Marriage License Information

The Town Clerk's office can issue you a marriage license if you are planning a Block Island wedding and both parties live outside the State of Rhode Island. We also issue marriage licenses to residents of New Shoreham. You may obtain your license up to 90 days before your wedding.

Requirements

Fill out and email us:

• wedding worksheet
• certified copies of birth certificates from both parties
• drivers licenses from both parties
• certified copies of divorce decrees (if applicable)

After the documents have been submitted to the Town, email to make an appointment to come to Town Hall in person to pick up your marriage license. Both parties must be present to obtain the marriage license from the Town.You must bring your original documents and a photo identification (driver's license, military identification or passport) to your scheduled appointment.

We strongly advise that you provide copies of the required worksheet, birth certificates and other documentation in advance so we may contact you if clarification is needed.

Required Documents

Worksheet

Complete both pages of the worksheet (PDF) and include daytime telephone numbers and email addresses. Sign the original at Town Hall when you obtain your license. We keep the worksheet.

Birth Certificates

We need to see an original or certified copy of your birth certificate issued by a state, county or city. Look for a raised seal. We will return this document to you. We cannot accept a notarized copy, nor a hospital certificate or baptismal certificate.

Divorce Decree/Death Certificate

If this is not your first marriage, you must provide proof of termination of most recent marriage/civil union: either a certified copy of the death certificate, or a copy certified by the Clerk of the Court granting the divorce decree or final dissolution of the previous relationship. This must contain a raised seal. 

Fees

Marriage Application Fee

• The application fee is $24. 

Certified Copies of Marriage License*

• The first certified copy requested in person is $22
• The first document requested through the mail is $25
• Additional certified copies ordered at the same time cost $18. 

We accept checks or cash only.

*Note: You will not receive a certified copy of your marriage license from the Town without placing an order.

Apply

Preparation to receive your marriage license takes processing time. In order to pickup to pick up your marriage license, submit all of your paperwork in advance. Please scan and email copies of the worksheet, birth certificates and proof of termination of previous marriage, if any, to: Email Town Clerk

Wedding Vendors 

The Block Island Chamber of Commerce keeps a list of local members that are wedding vendors and can be reached at 401-466-2982.     

Block Island Chamber 

Block Island Tourism

Local rules and regulations pertaining to weddings:

Please keep in mind the following while you plan your event:

• Balloons are banned on Block Island
• Sky lanterns are illegal in Rhode Island
• A special event license may be necessary if you plan to celebrate your event with more than 75 people. The special event license application must be received 30 days prior to the event. See link to application below.
• Outdoor music, at monitored, reasonable levels, is allowed until 9 p.m. only
• Open containers of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in public
• On public beaches, all alcohol is prohibited