Marriage records in Kent County, Rhode Island, are available through several channels. KentRICourt.us allows you to find publicly accessible information about marriage records in the county. Additionally, records are kept by the Town Clerks of the municipalities within Kent County, who issue marriage licenses and register certificates according to Rhode Island law. You can also contact the Rhode Island Department of Health for certified copies. Access is available online, in person, or by mail.
Kent Marriage Records Search
In Rhode Island, marriage records are maintained at the municipal level rather than the county level. Kent County includes the cities of Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich, and West Greenwich—each of which has its own Town Clerk who issues marriage licenses and keeps returned marriage certificates.
The collection of records in each municipality includes:
- Issued marriage licenses
- Registered marriage certificates / marriage returns
- Historical records dating back to the founding of the town
Centralized copies of marriage records after 1853 are also kept by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. For records prior to 1900, a useful resource is the Judicial Records Center, which houses archival court documents from the state's five judicial districts.
To find a specific record, contact the Town Clerk of the city where the license was issued. For example, for a marriage registered in Warwick, you should contact the Warwick City Clerk. Court records related to marriage (such as divorce) can be searched through the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Kent
Fees for copies of marriage records are set according to the Rhode Island General Laws (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-3-26). Below are the standard rates applicable at the municipal level in Kent County and at the state level through the Department of Health:
| Service | Cost (Town Clerk) | Cost (RI Dept. of Health) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Additional copy (in one order) | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Search fee | Usually included in the copy cost | Included |
Fees may vary slightly between municipalities. Before visiting, confirm the current amount directly with the respective Town Clerk. Payment is usually accepted by check or money order made payable to the respective city or "RI General Treasurer" for state orders.
Processing times: for in-person requests, a certified copy is often issued the same day. Mail requests through the Department of Health are processed within 4–6 weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Kent
There are several ways to obtain a marriage certificate registered in Kent County.
Online
The Rhode Island Department of Health offers ordering certified copies through its online portal at health.ri.gov. This applies to records kept at the state level (since 1853). You will need:
- Full names of both spouses
- Date of marriage (or approximate period)
- Place of marriage registration
- Payment by credit or debit card
In Person
Contact the Town Clerk of the municipality where the marriage was registered. Below are the contact details of the main offices in Kent County:
Warwick City Clerk
West Warwick Town Clerk
Coventry Town Clerk
East Greenwich Town Clerk
Walk-ins are usually possible, but for some cities, it's better to call ahead. Bring a photo ID with you.
By Mail
To order through the Department of Health, send:
- A completed Application for Certified Copy of a birth, death, or marriage record—form can be downloaded from the Department of Health website.
- A copy of a photo ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, made payable to "RI General Treasurer".
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE)—preferred but not required.
Mailing address for requests:
To obtain a copy through the Town Clerk by mail—send a similar package of documents directly to the address of the respective municipal office. Include in the letter the full names of the spouses, the date of marriage, and the purpose of the request. If you need assistance with finding court case information related to marriage (such as divorce), use the Rhode Island Judiciary eServices or contact the Family Court, which handles divorce and family matters.