Where do I Apply for a Marriage License?

• BOTH the bride and groom MUST appear in person
• If bride is a Rhode Island resident, apply for the license in the clerk's office of the bride's residence
• If the bride is NOT a Rhode Island resident and the groom is a Rhode Island resident, apply for the license at the clerk's office of the groom's residence
• If BOTH bride and groom are NOT residents of Rhode Island, the marriage license must be obtained WHERE CEREMONY IS TO TAKE PLACE

Documents to Bring with you:

• Certified birth certificates of both persons. (long form only - wallet size cards are not accepted)
• Photo identification for both persons.
• Certified copy of FINAL DECREE OF DIVORCE in the event of a previous marriage or a CERTIFIED DEATH CERTIFICATE in the even of the death of a spouse
• Pre-marital blood test or physical are NOT REQUIRED
• Both bride and groom must physically present themselves at the Clerk's office to sign the license and attest to the information listed thereon
• The City Clerk's Office issues Marriage Licences between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Age Requirements:

• Both parties must be eighteen (18) years of age or older
• Females age sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) or the bride (regardless of age) is under the control of a legal guardian MUST COMPLETE A MINOR'S PERMIT (obtained in the city clerk's office).
• Females under sixteen (16) and males under eighteen (18) MUST OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM FAMILY COURT. Contact the City Clerk's Office for more information.

Length of Time License is Valid:

Marriage license is valid for ninety (90) days from the date issued, and if not used, should be returned to the place of issuance.

Marriage License Cost:

The cost is twenty-four ($24.00) dollars

Marriage records on file in the City Clerk's office date back to 1765. Records 100 years old and older are public records. All records less than 100 years old are only available by request to the person named on the record or to a close relative.

How to Obtain a Copy of a Marriage Record:

• Enter the City Clerk's Office, Room 301
• Present a picture identification of yourself, OR
• Request certificate by mail, enclose copy of your photo identification.
• Enclose check or money order made payable to "City of Pawtucket'" along with written request
• Mail request to: City Clerk's Office, 137 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860
• State your full name (maiden name), spouse's name, date of marriage

Marriage Certificate Cost:

$20.00 for the first certificate and $15.00 for each additional certificate when ordered simultaneously.