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Rhode Island marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Rhode Island's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

Rhode Island marriage license at a glance

Fee: $24, paid to the city or town clerk issuing the license. Waiting period: No waiting period. The Cranston City Clerk says the license is issued when you come in. How long it is valid: The license is good for 90 days.

Rhode Island marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $24, paid to the city or town clerk issuing the license. (Source: health.ri.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: No waiting period. The Cranston City Clerk says the license is issued when you come in. (Source: cranstonri.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license is good for 90 days. (Source: health.ri.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Valid only for marriages performed within Rhode Island. (Source: cranstonri.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least two witnesses besides the officiant must be present at the ceremony. (Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Ordained clergy or elders in good standing, listed judges and court officials, and a person the governor designates for one marriage. (Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Must be 18, the full legal age, to be granted a license. (Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Certified birth certificate and unexpired government photo ID; proof of any prior marriage ending is also needed. (Source: health.ri.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: In person, both together, at the city or town clerk where a Rhode Island resident lives; if neither lives in Rhode Island, where the ceremony will be. (Source: health.ri.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Get a certified copy from any city or town hall after the license is returned to the issuing clerk. (Source: health.ri.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Rhode Island?

$24, paid to the city or town clerk issuing the license.

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

No waiting period. The Cranston City Clerk says the license is issued when you come in.

How long is a Rhode Island marriage license valid?

The license is good for 90 days.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Rhode Island?

At least two witnesses besides the officiant must be present at the ceremony.

Who can officiate a wedding in Rhode Island?

Ordained clergy or elders in good standing, listed judges and court officials, and a person the governor designates for one marriage.

How do you get a certified copy of a Rhode Island marriage certificate?

Get a certified copy from any city or town hall after the license is returned to the issuing clerk.

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