When couples decide to get married in Hawaii, they find the legal part the trickiest. That is understandable, considering you are planning a wedding in a different country. Some states have the same requirements, but others can differentiate from those you have at home. That is why it is essential to inform yourself beforehand so that you are prepared before you leave for Hawaii.
Luckily, obtaining a Hawaii marriage license does not take much. There are some simple steps you should follow, and you will be on the right track to a stress-free and relaxed Hawaii wedding. So, let’s see what you have to do to make your bridal celebration less overwhelming and more magical!
What Are The Requirements For Obtaining a Hawaii Marriage License?
Before you apply for any type of permit or license, it is important to understand what kind of legal documents you need to get married in Hawaii officially. The good news is that the requirements are not too strict or complicated. This means you will easily prepare all the documents you need, even from a different country.
First off, you do not have to be a Hawaii resident – or even a U.S. resident – to get married there, which is why so many couples from around the world pick Hawaii as their wedding destination. Considering they have made tying the knot easy for love birds, many of them opt for this island and take advantage of the magical features it offers.
Next up is the age requirement. Just like everywhere else, both partners need to be at least 18 years old. If one of you is underage, you will need written consent from your parents, legal guardians, or family court.
Lastly, once you get your Hawaii marriage license, it is good for 30 days. So, take your time! This gives you plenty of time to plan your wedding and gather any other documents you will need before you say, “I do.”
What Steps Do You Need to Take to Obtain a Hawaii Marriage License?
After you figure out all the necessary requirements for a Hawaii marriage license, you will have to start preparing your documents. Make sure you do not leave these things until the last moment because they can cause you unnecessary stress. You are supposed to plan your big day relaxed and enjoy each moment of it.
So, here are the steps you need to take to obtain a marriage license for your Hawaii wedding.
- Gather All The Documents You Need
If you are planning to get married in Hawaii, there are a few important documents you will need to have ready. First, make sure you both have a valid photo ID, which could be your driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Moreover, you will need to submit a copy of your birth certificate to confirm your age, particularly if either of you is underage. Remember that if you are under 18, you will need specific permission from a parent or a guardian.
If either of you has been married before, do not forget to bring a certified divorce decree. In the unfortunate event that a previous spouse has passed away, a death certificate is necessary. Lastly, you will need to take into account that if any of your documents are not in English, you will need to have them translated by an official translator to make sure everything is in order.
- Fill In an Online Application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, get onto the Hawaii State Department of Health website to fill out the marriage license application. You will need to provide some basic details about you and your partner, like your full names, birth dates, and social security numbers.
To get the Hawaii marriage license, there is a fee of $65, which breaks down to a $60 application fee and a $5 charge for using the online portal. Filling out the form online is a great way to save time when you go to the licensing office!
- Schedule an Appointment and Visit The Official Licensing Office
The next step is to set up an appointment with a marriage license agent. You can do this either online or by giving them a call.
It is a good idea to book your appointment well ahead of time. Since Hawaii can get really busy during the peak wedding season, and many agents will have full schedules, being prepared in advance is recommended.
When you go to your appointment, both you and your future spouse need to show up in person. Do not forget to bring the necessary documents along with you. During your visit, the marriage agent will check your information, collect the application fee, and then issue your Hawaii marriage license.
- Obtain Your Marriage License
Once you finish the verification process with the marriage license agent, you will get your license right then and there. Just remember, it is only good for 30 days from when it is issued. This means that you will have a month to have your wedding, so your license stays valid. That is why we recommend figuring out all the details before applying for a marriage license.
When you are prepared, everything will go smoothly, and you will not worry about logistics and legal matters.
How to Make This Process Easier?
If you feel like you cannot handle the paperwork on your own, there is always someone who can help you out. Namely, when you are planning a bridal celebration in a foreign country, having someone local to guide you is bliss. As Hawaii wedding officiants, we include handling paperwork and all the legal matters so you do not overwhelm yourself.
As you can see, getting a Hawaii marriage license is super easy! You do not need to do much prep work and can breeze through the whole process in no time. It is designed to be simple and efficient, so even if you are not a US resident, you can do it without any issues.
If you are ready to discuss our services, please fill out our contact form. For more information, visit our Wedding Services and Location pages. And to gather more tips and ideas, you can simply browse through our blog page.