Rhode Island marriage license: cost and requirements
If neither of you lives in Rhode Island, get the license in the city where the wedding will be. Bring a certified birth certificate.
Rhode Island summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- $24 (Cranston; cash, check or money order). May vary slightly by municipality.
- Waiting period
- We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Validity
- 3 months (Providence) / 90 days (Cranston) from issuance.
- Witnesses
- We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
How much is a marriage license in Rhode Island?
$24 (Cranston; cash, check or money order). May vary slightly by municipality.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Current government-issued photo ID and a certified copy of the birth certificate (Providence); both in person.
- Minimum age: 18 (2021 law that eliminated permission with parental consent).
- Other requirements: If there was a prior marriage: certified copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate (photocopies are not accepted). Some offices see people by appointment only.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
City or town clerk.
Where it is valid: Only in Rhode Island. Residents: apply in the city where either of you lives and it works statewide. Non-residents: apply in the city or town where the ceremony will be.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Validity: 3 months (Providence) / 90 days (Cranston) from issuance.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Who can officiate: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Rhode Island counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Rhode Island county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Rhode Island rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Providence CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Rhode Island
- Confirm where to apply: City or town clerk.
- Gather your ID: Current government-issued photo ID and a certified copy of the birth certificate (Providence); both in person.
- Get your payment ready: $24 (Cranston; cash, check or money order). May vary slightly by municipality.
- Marry within the validity period: 3 months (Providence) / 90 days (Cranston) from issuance.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Rhode Island marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Only in Rhode Island. Residents: apply in the city where either of you lives and it works statewide. Non-residents: apply in the city or town where the ceremony will be.
What is the minimum age to marry in Rhode Island?
18 (2021 law that eliminated permission with parental consent).
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- City of Cranston, City Clerk (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- City of Providence, Vital Statistics (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Rhode Island General Assembly, 2021 H 5387 Sub A (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.