Current through December 26, 2024
A. Persons
intending to be married in Rhode Island must first obtain a marriage license
from:
1. If both persons live in Rhode Island,
they may apply for a marriage license from the local registrar or his/her
assistant, at the city or town hall where either person resides; or
2. If only one (1) person lives in Rhode
Island, they must apply for a marriage license from the local registrar or
his/her assistant, at the city or town hall where the Rhode Island resident
lives, or
3. If neither person
lives in Rhode Island, they must apply for a marriage license from the local
registrar or his/her assistant from the city or town hall of the city or town
where the marriage ceremony will be performed. Applicants for a marriage
license must know the city or town in which the marriage will be solemnized
should the property of the marriage site be situated across two (2) or more
municipalities.
B. In a
situation described in §§
1.29(A)(1) or
(2) of this Part, the marriage may be
performed in any city or town in Rhode Island. In a situation described in
§
1.29(A)(3)
of this Part, the marriage shall be performed only in the city or town where
the marriage license was issued.
C.
Applicants for a marriage license shall provide all the information requested
to complete the marriage license, and shall attest to the truth of the
information by signing the license in the presence of the local registrar or
his/her assistant. Furthermore, applicants must submit the following supporting
documentation:
1. A valid government issued
form of identification and a government issued certificate providing birth
facts for each applicant, preferably a certified copy of a birth
certificate;
2. Pursuant to R.I.
Gen. Laws §
15-2-11, a minor's permit signed
in the presence of the local registrar, or his/her assistant, by the parent(s)
or guardian(s), if the person entering into the marriage is a minor of at least
sixteen (16) years of age but less than eighteen (18) years of age;
3. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §
15-2-11, a written order from the
Family Court to issue the license if either person is less than sixteen (16)
years of age; and
4. A certified
copy of a final divorce decree/dissolution, or of a death certificate, if the
applicant has been previously married or party to a registered civil union or
domestic partnership/relationship.
D. The license shall be valid for three (3)
months after the date of issuance. If the marriage is not performed within the
three (3) months, the license becomes invalid and the party or parties in
possession of the license shall return it immediately to the local registrar
from whom it was obtained.
