How to Get Married in Rhode Island As a U.S. Citizen?

Rhode Island, often referred to as the Ocean State, might be the smallest of all states, but it more than makes up for its size with its abundant resources. Visitors just can’t get enough of its unique history, mouthwatering cuisines, beautiful coastlines, enchanting wooded forests, and proximity to other East Coast attractions. If you’d like to wed your partner in a location that boasts these and more attractions, read on for how to get married in Rhode Island as a U.S. citizen.

 

How to Get Married in Rhode Island As a U.S. Citizen?

Rhode Island has a relaxing ambience that augurs well with weddings. We show you how to get married in this state by meeting all the requirements:

1) Choose a wedding type: Rhode Island recognizes ceremonial and common-law marriages. In ceremonial weddings, you can have different officiants ranging from priests to judges. Your choice of ceremony will thus determine the rest of the procedures, including your wedding venue and document requirements.

2) Engage a wedding planner: Dealing with legal paperwork while juggling caterers and photographers is difficult. Hiring someone with enough expertise to handle most things on your behalf is best. The sooner you can get a good planner, the less work you will have on your hands.

3) Contact an officiant: Luckily, the General Laws of Rhode Island § 15-3-5 are highly flexible on who can join two people in marriage. Options range from ordained clergy members, elders in good standing, justices of the courts, clerks and general chief clerks of courts, former justices and judges, etc. You can review your options based on the kind of wedding you want to have and understand the requirements of the officiant.

4) Find a wedding venue: Getting a marriage license in Rhode Island is easy, and things move fast after you have one. So, finding a venue should be among the first things on your list. Note that you may need to involve the officiant if you are getting married in a religious ceremony or will have a public official overseeing the ceremony. Some officiants need to approve venues.

5) Prepare your documents: For a wedding in Rhode Island to occur, you must provide enough documentation proving your identity and single status. Most people will only need a birth certificate and a valid ID. However, the document requirements change based on citizenship, previous marriages, and age. Your attorney can help you understand the special requirements of your case.

6) Fill out the marriage license application form: You will need to include the following details:

• Your name, age, date of birth, and mailing address
• Where you live, i.e., residential address,
• Social security number: This is not shown on the license but is often used to enforce child support,
• Contact details,
• If you have been married before,
• Whether you are single,
• The details of the wedding ceremony – date, place, witnesses, and
• The officiant’s details.

You can fill in the form in advance in black ink to reduce your waiting time during submissions. Providing false information can result in a fine or imprisonment per Section 23-3-28 of the RI General Laws.

7) Submit the marriage license application: Both partners must be present when applying for the license. Rhode Island has two options based on where you live:

• Residents of Rhode Island: If at least one of you lives in the state, you should get your license from the city clerk in the town where the resident lives. You must prove residency by presenting a utility bill, photo ID, or other acceptable proof. A license issued to a resident is usable anywhere in the state.
• Non-residents of Rhode Island: If you live outside of the state, you should get your license from the city clerk in the town where you want to hold the wedding. Such a license will only be valid in that town. If you hold the wedding elsewhere, questions regarding the validity of the marriage can arise.

8) Receive the license: You will pay a license application fee, after which you will receive the license if you have met all the requirements. There is no waiting period, and you can get married on the same day of getting the license. It remains valid for three months and outlines where and when you can get married. If you do not marry or time runs out, you should return it to the city clerk who issued it. No refunds are available.

9) Get married: Your officiant should lead the wedding ceremony, and once you have exchanged your vows, your witnesses should sign the marriage license. The officiant must also complete the officiant section in black ink.

10) Obtain a marriage certificate: The marriage will only be valid once registered. Within 72 hours of the marriage, your officiant must return the completed license to the city clerk who issued the license. You can then apply for a certified copy of the marriage certificate at the city clerk’s office or the State Office of Vital Records.

If you get married in Rhode Island, is it legal in the U.S.? Anyone who abides by the Rhode Island marriage laws and registers their marriage within 72 hours of the ceremony is eligible for a marriage certificate that proves their legal union. This certificate is valid in Rhode Island and other U.S. states.

 

What are the Different Types of Marriage in Rhode Island?

People getting married in Rhode Island have three options – ceremonial, symbolic, and common-law marriages. Your choice impacts the wedding preparations and your subsequent marital rights and responsibilities. Thus, it is always best to consult an attorney before making this decision.

 

1. Ceremonial Marriages

The steps we outlined earlier refer to people who choose ceremonial marriages. In this option, you and your partner must obtain a marriage license from the state, hold a wedding ceremony officiated by a recognized officiant, and file the license with the city clerk within 72 hours of the marriage. Doing this establishes a legally binding contract between you and your spouse recognized in the state and all of the U.S.

Whether you want a religious or civil marriage in Rhode Island, you can choose this option. The only difference will be in the overall requirements, e.g., the need for baptismal certificates in religious ceremonies. However, the legal nature of the ceremony is the same, and you will enjoy marital rights.

 

2. Common-law Marriages

Another form of marriage in Rhode Island is the common-law marriage, often called the traditional marriage. In this case, you do not obtain a marriage license or hold a wedding ceremony. Instead, you live together in a married fashion, and the government treats you as such even if you do not have a marriage certificate. Rhode Island is one of the few states that recognizes this option. However, you should note that proving the existence of such a marriage is challenging as there is no clear proof, and the only evidence is how you and your spouse relate.

 

3. Symbolic Marriages

The last option is the symbolic ceremony. Like the common-law marriage, you do not need to obtain a marriage license. Instead, you hold a ceremony where you exchange vows but do not write down your union. The ceremony is flexible; anyone can officiate it, and you can have it anywhere. You should note, though, that such unions do not hold any water in the eyes of the law.

Is a marriage in Rhode Island recognized in the United States? Registered ceremonial marriages are legal. Common-law marriages are also legal if the couple can prove that the marriage exists by meeting the minimum marital requirements. However, symbolic marriages are only legally binding if the couple follows through by meeting the requirements for common-law marriage.

 

Marriage Requirements in Rhode Island for U.S. Citizens

While many states have an extensive list of must-haves before tying the knot, the marriage requirements in Rhode Island are straightforward. If you can check all the boxes below, you should be good to go:

1. Presence: All partners must be present when applying for a marriage license. Moreover, you must both be present in the ceremony and exchange vows before your witnesses and the officiant. There are no exceptions to this.
2. Validity: The marriage license is only valid for three months, after which it expires. You can only use it within that time and must get married in the city listed on the license.
3. Marital Status: Only single people can get married, as Rhodes Island does not allow polygamy. In your license application, you will include whether you have married before. If your previous marriage ended in divorce or death, you must present a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate when applying for the license.
4. Age: People aged 18 and above who are not under guardianship can marry without seeking parental consent. However, those aged 16 and 17 can only marry if one of their parents or guardians has provided written consent in front of the city clerk. Those aged 15 and below cannot marry even with parental consent. Instead, they can only wed if the family court has established sufficient reasons to allow such a marriage.
5. Apostilles: If you are marrying a non-U.S. citizen, they must present apostilled documents that guarantee the authenticity of their stamps, seals, and signatures.
6. Translations: If any required documents are not in English, you must have them translated into English by a certified translation service.
7. Witnesses: You will need two witnesses aged 18 and above to witness the ceremony. They will also sign the marriage license and must have the legal capacity to enter a contract.
8. Relationships: Rhode Island laws prohibit marriages between close relatives, e.g., a niece and her uncle. However, a U.S. citizen getting married in Rhode Island can marry their first cousin, as such marriages are acceptable.

Travel Visa Pro offers notarization, apostille, and translation services and can help you meet these requirements.

 

What Documents Do I Need to Get Married in Rhode Island?

The process of getting married in Rhode Island for foreigners differs from that of residents. The same goes for underage spouses and previously married people. So, what do you need to get married in Rhode Island?

1. A Valid ID: You must have a valid government-issued ID to prove your identity, e.g., a driver’s license. If your partner is not from the U.S., they can use their passport, which should also be valid and in good condition.
2. A Birth Certificate: Some offices may ask for this. If you were born in the U.S., a certified copy of your birth certificate is enough. But if you were not born in the U.S., you will need a certified copy plus your passport or green card.
3. Proof of Residency: If any of you live in Rhode Island, you must prove this when applying for the license, which allows you to get married anywhere in the state. Acceptable proof includes utility bills and photo IDs.
4. A Divorce Decree: The city clerk will need to review a certified copy of your divorce decree if your last marriage ended in divorce.
5. A Death Certificate: If your previous spouse is deceased, you must present their death certificate copy when applying for a license.
6. Written Parental/ Guardian Consent: This document applies to people aged 16 or 17 who want to marry.
7. A Court Order: Minors aged 15 and below can only marry if the family court approves the union.
8. Apostille: If your documents were not issued in the U.S., you must have them apostilled to validate their stamps, seals, and signatures.

Some offices may have additional document requirements. You can always call ahead to ensure you have everything when applying for the license. Also, religious ceremonies often have other document needs, e.g., baptismal certificates, premarital course certifications, etc.

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Married in Rhode Island?

Most states cap the marriage age at 18. So, how old do you have to be to get married in Rhode Island? This state also requires people to be at least 18 years old and not under guardianship. Those aged 16 and 17 must have written parental consent, and those aged 15 and below can only marry with the consent of the family court.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Rhode Island?

Getting married in Rhode Island is often more expensive than in other states. So, how much does it cost to get married in Rhode Island? Statistics average the cost at $30,000 to $50,000 for a wedding with 100 guests. Working with a wedding planner can help you find the best variation for your budget.

 

How to Find a Wedding Planner in Rhode Island?

Planning your wedding should be fun, allowing you to focus on the exciting things like choosing a dress or cake. But how do you find a good wedding planner? Start by asking your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors for recommendations – you can also use online resources. Then, narrow your list by considering their styles, communication methods, availability, charges, and overall experience. Ask as many questions as possible to understand their approach and choose the person who best suits your needs.