Welcome to the Guide to Rhode Island`s Marriage Laws. Performing a wedding ceremony can be a great honor, but being an officiant also comes with important tasks. That`s why we created this guide for the minister and the couple. To make sure everything goes smoothly on D-Day, we recommend that you follow this guide. You`ll read how to become a wedding pastor, how to marry someone, and what needs to be done to make sure the ceremony is legal in Rhode Island. As a minister, you should be aware of the existing marriage laws in Rhode Island. For example, if the couple is considering getting a marriage license from Providence County, you should check to see if they understand how marriage licenses work in Rhode Island. The license is valid for 90 days. There is no mandatory waiting time between the time of pickup and the time when the ceremony can be legally performed. Finally, the signed marriage certificate must be returned to the issuing body before the expiry date. The marriage laws of Rhode Island are governed by Chapters 15-3 of title 15 of the Rhode Island Code. This section explains who is legally authorized to perform marriages in the state of Rhode Island. Among those who have authority are the ordained ministers of the Church of Universal Life.

The corresponding section is displayed below: Welcome! Ministers ordained by the Church of Universal Life have made thousands of legal marriages in Rhode Island, and if you have come to this site, it is likely that you are planning to get married or that you plan to become a wedding official to perform a wedding ceremony in Ocean State. Below are sections that explain how to be ordained, how to marry someone, and how to make sure the ceremony is legal in the state of Rhode Island. . Rhode Island`s marriage laws are primarily governed by Chapter 3 of Title 15 of the State Code. This section defines who is allowed to marry in the state of Rhode Island, which includes, but is not limited to, ordained ministers of the Church of Universal Life. We`ve reproduced the corresponding part below: To relieve stress when planning your weddings in Rhode Island, we`ve compiled a list of FAQs (with answers, of course!). Read on for the full breakdown of everything you need to do before walking down the driveway. . (401) 727-7400 (401) 727-7406 Central Falls Website ” (401) 364-1200 (401) 364-1238 Charlestown Website » (401) 822-9200 (401) 822-9266 West Warwick Website » Because Rhode Island is so popular with engaged couples, it is relatively easy to find wedding sellers. Wedding professionals are available at different price points and vary by date and location – so keep this in mind when narrowing down your choices. Check out The Knot Marketplace to search for wedding professionals in your area. A minor`s marriage permit must be completed for each applicant under the control of a parent or guardian when they are 16 or 17 years of age.

The permit may be obtained from the clerk of the city or town where the permit is issued and must be signed and notarized in the presence of the city or city clerk issuing the permit. . Now there is only one last step – but it is an important step! After the wedding, you must sign the marriage certificate (with the couple). His official title is “Minister”; For the type of ceremony, define “Religious” and for the denomination “Non-denominational”. No ministerial licence number will be required. The name of the church is “Church of Universal Life,” and if the document asks for the church address, you must provide your home or service address. Finally, remember that the signed license must be submitted to the marriage office before the deadline! Written and edited by Universal Life Church`s Marriage Rights Liaison Team. You must apply for your Rhode Island marriage certificate in person from the city or the city clerk`s office. (Note that operating hours vary in each state, so call ahead to confirm.) A marriage worksheet, which can be found online here, must also be completed.

. (401) 435-7500 x11030 (401) 438-1719 East Providence Website » Many ULC ministers used the same resources as advice on becoming professional civil servants!. (1) Each party to the proposed marriage resides; or In general, ministers are not required to register in Rhode Island. That being said, it`s not uncommon for the city or town clerk to ask for proof of your ordination before giving the “green light” to perform wedding ceremonies. In addition, it gives the couple the certainty that their marriage minister has all the official documents, such as your ordination certificate, in hand. As requested by district officials, please order your materials well in advance of the ceremony. . Marriage licenses are issued by the city clerk`s office or Rhode Island clerk. It will be the couple who get the license, but the minister should still do some research and understand the rules for marriage licenses in Rhode Island.

For example, if the couple receives a license from Providence County, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of Providence County to ensure that the couple does everything correctly in accordance with the law. . (2) The proposed marriage shall be consummated if both parties do not reside in that State. . After ordering your documents and presenting them to the clerk (if necessary), you are ready to carry out the wedding! We have several online tools available to help you prepare for the ceremony. These carefully tailored resources provide helpful tips and information on all aspects of conducting a wedding ceremony. Designed for our wedding officials, they contain everything you need to plan the perfect ceremony. . You can obtain a copy of your Rhode Island marriage license online, by phone (888-388-1032), in person or by mail. The easiest way to request a copy of your marriage certificate in person is to fill out this form, which can be submitted by mail or in person to your city clerk`s office or the state vital statistics office. If you do not complete the form, you will need to provide additional information and documents. Note that fees vary.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court, any clerk or representative general of a higher court, family court, district court or traffic court. The marriage must take place in the presence of two (2) witnesses who have reached the legal age (18 years). § 15-3-5 Officials authorized to join persons in marriage. 145 Taunton Avenue 1st Floor East Providence, RI 02914 Rhode Island requires no waiting time, which means your marriage certificate is valid immediately after it is issued. However, the marriage certificate must be used within 90 days of its issuance, so plan accordingly… If both applicants live in Rhode Island, apply for the license from the city clerk`s office of the residence of one of the applicants. The marriage certificate is valid in any city in Rhode Island and the couple can be married anywhere in Rhode Island. Rhode Island is called the state of the ocean for a reason. Also, beach weddings are especially popular here.

Each judge and former judge of the district courts of the cities and municipalities of that state. Rhode Island residents can obtain their marriage certificate from you or your prospective spouse/city clerk`s office. .