Marriage license Laws in the state of Rhode Island, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Rhode Island marriage laws before filling out the Rhode Island marriage license form.

Much of the information below is state law, however this information can change from county to county. We recommend contacting your County Clerk's Office before applying for your marriage license.

ID Requirement: Proof of birth facts should be supplied, preferably in the form of certified copies of both the bride and groom's birth certificates. For persons born outside the United States who cannot obtain a birth record, a passport or alien
card is acceptable.

If neither the bride nor the groom is a resident of Rhode Island, the marriage license must be obtained at the City or Town Clerk's Office where the ceremony is to take place. This is because Rhode Island law states that the marriage license is valid only in the city or town in which it was issued. If the marriage ceremony is performed in a city or town other than the city or town of issuance, the validity of the marriage record may be in question. Item 15c on the marriage license lists the location where the marriage license is valid.

If Previously Married: If either applicant has been married previously and that marriage ended in divorce, such applicant must present a certified copy of final decree of divorce to the City or Town Clerk.

•  If either applicant has been married previously and that marriage ended in death, a certified copy of the death record should be presented to the City or Town Clerk.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom, personally, must sign the marriage license in the presence of the City or Town Clerk or his/her assistant, attesting to the truth of the information listed thereon. No information on the marriage license may be changed by the bride or groom after the marriage license is issued. If any information is in error, the bride or groom should contact the state registrar after the marriage record has been filed.

Fees: $24 - Cash Only.

Waiting Period: No waiting period.

Blood Tests: No test.

Under 18: A Minor's Permit to marry (VS 10) must be completed if a female applicant is 16 or 17 years of age. The permit must be signed and notarized in the presence of the City or Town Clerk or any clerk employed in that office. If this is not possible, contact the State Office of Vital Records for instructions.

• A female under age 16 and a male under age 18 cannot secure a marriage license in the State of Rhode Island without the approval of the Family Court.

•  Applicants must be 18 or older to obtain a marriage license.

Solemnization of Marriage: The solemnization of marriage shall be in the presence of at least two witnesses (who have reached the age of majority), in addition to the officiant at the marriage.

Proxy Marriages: No. Both parties must be present.

Common Law Marriage: No.

Cousin Marriage: Yes. A man can not marry his aunt, but can marry his cousin. A woman, by the way, may marry her uncle providing she is Jewish.

Officiants: Everyone who has been, or is, the minister of any society professing to meet for religious purposes, or incorporated for the promotion of such purposes, and holding stated and regular services, and who has been ordained according to the customs and usages of such society may perform marriages. Ministers must obtain a license from the city or town clerk before performing marriages. Ministers must endorse and return the marriage license to the town or city clerk in which the marriage was performed.

Valid: License is valid for 90 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Rhode Island.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Rhode Island County Clerk's Office