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City of Providence exact answer

Who can perform a marriage ceremony for a license from City of Providence?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

In City of Providence, rhode Island law lets ordained clergy and ministers — including those from non-denominational groups and online ministries — Rhode Island civil servants, people authorized by the General Assembly or the Secretary of State, federal judges, and anyone holding a Certificate Authorizing the Solemnization of Marriage from the Secretary of State's One-Day Marriage Officiant Certification Program perform the ceremony. An officiant performing a religious ceremony must show proof of good standing with their ministry and name that ministry on the license. Officiants do not register with any government office beforehand. The Department of Vital Statistics publishes the Department of Health's officiant guide in its own forms list and tells officiants to complete the license in black ink.

Published rule and conditions

Officiant and ceremony rule
Rhode Island law lets ordained clergy and ministers — including those from non-denominational groups and online ministries — Rhode Island civil servants, people authorized by the General Assembly or the Secretary of State, federal judges, and anyone holding a Certificate Authorizing the Solemnization of Marriage from the Secretary of State's One-Day Marriage Officiant Certification Program perform the ceremony. An officiant performing a religious ceremony must show proof of good standing with their ministry and name that ministry on the license. Officiants do not register with any government office beforehand.

The Department of Vital Statistics publishes the Department of Health's officiant guide in its own forms list and tells officiants to complete the license in black ink.

Official requirement

Officiants who are in good standing with their ministry are not required to register with any government office before they perform a marriage ceremony.

Issuing office

City of Providence Department of Vital Statistics (Vital Records)

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Official sources for this answer

  • Marriage License in ProvidenceCity of Providence Department of Vital Statistics - checked July 30, 2026

    A marriage license is required to get married in the City of Providence. Both applicants must appear in person and provide all of the required documents listed here. Marriage license applications must be submitted in person with BOTH parties present and all required documents must be presented at the time of the application. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (3:00 PM during July and August) NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED. The completed and signed marriage license (use black ink) must be returned within 72 hours of the ceremony to the local registrar. Providence resident(s) – ceremony may be performed in any city or town in the State of Rhode Island. Out-of-state residents – ceremony must be performed within the City of Providence. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. License expiration – license expires within three months from the date of issuance. Marriage License fees may be remitted via Check, Money Order, Debit Card (service fee applies for Debit or Credit card transactions). No Cash is accepted in the office under any circumstances.

  • General Marriage Requirements in the State of Rhode Island (VS-134)Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Vital Records - checked July 30, 2026

    Form VS-134 (Rev. 1/2025). Both people getting married must apply for a marriage license in person at the city or town clerk’s office before the wedding ceremony. Then both people must sign the marriage worksheet and the marriage license in the presence of the city or town clerk. A marriage license costs $24. A marriage license is valid for 3 months. The license will include the dates that it is valid, and the ceremony must happen during those dates. In addition to the officiant, at least two other people, age 18 or older, must witness the marriage for it to be valid. Officiants who are in good standing with their ministry are not required to register with any government office before they perform a marriage ceremony. Return the marriage license to the city or town clerk’s office where it was issued within 72 hours of the marriage ceremony. If the people do not get married, the license must be returned to the city or town hall where it was issued.

Answer boundary

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