Whether you're planning a small and intimate affair, or a large celebration, there are a few important things you should know while planning your wedding in Newport in order to make sure it's official.  

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Residency

If you currently live in Rhode Island

• If both persons live in Rhode Island, you may apply for a marriage license at the city or town hall where either party has legal residency;

• If only one person lives in Rhode Island, you must apply for a marriage license from the city or town hall where the Rhode Island resident lives; 

If you currently live outside of Rhode Island

• If neither person lives in Rhode Island, you must apply for a marriage license from the city or town hall of the city or town in which the marriage ceremony will be performed.  Applicants for a marriage license must know the city or town in which the marriage will be solemnized.   

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What you Need for Documents

• All applicants must provide Certified copies of birth certificates which includes parents information from the City, Town State office or Foreign Country where the birth occurred when applying for a marriage license.  Wallet size, photo copies and hospital records of birth are not accepted; 

• Valid Government issued photo ID;
• If either person is a minor, additional requirements may apply. Contact the City Clerk's office for more information about these additional requirements.    

What if one party has been married before?

• Any person who, having been previously married or been a party to another relationship that provides substantially the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as a marriage, must prove that the marriage or relationship has ended to the City Clerk's Office before a license to marry is issued;  

• The City Clerk must be presented with a certified copy (a copy that includes a raised state seal or similar mark) of the decree granting the divorce or an authenticated copy of the final dissolution of the previous relationship; 

• If the other party to that relationship is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate must be presented;