How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records

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

State wide registration of births in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier birth records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns.

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

Finding Rhode Island Marriage Records
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Next Step: When did the marriage occur?

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 * Birth Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Marriages 1636 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 FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog 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 FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog 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 FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FamilySearch Catalog 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
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 * 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