Marriage Licenses

Two people who are eligible to marry may get a marriage license. Same-sex marriage is legal in Rhode Island, therefore Rhode Island no longer allows couples to enter into a civil union.

What couples should do to get a Rhode Island marriage license

• If both people live in Rhode Island, apply for a marriage license at the city or town hall where either person lives.
• If only one person lives in Rhode Island, apply for a marriage license from the city or town hall where the Rhode Islander lives.
• If neither person lives in Rhode Island, apply for a marriage license from the clerks' office in the city or town where the marriage ceremony will be performed.

Required documentation

• Both people must provide a valid photo identification and a certified birth certificate. If the individual’s current address is not on the photo identification, proof of current address must be provided. Check with the clerk’s office  in the city or town hall where you will apply for a marriage license for any requirements about approved forms of identification, proof of birth, or proof of address.
• If either person was married or in a legal relationship before, the applicant(s) must provide a certified final divorce decree/dissolution or a certified death certificate for the former spouse. A legal relationship includes marriage, civil union, common law marriage, or registered domestic partnership. A certified copy of a vital record must have a raised State seal on it.
• Any document that is not in English may need to be translated into English. A certified translation may need to be presented with the original documents. Check with the clerk’s office in the city or town hall where you will apply for a marriage license about their policies about documents that are not in English.