How to Apply for a Hawaii Marriage License
The first step is for the couple to submit an application online for a Hawaii Marriage License. This can be done up to one year prior to the wedding day for a fee of $65. Below I explain the online application more in detail. Hawaii has two options for marriage, Religious or Civil Union. The main difference between the two options are Civil Union’s are only recognized on the state level, not federally, and is only recognized in 5 US States Hawaii, Colorado, Illinois, Vermont and New Jersey. A Religious Wedding does not have to incorporate any specific religion or the mention of God unless you want it to, it just needs to be a formal or informal ceremony officiated by a licensed Hawaii Wedding Officiant. Weddings that take place in Hawaii are recognized by all US States and Territories as well throughout the World.
Once the application is submitted the couple will be emailed a location number in a confirmation email. The location number will be needed when the couple picks up the actual license in person together.
The second step, pick up the license. Up to 30 days before the wedding day the couple must go together to show proof of ID (drivers license, State ID, military id, passport or other government issued id with a photo and your information) and will be issued the marriage license which will be valid for 30 days. The couple then takes the Hawaii marriage license to a licensed Wedding Officiant (such as myself) to have a formal ceremony or informal ceremony to be legally married.
There is no waiting period. Couples could theoretically apply for the marriage license, pick up the marriage license and get married all on the same day!
Guests are optional since witnesses are not required. Weddings can take place anywhere such as ballrooms, gardens, beaches, on a hiking trail, next to a waterfall, lakeside, on a sea cliff or hotel balcony, at a restaurant, at a lookout or attraction, at a vacation rental beach house or in a private home backyard. I work with couples getting married on Oahu to find their ideal backdrop for their ceremony. Contact me if you want to get married or elope on Oahu!
Couples who are already married and want to renew wedding vows do not require a marriage license or proof of marriage.
Additional Hawaii Marriage License and Hawaii Marriage Certificate Information:
Hawaii Marriage License
Submitting an Online Application for a Hawaii Marriage License
Picking Up the Hawaii Marriage License
Getting Your Hawaii Marriage Certificate -Legal Proof of Marriage
Couples Coming From Foreign Countries Outside the USA
WANT TO GET MARRIED, ELOPE OR RENEW YOUR VOWS ON OAHU? CONTACT ME!
