Marriage records in Bristol, Rhode Island, can be accessed through several channels. BristolRICourt.us can help you find publicly available marriage record information for Bristol. You can also contact the issuing authority — the Bristol Town Clerk's office — directly, visit in person during business hours, or submit a request by mail. The Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, maintains statewide marriage records as well and serves as an additional resource for obtaining certified copies.
Bristol Marriage Records Search
In Rhode Island, marriage records are maintained at the municipal level by the town or city clerk where the marriage license was issued. For Bristol, the Bristol Town Clerk's Office is the custodian of local marriage records. This office issues marriage licenses, files completed marriage certificates returned by officiants, and maintains historical marriage records for the town.
The collection held by the Town Clerk includes:
- Marriage license applications and issued licenses
- Completed marriage certificates (returned after the ceremony)
- Historical marriage records dating back through the town's record-keeping history
The Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, also keeps statewide copies of marriage records for events occurring from 1853 to the present. For older or genealogical records, the Rhode Island State Archives may hold relevant documents.
You can also submit a public records request through the Town of Bristol's online portal for general record inquiries.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Bristol
Fees for marriage record services in Bristol follow the schedule set by Rhode Island state law and local town policy. The Rhode Island Department of Health also charges its own fees for copies requested at the state level.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage record (Town Clerk) | $20.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order, Town Clerk) | $15.00 |
| Certified copy (RI Dept. of Health, Vital Records) | $20.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order, Dept. of Health) | $15.00 |
| Marriage license application fee | $24.00 |
Fees are established under Rhode Island General Laws Title 23, Chapter 3. Payment methods accepted at the Town Clerk's office typically include check or money order; contact the office to confirm whether credit cards are accepted for vital records transactions. Processing times for in-person requests are generally same-day, while mail requests may take several weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Bristol
There are three main ways to obtain a certified copy of a Bristol marriage certificate:
Online
The Rhode Island Department of Health partners with VitalChek to offer online ordering of certified marriage certificates for marriages recorded statewide. Visit the Rhode Island Department of Health Vital Records page to access the online ordering portal. An additional processing fee applies for online orders. This option is best if the marriage was recorded with the state after 1853.
In Person
Visit the Bristol Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours:
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Certified copies are typically available the same day for records on file. No appointment is usually required, but calling ahead at (401) 253-7000 is recommended during busy periods.
By Mail
To request a certified marriage certificate by mail from the Town Clerk, send the following to the address above:
- A written request including the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, and your relationship to the individuals on the record
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for $20.00 (payable to "Town of Bristol") for the first copy, plus $15.00 for each additional copy
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
You may also request copies by mail from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, at:
Mail requests to either office may take two to four weeks to process. For questions about the status of a request, contact the office where you submitted it. The Judicial Records Center handles court-related records such as divorce decrees separately and is not the source for marriage certificates.