Congratulations on your special occasion! Please read below for information on obtaining a Marriage License. For additional questions, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 401-253-7000.
Application
In order to obtain a marriage license, couples must complete the License Application/Worksheet.
Application Requirements
Both parties must:
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- Apply for the marriage license together in person and sign the license in the presence of the Town Clerk or her assistant, attesting to the truth of the information listed thereon.
- Present a valid government-issued picture ID, e.g., a State-issued driver’s license or passport.
- Present a certified long form certified birth certificate (with a raised seal). Only a long-form will be accepted. Hospital records, photo copies, and short form abstracts will not be accepted .
- If you were born in another country be sure to have all documentation translated by a certified translator which may include a seal and/or notary and a statement.) Notarized translations are not considered a certified translation; ATA translation companies are preferred, such as: International Institute (Dorcas) 401-784-8600 [email protected]
North Campus: 220 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
South Campus: 645 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 - If previously married, present a certified copy of the Final Divorce Decree with the raised stamped court seal or a certified copy of the death certificate of the previous spouse.
Witness Requirements
In addition to the officiant, the solemnization of marriage shall be in the presence of at least 2 witnesses who have reached the age of 18.
If the honor attendants are less than 18 years of age, any other persons who have reached the age of 18 and who were present at the ceremony may sign as witnesses.
FAQs
Where should I apply? (Rhode Island Resident)
If both applicants live in Rhode Island, then they must apply for the license from the city/town clerk’s office in which one of the parties resides.
If only one applicant lives in Rhode Island, then they must apply for the license from the city/town clerk’s office of the residence of that applicant.
The marriage license is valid in any city or town in the state of Rhode Island; the couple may be married anywhere in Rhode Island.
Where should I apply? (Rhode Island Non-Resident)
If neither party lives in Rhode Island, the marriage license must be obtained at the city/town clerk’s office in the city or town where the ceremony will take place. Rhode Island law states that the marriage license is valid only in the city/town in which it was issued when neither party is a resident of Rhode Island.
*Please Note: If the marriage ceremony is performed in a city/town other than the city/town of issuance, the validity of the marriage may be in question.
What is the marriage license fee?
$24 per Marriage License. *Credit card payments are subject to a convenience fee.
When should we apply for our marriage license?
Couples may apply as early as three months in advance of the wedding date. The ceremony must occur during that 3-month period. If the parties do not marry, the license should be returned to the city/town office where the license was issued.
Who may perform the ceremony?
The following may join persons in marriage in any city/town in Rhode Island:
– Every ordained clergy or elder in good standing
– Every justice of the supreme court, superior court, family court, workers’ compensation court, the district court, or Administrative adjudication court
– The clerk of the supreme court
– Every clerk or general chief clerk of a superior court, family court, district court, or administrative adjudication court
– Magistrates
– Special or general magistrates of the superior court, family court, or district court
– Administrators of the workers’ compensation court
– Every former justice or judge and former administrator of these courts
– Every former chief clerk of the district court
– Every former clerk or general chief clerk of a superior court may join persons in marriage in any city/town in Rhode Island
– Every justice and former justice of the municipal courts of the cities and towns of this state and of the police court of the Town of Johnston
– Every probate judge
– Wardens of the Town of New Shoreham may join persons in marriage in New Shoreham.
For the Officiants Guide to Completing the Marriage License &
Certificate click here
It is the responsibility of the officiant to register the marriage record with 72 hours at the Rhode Island city/town office where the license was issued.
Obtaining Certified Copies (Marriage Certificates)
Individuals can apply for a Marriage Certificate by completing the application below:
Certified Copies are also available at the Bristol Town Clerk’s Office, the State Office of Vital Records, and the married couple’s town of residence.
What is the marriage certificate fee?
In Person: $22 for 1 copy and $18 for each additional copy obtained at the same time.
Mail Ordered: $25 for 1 copy and $18 for additional copies obtained at the same time.
Contact Us
Address: 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Melissa Cordeiro
Town Clerk
Phone: 401-253-7000
Paula CarRoll
Senior Clerk
Phone: 401-253-7000 ext.121