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Rhode Island Marriage License Requirements 2026: $24, No Wait

Independently fact-checkedBy Recording Law Editorial Team14 min read

Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 7, 2026). · 30 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content

Rhode Island Marriage License Requirements 2026: $24, No Wait

In Rhode Island, you get a marriage license from the city or town clerk where either of you lives, or, if you both live out of state, from the clerk where the wedding will happen (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1). The fee is $24 statewide, there is no waiting period, and the license is valid for three months. Both of you must apply in person and be at least 18.

For other states, see our guide to marriage license requirements by state.

Information last verified on October 7, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers getting married in Rhode Island under Chapters 15-1, 15-2 and 15-3 of the Rhode Island General Laws and the Secretary of State's one-day officiant rule (100-RICR-30-00-3), with local practice from Providence, Narragansett and Westerly. It does not cover divorce, ordering old marriage records, common-law marriage, or marriage licenses from other states.

Where to apply for a Rhode Island marriage license

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1(a), you apply to the clerk of the city or town where:

Your situationWhere to apply
At least one of you lives in Rhode IslandThe clerk where either of you lives
Neither of you lives in Rhode IslandThe clerk where the wedding will be performed

In Providence, the registrar of births, deaths and marriages handles the clerk's duties. Providence's page says a Providence resident may marry anywhere in Rhode Island, while out-of-state couples who get a Providence license must marry in Providence. If you are coming from out of state, apply in the town of your ceremony and confirm with that clerk.

A 2018-era state pamphlet still posted on some town sites describes where licenses are valid, but parts of it are out of date, so rely on the clerk rather than that pamphlet. The statute also anticipates a statewide electronic system that would let any city or town clerk issue a license (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1.1); we could not confirm that it is in use, so apply under the rules in the table above.

Both of you must appear

Both of you must sign the application, swearing to the truth of the information, in front of the local registrar or an assistant (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-7). Providence, Narragansett and Westerly all say both applicants must appear in person. We found no fully online application.

Office practice varies. Providence takes walk-ins with no appointment, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Narragansett works by appointment only and receives applications by 4 p.m., and Westerly requires appointments.

Documents to bring

The statute names one document: if either of you was divorced, you must present an authenticated copy of the divorce decree, or of the final dissolution of a previous relationship (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1(b)). Beyond that, ID is set by the clerk. The town pages we checked ask for:

  • Photo ID: a government-issued photo ID for each of you (Westerly, Narragansett).
  • Birth certificate: a certified birth certificate for each of you (Westerly, Narragansett). Providence says the birth certificate must list your parents' names.
  • Prior marriage: a certified final divorce decree or dissolution, or a death certificate for a former spouse (Westerly, Providence).

Call your clerk before you go, since requirements can differ between towns. Rhode Island does not require you to live in the state to marry there.

The clerk must give you information on the causes and effects of fetal alcohol syndrome with your license (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-3.1). That is the only health-related step; there is no blood test or medical exam in Chapter 15-2.

How much a Rhode Island marriage license costs

The fee is $24 in every city and town. It has two statutory parts:

City or townLicense feeNotesSource
Narragansett$24By appointment onlyNarragansett
Westerly$24Appointments requiredWesterly
ProvidenceNot stated on the pageCheck, money order or debit card (service fee for card); no cashProvidence

The fee itself is set by statute, but payment methods are local and can change. Your clerk's page is the final word. We found no premarital education discount.

Certified copy fees are not shown here because the Rhode Island Department of Health's current marriage pages could not be opened when we checked, and the only fee list we found is from 2018. Ask the clerk or the Department of Health for current prices.

Waiting period and how long the license lasts

Rhode Island's marriage statutes set no waiting period. Several former sections of Chapter 15-2 (§§ 15-2-3 through 15-2-6 and § 15-2-10) were repealed between 1995 and 2004, and nothing in the current text bars getting the license and marrying the same day. Providence's page lists no waiting period either.

Rhode Island marriage license: license expiry

The license is valid for three months after the date of issue (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-8). Narragansett and Westerly describe this as 90 days. If you do not use the license, whoever has it must return it to the clerk immediately.

There is no waiting period after a divorce in Chapters 15-2 or 15-3; you only need to present the decree.

Who can marry in Rhode Island

Age: 18, no exceptions

R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-14 says: "A marriage license shall only be granted to a person of full age. Attaining the age of eighteen (18) years shall be deemed full legal age pursuant to § 15-12-1."

That rule came from P.L. 2021, chapters 39 and 40, effective June 7, 2021. The same law repealed § 15-2-11, which had let 16- and 17-year-olds marry with parental consent and allowed younger minors to marry with Family Court approval. No consent or court order can now authorize a license for someone under 18.

Relatives you cannot marry

No person may marry a sibling, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, stepparent, grandparent's spouse, spouse's child, spouse's grandchild, sibling's child or parent's sibling (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-2). First cousins are not on the list.

R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-4 provides that the kindred rules do not reach marriages among Jewish people within the degrees of relationship their religion allows.

Existing marriages and capacity

A marriage is absolutely void if either person is already a party to another marriage, or a substantially similar relationship, that has not been finally dissolved (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-5). The same section voids a marriage where a party is mentally incompetent.

Same-sex couples

Rhode Island law allows marriage regardless of gender. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-1 uses the phrase "regardless of gender," and § 15-1-7 describes marriage as the union of two people.

Who can officiate a Rhode Island wedding

R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-5 authorizes, among others:

  • Every ordained clergy member or elder in good standing.
  • Judges and justices of the Rhode Island courts, federal Article III and bankruptcy judges, and federal magistrate judges.
  • Court clerks and administrators, magistrates, and former judges and clerks.
  • The secretary of the senate and elected clerks of the general assembly, including former ones who retired after July 1, 2007.
  • Municipal court justices and probate judges.
  • Wardens of New Shoreham, for marriages in New Shoreham only.

Marriages among Friends (Quakers), Jewish people and members of the Baha'i faith are also valid (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-6).

Online ordination

The Secretary of State's one-day officiant page says: "If you have been ordained online, you are already permitted to perform religious ceremonies in Rhode Island and are not eligible to become a One-Day Officiant."

One-day officiant: a friend or relative

Rhode Island lets an adult who is not already authorized to perform marriages, such as a friend or relative, officiate a single wedding. Under § 15-3-5, the governor "shall designate, upon application, any person eighteen (18) years or older to solemnize a particular marriage on a particular date and in a particular city or town." The Secretary of State issues the Certificate Authorizing the Solemnization of Marriage. Under the Secretary of State's rule (100-RICR-30-00-3):

  • Apply no earlier than three months and no later than 5 business days before the wedding.
  • The couple's names, addresses and dates of birth must match the marriage license application filed with the clerk.
  • The certificate expires the calendar day after the wedding.

The statute sets the fee at $20 for electronic applications and $25 by mail, fax or hand delivery. The Secretary of State's page lists $22 online, which reflects an added online access fee, and $25 by mail. The program is not for clergy or people ordained online.

Witnesses and the ceremony

At least two witnesses besides the officiant must be present (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-8). Before the ceremony, the couple gives the license to the officiant (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-7). Apart from the Friends (Quaker), Jewish and Baha'i forms recognized in § 15-3-6, the statutes contemplate an authorized officiant, and Chapters 15-1 to 15-3 contain no proxy marriage provision.

Any person may deliver a written lawful objection to the officiant, who must then stop the ceremony (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-9).

Penalties

  • An officiant who marries a couple without first receiving the license, or after a lawful objection that has not been removed: up to 6 months in prison or a fine of up to $1,000 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-10).
  • An officiant who knowingly marries someone who has a living spouse: the same penalty (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-11).
  • Anyone who gives false information for the license, or who marries without following Chapters 15-1 to 15-3: a fine of up to $50 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-15(b)).
  • Solemnizing a marriage without authority: a $500 fine (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-16).

A marriage is not void solely because the officiant lacked authority, if the marriage is otherwise lawful and either party fully believed they were lawfully married (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-15(a)).

After the ceremony

The officiant completes the License and Certificate of Marriage and files it within 72 hours with the clerk of the city or town that issued the license, which may not be the town where the ceremony took place (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-12). The statute says: "file the form within seventy-two (72) hours following the date of the marriage with the clerk in the town or city from which the license was issued."

Rhode Island marriage license: returning the license

For a one-day officiant wedding, the Secretary of State says the certificate number goes on the license, and both documents go to the issuing clerk within 72 hours. An officiant who neglects these duties can be fined up to $100 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-14).

Certified copies come from the issuing clerk, the clerk in the ceremony town, or the Department of Health's Center for Vital Records. For ordering later, see Rhode Island marriage and divorce records. To change your surname, see Rhode Island name change laws and our guide to changing your name after marriage.

Common myths about Rhode Island marriage licenses

  • "16- and 17-year-olds can marry with a Permit to Marry." Not since June 7, 2021. An old state pamphlet still posted on some town websites describes the repealed permit.
  • "The fee is $14." The $14 license fee is only part of it; with the $10 trust fund fee the total is $24.
  • "There is a waiting period." The statutes set none.
  • "Only an ordained minister can marry you." Any adult who is not already authorized to perform marriages can apply for a one-day officiant designation (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-5).
  • "Online-ordained ministers need the one-day certificate." The Secretary of State says they are already permitted to perform religious ceremonies and are not eligible for it.
  • "First cousins cannot marry." They are not on the § 15-1-2 list.

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about Rhode Island marriage license law under Title 15 of the Rhode Island General Laws, verified on October 7, 2026. It is not legal advice. For your specific situation, contact the city or town clerk where you will apply, or a lawyer licensed in Rhode Island.

Last updated: October 7, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a marriage license in Rhode Island?

$24 in every city and town: a $14 license fee under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-9 plus a $10 family and children trust fund fee under § 15-2-9.1. Payment methods vary; Providence does not accept cash.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Rhode Island?

No. Rhode Island's marriage statutes set no waiting period; several former sections of Chapter 15-2 were repealed between 1995 and 2004.

How long is a Rhode Island marriage license valid?

Three months after the date of issue (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-8). If you do not use it, the person holding it must return it to the clerk right away.

Where do we apply if we do not live in Rhode Island?

If neither of you lives in Rhode Island, apply to the clerk of the city or town where the wedding will be performed (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1(a)(2)).

Can a friend officiate our wedding in Rhode Island?

Yes, if the governor designates them for your wedding. Any person 18 or older who is not already authorized to perform marriages can apply through the Secretary of State for a one-day certificate naming the date and city or town (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-5), no later than 5 business days before the wedding.

Can someone ordained online marry us in Rhode Island?

The Secretary of State says people ordained online are already permitted to perform religious ceremonies in Rhode Island and are not eligible for the one-day officiant certificate.

Can first cousins marry in Rhode Island?

First cousins are not on the list of barred relatives in R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-2, which covers siblings, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, step-relatives, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Can a 16- or 17-year-old marry in Rhode Island?

No. Since June 7, 2021, a license may only be granted to a person of full age, which is 18 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-14). The old parental consent route in § 15-2-11 was repealed.

How many witnesses do you need to get married in Rhode Island?

At least two, in addition to the officiant (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-8).

Do we need a divorce decree to get a Rhode Island marriage license?

Yes, if either of you was divorced. You must give the clerk an authenticated copy of the divorce decree (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1(b)).

Updates

Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources

Sources and References

  1. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1, license required; where to apply; divorce decree(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  2. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-7, application(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  3. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-9, license fee(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  4. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-9.1, family and children trust fund fee(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  5. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-8, duration of license(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  6. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-14, full age required(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  7. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-2, kindred who may not marry(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  8. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-5, persons authorized to solemnize; one-day designation(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  9. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-8, witnesses(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  10. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-12, return of license(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  11. City of Providence, Requirements for a Marriage License(providenceri.gov).gov
  12. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1.1, statewide issuance system(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  13. Town of Narragansett, Marriage Licenses(narragansettri.gov).gov
  14. Town of Westerly, Marriage Licenses(westerlyri.gov).gov
  15. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-3.1, fetal alcohol syndrome information(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  16. R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 15-2 index (repealed sections 15-2-3 to 15-2-6, 15-2-10, 15-2-11)(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  17. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-4, Jewish marriages within permitted degrees(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  18. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-5, bigamous and incompetent marriages void(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  19. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-1, marriage regardless of gender(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  20. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-1-7, marriage of two people(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  21. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-6, Friends, Jewish and Baha'i marriages(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  22. Rhode Island Secretary of State, One-Day Officiant(sos.ri.gov).gov
  23. Secretary of State rule 100-RICR-30-00-3, Solemnization of Marriage by One-Day Officiant(rules.sos.ri.gov).gov
  24. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-7, license delivered to officiant(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  25. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-9, objection to marriage(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  26. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-10, penalty for marriage without license or despite impediment(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  27. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-11, knowingly performing bigamous marriage(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  28. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-16, solemnizing without authority(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  29. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-15, marriages valid despite irregularities; penalty for marriage without compliance(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
  30. R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-3-14, penalty for neglect of duties(webserver.rilegislature.gov).gov
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