How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records: Difference between revisions

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{{breadcrumb
''[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How To Find U.S. Marriage Records]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] '''Rhode Island Marriages'''''<br> __NOTOC__  
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
| link3=[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to Find U.S. Marriage Records]]
| link4=[[Rhode Island Vital Records|Rhode Island Vital Records]]
| link5=[[How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records|How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records]]
}} __NOTOC__  


== Finding Rhode Island Marriage Records  ==
== Finding Rhode Island&nbsp;Marriage Records  ==
 
State wide registration of marriages in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier marriage records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns. Some '''pre-1636 marriage records''' are available in the following Findmypast collection:
*[https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=rhode%20island '''United States Marriages – Rhode Island, 1522-1989'''] ($) index and some images


State wide registration of births in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier birth records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns.


<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records]].  
<br> If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records]].  
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<br> {{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}  
 
{{Tip|More marriage information is usually found on the '''marriage license application''' or the '''marriage register'''. Less information is found on the '''marriage certificate'''. }}  


<br>  
<br>  


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== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==
== '''Next Step: When did the marriage occur? '''  ==


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== '''Marriages 1636 to present'''  ==
== '''Marriages 1636 to present'''  ==


Towns began keeping marriage records as early as 1636. In 1700 the laws concerning vital records registration were made more specific and the records after that time are more complete. State wide registration of marriages began in 1853 and was generally complied with by the 1900s.  
Towns began keeping birth records as early as 1636. In 1700 the laws concerning vital records registration were made more specific and the records after that time are more complete. State wide registration of births began in 1853 and was generally complied with by the 1900s.  


For marriages that occurred in this time period try the following databases:  
For marriages that occurred in this time period try the following databases:  
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|-
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| width="10%" | ''Try:''
|  
|  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=15395 1636-1850 Vital Records of Rhode Island, First Series, Births, Marriages and Deaths: a family register for the people]
| width="65%" | Ancestry Library edition - '''Free''' '''at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries'''; [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center] OR use your own [http://www.ancestry.com/ Ancestry] subscription.
|-
|
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3897 1636-1899 Rhode Island, Vital Extracts]
| width="65%" | Ancestry Library edition - '''Free''' '''at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries'''; [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center] OR use your own [http://www.ancestry.com/ Ancestry] subscription.
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4262 1636-1930 Rhode Island, Births]
| width="65%" | Ancestry Library edition - '''Free''' '''at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries'''; [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center] OR use your own [http://www.ancestry.com/ Ancestry] subscription.
|-
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1675538|1724-1916 Rhode Island Marriages- At FamilySearch.org}}
| '''Free;''' Rhode Island, Marriages, 1724-1916: Name index to marriage records from the state of Rhode Island. '''Index only.'''
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
|  
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|  
|  
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
| [[Substitute Records For United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
|}
<center></center>
==== '''Obtain the Record'''  ====
With the approximate birth year and place, you can locate birth records available through the [http://www.health.ri.gov/records/#where city or town]&nbsp; where the birth occurred or from the [http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/Unable%20to%20Visit.pdf Rhode Island State Archives.] <br>
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Birth Certificates'''
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.health.ri.gov/records/ From Town of Birth]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/Unable%20to%20Visit.pdf Rhode Island State Archives]
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| Town websites can be more difficult to use
| records 100 years and older have no restrictions<br>
| May be more expensive than ordering from the Town
|}
==== '''Record Restrictions'''  ====
There are no restrictions for obtaining a certificate for a birth that occurred 100 or more years ago. <br>
To obtain a record for a birth that occurred less than 100 year ago you must be:
:*person named on the certificate
:*a member of his/her immediate family
:*his/her guardian, or an authorized agent of these individuals
:*Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies conducting their official duties
:*person requiring information to determine or protect a personal or property right
:*person who has been granted a court order instructing the registrar to provide the document
<br> If you do not want to order the birth record, you can search [[Substitute Records For United States Birth Information|other records with birth information]]. <br>
<center>[[How to Find Rhode Island Birth Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_birth_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another birth year]]</center>
<br>
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=== Related Wiki Articles  ===
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Birth_Records|Learn more about U.S. birth records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Birth Records|How to find U.S. birth records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]
:*[[United States Record Selection Table|United States Record Selection Table ]]
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]
:*[[United States Death Records|United States Death Records ]]
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
[[Category:Rhode_Island_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
::
<center>[[How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records#Finding_Rhode Island_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
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<br>
== '''Marriages 1820 to 1867'''  ==
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
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| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Rhode Island Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
|  
|  
| width="25%" | 1522-1989 [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=rhode%20island United States Marriages- At Findmypast.com]
| '''($);''' index and some images
|  
|  
|-
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|width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1935767|1846-1953 Rhode Island Vital Records - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1867}}  
| '''Free;''' Rhode Island, Vital records, 1846-1898, 1901-1953: Certificates and registers of marriages from the State Archives in Providence.
| width="65%" |
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.
 
'''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.
 
<br>
 
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try:''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
|  
|  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]
|  
|  
|}
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog ] to see what is available.
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" align="center" border="0"
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== '''Marriages 1868 to 1925'''  ==
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Rhode Island&nbsp;Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
|
|  
|  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=15395 1636-1850 Vital Records of Rhode Island, First Series, Births, Marriages and Deaths: a family register for the people]
| width="65%" | '''$''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=15395 Free at FamilySearch centers;] [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Find your local FamilySearch Center.] '''Index only.'''
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try;''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3897 1636-1899 Rhode Island, Vital Extracts]
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1452395|Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925}}
| width="65%" | '''$''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3897 Free at FamilySearch centers;] [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Find your local FamilySearch Center.] Marriage records from Rhode Island counties, church records, newspaper, and military records. '''Index only.'''
| width="65%" |  
'''Free;''' most counties 1868-1925: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.  
 
Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.  
 
|-
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try;''  
| ''Try 2nd:''  
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
|  
|  
| width="25%" | [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4263 1851-1920 Rhode Island Marriages]
| {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1868-1925}}
| width="65%" | '''$''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4263 Free at FamilySearch centers;]  [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ Find your local FamilySearch Center.] Marriage records taken from existing copies of the original records. '''Index only.'''
|-
|
|
|  
|  
'''Free;''' name index with images online at FamilySearch.
<br> '''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.
<br>
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''  
Line 131: Line 240:
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''  
| [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records]].
|  
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.
 
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]  
 
|  
|  
|}
|}
<center></center>
==== '''Obtain the Record'''  ====


With the approximate marriage date and place, you can locate marriage records available through the [http://www.health.ri.gov/records/#where city or town] where the marriage occurred or from the [http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/Unable%20to%20Visit.pdf Rhode Island State Archives.] <br>
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog ] to see what is available.  


{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" align="center" border="0"
|-
|-
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
|}
 
== '''Marriages 1926 to 1935'''<br>  ==
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="0"
|-
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.health.ri.gov/records/ From Town of the Marriage]
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Rhode Island&nbsp;Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images'''
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://sos.ri.gov/documents/archives/Unable%20to%20Visit.pdf Rhode Island State Archives]
|  
|  
|-
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''  
| width="10%" | ''Try 1st:''  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
|  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
|  
| Town websites can be more difficult to use
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1810350|Michigan, County Marriages, 1926-1935}}
| records 100 years and older have no restrictions<br>
| width="65%" |
| May be more expensive than ordering from the Town
'''Free;''' most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.
|}
 
'''Does not''' include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.


==== '''Record Restrictions''' ====
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 2nd:''  
|
|
|-
|
| [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html County Clerk]
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record. Contact the [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html county clerk] where you think the marriage took place. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
|-
| width="10%" | ''Try 3rd:''  
|
|
|-
|
| [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Rhode Island Department of Health]
| If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact theRhode Island[http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Department of Public Health]. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Rhode Island Department of Public Health charges $12 more for each year searched. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
<br>


There are no restrictions for obtaining a certificate for a marriage that occurred 100 or more years ago. <br>
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the online index?'''
| [[Tips for Searching an Online Index|Tips for searching online indexes]]
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''No marriage record for your ancestor?'''
|
[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Search for Gretna Greens]]-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.  


To obtain a record for a marriage that occurred less than 100 year ago you must be:
[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Other records with marriage information]]


:*person named on the certificate
|}
:*a member of his/her immediate family
:*his/her guardian, or an authorized agent of these individuals
:*Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies conducting their official duties
:*person requiring information to determine or protect a personal or property right
:*person who has been granted a court order instructing the registrar to provide the document


<br> If you do not want to order the marriage record, you can search [[Marriage Information Substitute Records|other records with marriage information]]. <br>
'''Marriage Records on Microfilm''' <br> Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local [http://familysearch.org/locations/centerlocator?c= Family Search Center]. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the&nbsp;[http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog ] to see what is available.  


{| width="75%" border="1" style="margin: 1em auto"
::*Search the [http://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog] by county.
::*Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
::*For a small fee, [https://familysearch.org/films/ order the microfilm] to view at a local Family Search Center.
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
{| width="99%" align="center" border="0"
|-
|-
| '''1. Look first in'''  
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| '''2. Then search'''
|}
|-
 
| [[Rhode Island Church Records|Church Records]]<br>
== '''Marriages 1936 to Present''' ==
[[Rhode Island Newspapers|Newspapers]]<br> [[Rhode Island Military Records|Military Records]]<br> [[United States Obituaries|Obituaries]]
 
Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.
 
'''STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information'''  


| [[Rhode Island Census|Census Records]]
:*Copies may be ordered from the [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html county clerk].
[[Rhode Island Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]<br> [[Rhode Island Vital Records|Death Records]]<br> [[United States Bible Records|Bible Records]]  


|}
:*Copies may be ordered from the [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html Rhode Island Department of Public Health].
<center>[[How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records#Next_Step:_When_did_the_marriage_occur.3F|Return to top: Choose another marriage year]]</center>
<br>


{| width="99%" border="0" align="center"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
|-
| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Marriage Certificates'''
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8723_11893_41510-143215--,00.html From County where Marriage occurred]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html From MI Dept. of Health State office]
|-
|-
! valign="middle" bgcolor="#302040" scope="col" |  
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| County websites can be more difficult to use
| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}
|}


=== Related Wiki Articles  ===
{{Tip|'''''When ordering Michigan marriage records:'''''}}
 
Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.<br> <br>
<center>[[How to Find Michigan Marriage Records#Finding_Michigan_Marriage_Records|Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year]]</center> <center><br></center>
== Wiki Articles  ==


:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records#Tips_about_Searching_United_States_Marriage_Records|Learn more about U.S. marriage records]]  
Line 198: Line 357:
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Marriage Records|How to find U.S. marriage records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[How to Find United States Death Records|How to find U.S. death records]]  
:*[[United States Record Finder|United States Record Finder ]]  
:*[[United States Record Selection Table|United States Record Selection Table ]]
:*[[United States, How to Use Marriage Records|United States, How to Use Marriage Records]]
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[U.S. Vital Records Overview|U.S. Vital Records Overview]]  
:*[[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]]
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[Locating United States Vital Records|Locating United States Vital Records]]  
:*[[United States Death Records|United States Death Records ]]
:*[[Michigan Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues|Rhode Island Marriage Records (FamilySearch Historical Records)/Known Issues]]
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]


{{Rhode Island|Rhode Island}}
[[Category:Rhode_Island_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How_to_articles]]
[[Category:Rhode_Island_Vital_Records]] [[Category:How-To Articles]]

Revision as of 08:18, 11 September 2014

How To Find U.S. Marriage Records go to Rhode Island Marriages

Finding Rhode Island Marriage Records[edit | edit source]

State wide registration of births in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier birth records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns.


If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for marriage information in other records.

1. Look first in 2. Then search
Church Records

Newspapers
Military Records
Obituaries

Census Records

Cemetery Records
Death Records
Bible Records


Tip: More marriage information is usually found on the marriage license application or the marriage register. Less information is found on the marriage certificate.


Next Step: When did the marriage occur? [edit | edit source]
Marriage Records
Choose a time period:

Learn more about U.S. Marriage Records

Marriages 1636 to present[edit | edit source]

Towns began keeping birth records as early as 1636. In 1700 the laws concerning vital records registration were made more specific and the records after that time are more complete. State wide registration of births began in 1853 and was generally complied with by the 1900s.

For marriages that occurred in this time period try the following databases:

Rhode Island Marriages Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images
1636-1850 Vital Records of Rhode Island, First Series, Births, Marriages and Deaths: a family register for the people Ancestry Library edition - Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center OR use your own Ancestry subscription.
1636-1899 Rhode Island, Vital Extracts Ancestry Library edition - Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center OR use your own Ancestry subscription.
1636-1930 Rhode Island, Births Ancestry Library edition - Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries; Find your local FamilySearch Center OR use your own Ancestry subscription.
Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor? Other records with marriage information

Obtain the Record[edit | edit source]

With the approximate birth year and place, you can locate birth records available through the city or town  where the birth occurred or from the Rhode Island State Archives.

To Order Birth Certificates
From Town of Birth Rhode Island State Archives
Pros Cons Pros Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state Town websites can be more difficult to use records 100 years and older have no restrictions
 May be more expensive than ordering from the Town

Record Restrictions[edit | edit source]

There are no restrictions for obtaining a certificate for a birth that occurred 100 or more years ago.

To obtain a record for a birth that occurred less than 100 year ago you must be:

  • person named on the certificate
  • a member of his/her immediate family
  • his/her guardian, or an authorized agent of these individuals
  • Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies conducting their official duties
  • person requiring information to determine or protect a personal or property right
  • person who has been granted a court order instructing the registrar to provide the document


If you do not want to order the birth record, you can search other records with birth information.

Return to top: Choose another birth year


Related Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year


Marriages 1820 to 1867[edit | edit source]

Rhode Island Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try:
Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1867

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

  • Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1868 to 1925[edit | edit source]

Rhode Island Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try 1st:
Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925

Free; most counties 1868-1925: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Records include such information as names of bride and groom, date of license, ages, race, residences, birthplaces, occupations and names of the fathers of the bride and groom.

Try 2nd:
Michigan, County Marriages, 1868-1925

Free; name index with images online at FamilySearch.


Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

  • Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1926 to 1935
[edit | edit source]

Rhode Island Marriage Database - Includes Index and Digital Images
Try 1st:
Michigan, County Marriages, 1926-1935

Free; most counties 1925-1936: Free name index with images online at FamilySearch.

Does not include the following counties: Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee.

Try 2nd:
County Clerk If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record. Contact the county clerk where you think the marriage took place. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.
Try 3rd:
Rhode Island Department of Health If you do not find your ancestor in the marriage index you may order a marriage record.Contact theRhode IslandDepartment of Public Health. If you are unsure about the marriage year, the Rhode Island Department of Public Health charges $12 more for each year searched. It is usually less expensive to order a marriage record from the county clerk, so begin your search with the county clerk.


Can't find your ancestor in the online index? Tips for searching online indexes
No marriage record for your ancestor?

Search for Gretna Greens-- locations away from the home county where marriage laws were less restrictive.

Other records with marriage information

Marriage Records on Microfilm
Some county marriage records may be available on microfilm at your local Family Search Center. If you know the approximate date and county where the marriage took place, use the FamilySearch Catalog to see what is available.

  • Search the FamilySearch Catalog by county.
  • Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
  • For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.
Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Marriages 1936 to Present[edit | edit source]

Marriage licenses may be found in the county records where the marriage occurred.

STEP ONE: Find Marriage Information

To Order Marriage Certificates
From County where Marriage occurred From MI Dept. of Health State office
Pros Cons Pros Cons
May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state County websites can be more difficult to use Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee May be more expensive than ordering from the county
Tip: When ordering Michigan marriage records:

Ask for the marriage license or the marriage register, not the marriage certificate. The license or register usually contains more information.

Return to the Top: Choose another marriage year

Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]

To access available information, first log into FamilySearch.

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