How to Ensure Your Hawaii Marriage License is Valid and Legal

Dreaming of a destination wedding on one of the stunning islands in Hawaii? The decision has been made, and all that is left is to start planning. Saying “I do” in paradise like the Aloha State is easy; all you need to do is acquire your Hawaii marriage license. However, not many couples know how to ensure their marriage is legal and valid according to Hawaiian laws. If you are still unsure and looking for the right answers, we have prepared this step-by-step guide. It will help you navigate the process smoothly, ensuring your special day goes off without a hitch.

Hawaii Marriage License: A Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Find an Officiant Who Will Perform the Ceremony

The first thing you should do is find someone who will officiate your Hawaiian civil wedding ceremony. You must choose a licensed officiant to authorize your marriage.

Professional officiants can be judges, ministers, or officiants licensed by the State of Hawaii to perform marriages. However, this decision should be made with careful consideration if you want a valid and legal marriage license. Therefore, schedule an appointment or video call with them to see if they meet your requirements and vision of how your wedding ceremony should look. However, you can also use the latest technology and check through several different sources.

You can verify an officiant’s credentials through the Hawaii State Department of Health website. Always read the reviews of couples who have used their services. You can also search on social media to see some of the ceremonies they have performed.

Step 2: Find Witnesses

The State of Hawaii requires that you have at least one witness besides the officiant to legalize the Hawaii marriage license. This person should be someone close to you. However, it should also be a reliable and trustworthy person. Therefore, conduct a thorough investigation among your friends and family before you make your final decision.

Step 3: Gather the Right Documents

The next step is gathering the necessary documents in English for a marriage license. If the documents are not in English, be sure to provide a certified translation of every document along with the original one from the source language. 

• Both partners should have a valid photo ID so the officiant can identify their identity.
• Individuals over the age of 18 can legally enter into a civil marriage. If you or your future spouse is under the age of 18, you will need to submit consent from both parents. To be on the safe side, individuals under the age of 18 must submit a copy of their birth certificate.
• Additionally, you will have to submit a divorce judgment or a death certificate if either of you is divorced or widowed. 

Step 4: Apply for Your Marriage License

Once you have completed the above steps, it’s time to apply for your Hawaii marriage license. This license will legalize and authorize your marriage. However, many couples confuse it with a marriage certificate, which is not the same. Before you marry, you can get a valid and legal marriage license. Meanwhile, a marriage certificate comes after the wedding. 

Start the process by completing the online application on the Hawaii State Department of Health website. This will save time and ensure all necessary information is accurately submitted. Also, there is an application fee, payable in cash, and it is non-refundable.

Step 5: Make an Appointment with a Marriage License Agent

Once you submit the online application, both parties must appear together before a marriage license agent in Hawaii. You will need to schedule an appointment with an agent where you will have the ceremony. 

How do you choose the agent? Simply choose the one that is closest to your location. Keep in mind that they don’t work on weekends. Therefore, the meeting with the agent should take place within 1-3 days after your arrival. They may not be available during the busy season, so you arrange your plans accordingly. 

The job of the marriage license agent is to create and issue the physical license, the one that you have applied for online. This is done upon verifying that the application information and your IDs are correct.

Also, once you get your Hawaii marriage license, you can use it on any of the islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island.

Step 6: The Day of Your Civil Wedding

Now that you have your marriage license, you’re finally ready to prepare for the Hawaiian civil wedding ceremony. Remember to bring your license to the ceremony so the officiant can sign and officialize it. Then, either you or your officiant can mail it.

Step 7: Filing the Marriage Certificate

The final step is to file the marriage certificate. You can do it yourself, but many couples wish to leave it to the officiant to ensure everything is legal and valid. After the ceremony, the officiant will complete the certificate and file it with the Hawaii State Department of Health.

You can expect the official marriage certificate within 30 days of your wedding ceremony. There is an option for the officiant to file it online, and it usually takes a week to receive the official wedding certificate. You can also request copies of your records to verify the information.

Conclusion

Now that you know how straightforward the whole process is, it’s time to start planning your destination wedding. All you have to do to ensure your Hawaii marriage license is valid and legally recognized is follow the outlined steps above.

We always advise couples to take the time and plan ahead. Remember to gather the necessary documents and consult with professionals to avoid the stress that comes with weddings.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to fill out our contact page. Of course, for more valuable tips, browse through our blog. Moreover, you can explore our “Locations” or “Services” pages to find the perfect setting and services for your dream wedding in Hawaii. Happy planning, and congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!