Planning a Hawaii civil wedding might sound overwhelming at first, but the good news is that making it official is actually simple and stress-free. If you are wondering if it is actually that easy, you are about to find out! Besides the stunning scenery, Hawaii makes the legal side of getting married straightforward, even if you are putting things together at the last minute or just want a laid-back ceremony.
If you are not sure where to start, here is your step-by-step guide to Hawaii wedding requirements in 2026. We will walk you through each step, let you know what paperwork you will need, and show you how to make your marriage official, no matter where you are from.
The Basics of a Marriage License
Before we get deeper into the Hawaii wedding requirements, we need to cover the basics. When we talk about the basics, we refer to the mandatory elements, i.e., the notions that will make your wedding legal. This is where a Hawaii marriage license comes into the spotlight! Without it, you cannot legally get married, so understanding its requirements is essential.
Luckily, getting legally married in Hawaii is about as easy as it gets. You do not need to be a resident, there is no waiting period, and you can skip the blood tests. Basically, you can grab your marriage license and tie the knot on the very same day if you like! Just remember, your Hawaii marriage license is valid for 30 days after issuance, so make sure to have your ceremony within that window.
More precisely, these are the things you need to obtain a Hawaii marriage license:
- Be 18 or older (or at least 15 with parental consent and court approval)
- Bring a valid photo ID, like your passport, driver’s license, or military ID
- If you have divorced or lost a spouse within the past 30 days, have your official divorce or death certificate handy
- Not be closely related (first cousins cannot marry)
How Can You Get a Marriage License?
The easiest way to start your Hawaii marriage license application is to apply online through the official Department of Health website. After you complete the application and pay the fee, you will receive an authorization code (sometimes called a Locator ID). Make sure you hang on to that, since you will need it to pick up your license once you arrive in Hawaii.
When you are in Hawaii, both of you need to show up together at a Department of Health office or with an authorized agent to pick up your marriage license. You cannot send anyone in your place because this is a step you need to do as a couple. However, it is a quick appointment in which your IDs and paperwork are checked, and then your license is handed over.
Just remember, you need your physical marriage license in hand before you can have your Hawaii civil wedding.
Next Essential Steps: Finding a Location and an Officiant
Once you have prepared the legal paperwork, you will need to decide where you want your Hawaii civil wedding to take place.
- Choosing The Right Sport
You have probably heard about Hawaii’s incredible options for destination weddings. Let’s quickly check out some of the top spots couples love for saying “I do.”
Waialae Beach, along the south shore of Kahala, is a favorite among many couples. It is easy to see why. That is, with its long sandy shoreline and iconic coconut palms swaying in the breeze, it is pure paradise.
However, if you are after that picture-perfect Hawaiian backdrop you see in wedding photos, head between Honolulu and Waikiki to Magic Island, near Diamond Head. With its protected swimming lagoon and bright white sand beaches, it might be exactly what you are dreaming of.
If you are thinking about Oahu’s east side, you should check out Waimanalo Beach and Makapu’u Point. Waimanalo offers the island’s longest sandy shoreline, crystal-clear waters, gentle waves, and those signature ironwood trees that create a peaceful, open vibe for weddings. Makapu’u Point is something special too, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the dramatic Ko’olau Mountains on the other – it is a ceremony spot you won’t forget.
Finally, do not forget about Duke Kahanamoku Beach, the quiet beauty of Papailoa Beach, and Kawela Bay – a true hidden gem.
In other words, Hawaii is full of gorgeous locations, so you just need to decide what you want from your destination wedding. Once you pick your essential features for a bridal place, the spot will present itself.
- Choosing Your Wedding Officiant
Your officiant could be a judge, a justice of the peace, a court commissioner, or anyone else authorized by the state. Moreover, your Hawaii civil wedding can be as simple or as unique as you want. You just need to choose the person who can deliver exactly what you want, in the way you want it.
For instance, many couples add special Hawaiian touches, like exchanging leis or including local music, to make the day feel extra memorable. Other couples opt for more intimate ceremonies with a poem reading or something similar.
It is your big day, so you get to choose how it will go. And, since you are considering Hawaii, you can count on some authentic elements and great freedom in creativity. The island is perfect for such weddings!
Things to Consider Before Getting Married in Hawaii
Here are some useful things you need to know before you get married in Hawaii:
- The marriage license costs $65, and you can pay either online or in person when you apply.
- After your wedding, you will use your marriage certificate if you want to legally change your name on any official documents.
- You do not need to live in Hawaii or be a U.S. citizen to get married there – anyone can tie the knot on the islands.
- Your officiant in Hawaii can also serve as your witness if needed.
Conclusion
As you can see, getting legally married in Hawaii in 20256 could not be simpler. Just fill out an online form, bring your IDs, and exchange your vows. Your dream wedding can happen with the snap of your fingers, and it does not have to go through a long planning process.
Curious about stunning ceremony spots or budget-friendly wedding packages that fit your style? Check out our contact page or browse our Locations and Wedding Services sections. We are all about making your Hawaii civil wedding easy, romantic, and truly memorable. And if you are looking for more inspiration, our blog is full of great ideas!