Since genealogy is one of the biggest hobbies that someone can take on, finding marriage records is included in a family history search. Rhode Island marriage records can be found through vital records and also archival sites through the internet and in Rhode Island libraries. Whether you want to perform a marriage records search for genealogy purposes or even out of curiosity to see if someone was previously married, a search can be easily done online.
Through Rhode Island's department of health, vital records such as marriage records can be obtained from their system. Marriage records in Rhode Island will typically contain the full name of the bride and the groom as well as the date and place of the marriage. Some other information that may be contained on the marriage record could be the ages of the bride and groom, names and places of birth for the parents of the couple, any place of residence for the couple and previous marriages.
To get a copy of a certificate of any vital records, an application to copy is to be sent to the vital records department, either in person or by mail. Most of the cities and towns located in Rhode Island have a clerk's office with records of any marriages and divorces that have occurred over time in the area. With proper identification anyone can gain electronic copies of Rhode Island marriage records. For a certified copy of a marriage record, the fee will be $20 and any additional record order at the same time is $15. Also provided by the Rhode Island department of health and local records department are indices for marriages through its state archives. It's important to check each town and city for more detailed Rhode Island marriage records.
Through the Rhode Island Genealogical Society, most people will check for Rhode Island marriage records by searching through archives. Depending on where the marriage took place, such as town or county, marriage records can be found through the court houses or clerk's offices. You will usually want to look up marriage records by someone's name, either the groom or the bride. If you are searching by the bride's name, make sure to include the maiden name of the woman. If you have any questions, there are over 500 staff members with the society to help out with research and locating marriage records.
Other ways to search for marriage records in Rhode Island include going through online search engines. Through these search engines you can enter the name of the couple you want to find marriage records on as well as any other information you have on hand. This includes dates of the marriage, town, and county in Rhode Island. If your search does not result in what you are looking for, make sure that you narrow your search down instead of broadening the search with just one name. Many times you can find other marriage records or people search web pages that will have you purchase the record directly from them. Determine whether or not you want to find marriage records by paying money or getting the information for free.
To request a copy of a Rhode Island marriage certificate, follow these instructions:
Step 1.
Download the Application for a Certified Marriage Record form.
Step 2.
Read the instructions. Fill out all sections of the form.
Step 3.
Make a legible copy of your valid government issued photo ID to include with your application.
Step 4.
Send your application to the address below. Include a check or money order for $20 to cover the cost of the record.
Send your completed form to:
Rhode Island Department of health
Division of Vital Records
3 Capital Hill, Rm 101
Providence, RI 02908-5097
About Rhode Island Marriage Records
Birth, death and marriage records are considered to be vital records in the state of Rhode Island. Copies of original marriage records may be obtained both at the city or town clerk where the wedding took place, as well as at the Office of Vital Records.
Confidentiality of Rhode Island Marriage Records
In Rhode Island, marriage records are considered to be private and confidential records. Thus, only a person named on the certificate, their immediate family, or a legal representative may request a certified copy. Proper photo ID is required to obtain a confidential record.
Information Needed for a Marriage Certificate Request
To request a Rhode Island marriage record, you must have the following information: a full name of a person on the record, date and town where the marriage took place, your relationship to the persons on the certificate, why you need the record, and your signature and contact information.
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