Before planning your Hawaiian wedding, you need one thing: a valid Hawaii marriage license. The good news is that you can get the process started entirely online. One of the most common questions couples ask is whether they can really handle the license paperwork before they even land. The answer is yes, almost entirely.
Step 1: Hawaii’s Marriage License Requirements
Hawaii has some of the most straightforward marriage license laws in the country. It has no residency requirement, no waiting period, and no blood test needed. All you need to do is pay the $65 fee for a Hawaii marriage license, either online or in person.
Here’s what you need to know going in:
- Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Those aged 16-17 need parental or guardian consent. Anyone under 16 requires both parental consent and a judge’s approval.
- Neither applicant can be legally married to someone else at the time of application.
- The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so plan your timeline accordingly.
- The license is valid statewide, but since we work exclusively on Oahu, you’ll be getting married right here in Honolulu County.
Step 2: Apply Through the Official Hawaii State Website
Couples can begin the Hawaii marriage license application process online through the Hawaii Department of Health’s Marriage License system. Both applicants need to complete the online application separately. Therefore, you’ll each create an account, fill in your personal details, and submit your copy. The system links your two applications together once both are completed.
Take your time filling this out. Errors or mismatched information can slow things down. If you’ve been married before, have your divorce decree or death certificate information nearby; you’ll need the exact dates and locations.
Here’s what you’ll need on hand when filling out the form:
- Full legal name (as it appears on your government-issued ID)
- Date and place of birth
- Home address
- Occupation
- Information about any previous marriages, including how they ended (divorce, annulment, or death of spouse), and the date and location
Step 3: Schedule An In-Person Appointment
A step you can’t skip is the brief in-person appearance at a Hawaii Department of Health Marriage License Office. Even though you start the process online, you do need to show up in person to have your identities verified and your license officially issued.
On Oahu, the main office is located at:
Honolulu Marriage License Office, 1250 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We always recommend confirming current hours on the Hawaii Department of Health website before your visit, as holiday schedules and staffing changes can affect availability.
Both applicants must appear together at this appointment. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (a passport or driver’s license works fine). If either of you is a non-US citizen, a passport is required.
The appointment itself is quick, usually taking just 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll verify your information, pay the $65 fee, and walk out with your license in hand.
You’ll want to schedule this appointment early in your trip. That way, if anything comes up or there’s a wait, you have buffer time before your wedding day.
Step 4: License Timeline
Your Hawaii marriage license in Oahu is valid for exactly 30 days from the date it was issued, not from the date you applied online. If you’re traveling to Honolulu a week before your ceremony, you’ll want to get your license in that first week so it doesn’t expire. On the other hand, don’t apply for the license too far in advance of your trip, because the online application process is tied to an in-person pickup, and that pickup starts your 30-day window.
Step 5: Who Can Legally Perform Your Ceremony
Find someone legally authorized to perform the ceremony. Hawaii law allows a range of officiants, including ordained ministers, judges, and other licensed individuals. The person performing your ceremony must be registered with the state.
This is where we come in. Rev. James Chun is a licensed and ordained officiant serving couples exclusively on Oahu. After your ceremony, your officiant is responsible for completing and returning the Hawaii marriage license to the Department of Health. This is how your marriage gets officially recorded with the state of Hawaii.
Step 6: Get Your Certified Marriage Certificate
Your marriage license and your marriage certificate are two different documents. The license is what allows the wedding to happen. The certificate is the official legal proof that it did happen.
Once the completed license is returned to the Department of Health and processed, you can order certified copies of your marriage certificate through the Vital Records office. These are the documents you’ll use to change your name, update your insurance, and handle any other legal matters back home.
Certified copies cost $10 each and can be ordered online or by mail. Most couples order two to three copies, one for each spouse and a spare.
Processing times vary, but you can generally expect your certificate within a few weeks after the license is returned.
To Sum It Up
This is how to get a Hawaii marriage license. With the right team behind you, the whole experience, from paperwork to sunset ceremony, can feel effortless.
Rev. James Chun specializes in helping couples create meaningful moments on Oahu’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re planning a full beach wedding package or a simple, intimate elopement for two, we make sure every detail is taken care of so you can actually be present for the moment that matters most.
Ready to make it official? Fill out our contact page and tell us a little about your vision. Or if you’re still exploring, head over to our Locations page to see the beaches and settings we work with across Oahu, or check out our Services page to find the option that best fits you. Your Oahu elopement is closer than you think. Don’t forget to visit our blog for extra tips and ideas!