How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records

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How To Find U.S. Marriage Records How To Find Rhode Island Marriage Records

Finding Rhode Island Marriage Records

 * 1805 Rhode Island laws required counties to record marriages
 * 1 April 1867, the county clerk began to forward marriage records to the secretary of state
 * An additional 1905 law resulted in greater statewide compliance
 * Rhode Islandmarriage records are not restricted and can be ordered by anyone during any time period

Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:
 * Before 1820
 * 1805 to 1867
 * 1867 to 1925
 * 1926 to 1935
 * 1936 to Present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages Before 1820

 * Before 1805, no marriages were recorded by the county or state
 * 1805 to 1820 very few records exist

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.



Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1820 to 1867
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1868 to 1925
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1926 to 1935
Marriage Records on Microfilm Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the Family History Library Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1936 to Present
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information


 * Copies may be ordered from the county clerk.


 * Copies may be ordered from the Rhode Island Department of Public Health.

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information. Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles

 * Learn more about U.S. marriage records
 * How to find U.S. birth records
 * How to find U.S. marriage records
 * How to find U.S. death records
 * United States Record Selection Table
 * United States, How to Use Marriage Records
 * United States Marriage Records
 * United States Vital Records
 * U.S. Vital Records Overview
 * Locating United States Vital Records
 * Rhode Island Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues