MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
The Cranston City Clerk’s office, located in Room 207 of Cranston City Hall (869 Park Ave., Cranston, RI 02910), issues marriage licenses by APPOINTMENT ONLY. We do not accept walk-ins. We schedule (3) appointments per business day (9:30am, 11:30am, and 2:30pm). Please call a member of our staff to schedule your appointment. All appointments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis and fill up quickly during the busy months. Contact information can be found in the City Clerk Staff Directory.
- If both parties live in Rhode Island, you may apply for the marriage license from the city/town hall where either party resides.
- If only one party lives in Rhode Island, apply for a marriage license at the city/town hall where the Rhode Island resident lives.
- If neither party lives in Rhode Island, but the marriage ceremony will be performed in Rhode Island, apply for the marriage license at the city/town hall where the ceremony will take place.
- Both parties must be 18 years of age and attend the appointment in person.Please contact our office for instructions on marriage by proxy or permits to marry for minors and persons under legal guardianship.
CHECKLIST OF REQUIRED ITEMS YOU MUST BRING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
(all requirements are in accordance with RI Gen. Laws and/or Dept. of Health guidance)
Completed [marriage worksheet] (may be completed in advance, but must be signed in our presence).
- Cash, check, or money order in the amount of $24.00.We currently cannot accept debit or credit cards.
- A valid government-issued Photo ID for each party (driver license, military ID, passport)
- If the Cranston address is not listed on the ID, Proof of Cranston residency for at least one party must be provided. (lease or utility bill)
- Birth certificate for each party. Birth certificates are available from most foreign countries by contacting the U.S. Consulate or the country directly. Only those refugees who cannot obtain their birth record may present a passport and proof of refugee status (I-94), subject to verification from U.S. Immigration.
- Proof of dissolution of prior marriage, civil union, common law marriage, and registered domestic partnership (if applicable) in the form of a certified copy of the FINAL JUDGMENT or a certified copy of a death certificate, containing a raised seal. Photo copies, faxes, photos, or digital images will not be accepted under any circumstances.
- Please note: Any required document in a foreign language MUST be accompanied by a translation from an ATA certified translation company. If the translation is not from an ATA certified translation company, it will not be accepted. (For certified translation services, you may contact Dorcas at 401-784-8600 | info@diiri.org | 645 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907)
The marriage license is only valid for marriages performed within the State of Rhode Island. The marriage license expires in 90 days. If not used within 90 days, it must be returned to our office.
The City Clerk’s office does not host or perform marriage ceremonies or serve as witnesses. You must arrange your own location, officiant, and witnesses. You may contact the Cranston Municipal Court (located at 5 Garfield Avenue) at (401) 477-5010 to schedule your ceremony with a Municipal Court Judge.
Once the ceremony has been performed, the signed and completed marriage license must be returned to the City Clerk’s office within 72 business hours of the ceremony. We recommend hand delivery, rather than mail.
Upon return of the completed license, the City Clerk’s office will register the marriage. Once registered, certified copies of marriage certificates will be available in person or by using our [online vital records portal].
Once the marriage has been registered, corrections cannot be made by our office. You must contact the State Office of Vital Records https://health.ri.gov/records/ | (401) 222-2811
If you have additional questions, or extenuating circumstances, please call or email our office.