A marriage license grants the legal authority to enter into marriage, while a marriage certificate is issued after the marriage ceremony, serving as official proof that the marriage took place.
To obtain a license to be married in Rhode Island, both parties must apply for the marriage license in person.
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Where do we apply for a 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.
What documents do we need to bring?
- Both people must have certified birth certificates.
- Both people must provide a valid photo identification
- If an individual’s current address is not on the photo identification, proof of current address must be provided.
- If either person was married or in a legal relationship before, the person 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)
- 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.
Do we need an appointment?
Pawtucket City Clerk’s Office does not require an appointment. However, it does take about 20-30 minutes to obtain a marriage license.
Both Parties must apply in person between the hours of:
- 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday – Wednesday
- 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Thursday
- 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Friday
How long is a marriage license valid?
A marriage license is valid for ninety (90) days from the date issued, and if not used, should be returned to the place of issuance.
- If the one or both people are residents of Rhode Island, the marriage license is valid anywhere in the State of Rhode Island.
- If both people are from out of State, the marriage license is valid only in the City or Town where it was issued.
- A marriage ceremony must be conducted and witnessed by at least two people over the age of 18. A civil ceremony may be performed by a judge or someone certified by the Secretary of State. A religious ceremony may be conducted by a qualified religious officiant authorized by their faith to preside over the ceremony.
- The City of Pawtucket does not have a judge on staff to perform ceremonies and ceremonies cannot be done at City Hall at this time. However, when the marriage license is obtained we can provide a list of local area judges.
- The marriage license must be returned to the Pawtucket City Clerk’s Office within 72 hours of the ceremony.
What does a marriage license cost?
A marriage license costs $24.00. The City Clerk’s Office accepts cash, check or credit card.
Already married and need a copy of your marriage certificate?
NOTE: Marriage certificates on file in the City Clerk’s office date back to 1765. Certificates 100 years old and older are public records. All certificates less than 100 years old are only available by request to the person named on the certificate or to a close relative.
Order a Marriage Certificate Online:
Order a Marriage Certificate in Person:
Pawtucket City Clerk’s Office, Room 301
137 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Present a valid photo ID, such as a Driver’s License, State ID or Passport
Order a Marriage Certificate by Mail:
Send a written request by mail: State your full name (maiden name), spouse’s name, date of marriage
Pawtucket City Clerk’s Office, Room 301
137 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Enclose a copy of your valid photo ID, such as a Drivers License, State ID or Passport.
Enclose check or money order made payable to “City of Pawtucket’”
What is the cost of a marriage certificate?
In person: $22 for the first certificate $18 for each additional certificate, of the same record, when ordered simultaneously.
By mail or online: $25 for the first certificate $18 for each additional certificate, of the same record, when ordered simultaneously.
Note:
Online requests will have an additional $5 surcharge when using a credit card.
What if I was married in another state?
Please visit the National Center for Health Statistics.