Rhode Island § 15-2-1 - Marriage Licenses
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 15-2-1 — Marriage Licenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-2-1. Marriage Licenses
R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1
§ 15-2-1. License required — Proof of divorce — Obligation of clerk to issue license.
(a) Persons intending to be joined together in marriage in this state must first obtain a license from the clerk of the town or city in which:
(1) Either party to the proposed marriage resides; or
(2) The proposed marriage is to be performed, if both parties are nonresidents of this state.
(b) Before any license shall be issued to any person who, having been previously married or a party to another relationship that provides substantially the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as a marriage, has been divorced, the person shall present to the town or city clerk an authenticated copy of the decree granting the divorce or an authenticated copy of the final dissolution of the previous relationship.
(c) The town or city clerk shall issue a license to any person eligible to marry under the provisions of chapter 15-1.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 10; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 10; P.L.
1909, ch. 430, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 10; P.L. 1927, ch. 1064, § 1; P.L. 1938,
ch. 2580, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 15-2-1; P.L. 1961, ch. 100,
§ 1; P.L. 1975, ch. 112, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 4, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 5, § 3.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 15-2-1
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 15-2-1 cover?
Section 15-2-1 ("Marriage Licenses") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 15-2-1?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 15-2-1" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 15-2-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.