How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records

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Finding Rhode Island Marriage Records
State wide registration of marriages in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier marriage records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns. Some pre-1636 marriage records are available in the following Findmypast collection:
 * United States Marriages – Rhode Island, 1522-1989 ($) index and some images

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

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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Marriage Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Marriages 1636 to present
 * Marriage year unknown


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Marriages 1636 to present
Towns began keeping marriage records as early as 1636. In 1700 the laws concerning vital records registration were made more specific and the records after that time are more complete. State wide registration of marriages began in 1853 and was generally complied with by the 1900s.

For marriages that occurred in this time period try the following databases:

Obtain the Record
With the approximate marriage date and place, you can locate marriage records available through the city or town where the marriage occurred or from the Rhode Island State Archives.

Record Restrictions
There are no restrictions for obtaining a certificate for a marriage that occurred 100 or more years ago.

To obtain a record for a marriage that occurred less than 100 year ago you must be:


 * person named on the certificate
 * a member of his/her immediate family
 * his/her guardian, or an authorized agent of these individuals
 * Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies conducting their official duties
 * person requiring information to determine or protect a personal or property right
 * person who has been granted a court order instructing the registrar to provide the document

If you do not want to order the marriage record, you can search other records with marriage information.

Return to top: Choose another marriage year

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