; under 18 not permitted in Rhode Island

Fee

$24 statewide; certified copy: $22 in-person, $25 by mail; each additional copy at same time: $18; payment methods vary by city/town (most accept cash, check, money order; some accept debit/credit cards - some offices do NOT accept cash, e.g., Providence)

Waiting Period

NONE - license effective immediately LICENSE VALIDITY: 90 days from date of issue WITNESSES: 2 required (age 18+) OFFICIANT RETURN DEADLINE: 72 HOURS after ceremony (3 days) - very short nationally OUT-OF-STATE COUPLES: License valid ONLY in issuing city/town; must apply in ceremony city/town APPOINTMENT: Required at most RI city/town clerks - call ahead

Online Option

No statewide online application; downloadable marriage license worksheets on most city/town websites; must appear in person

Where to Go

City or Town Clerk in applicable RI municipality (39 cities/towns)

Rhode Island Notes

Important state-specific details

No waiting period; no blood test; no residency requirement for RI residents.
90-day license validity.
72-hour officiant return deadline - alert your officiant.
CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE often required - this is unusual nationally and catches many couples off guard; verify requirements with your specific city/town clerk.
Non-residents: license valid ONLY in issuing city/town.
Common law marriage: Rhode Island is one of the few states that still recognizes common law marriage established within the state (predating 2023).
First cousins may legally marry in Rhode Island.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Rhode Island Department of Health, Vital Records - health.ri.gov/vital-records | (401) 222-2812 | Center for Vital Records, Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston, RI 02920; City/Town Clerk (varies by municipality)