Quick and Easy: The Fast Track to Getting Your Hawaii Marriage License

Many couples wish to tie the knot in the beauty of warm sand and magnificent nature. This is why Hawaii has become the most popular wedding destination. Although the whole process is quite simple, there are some requirements that you have to meet to get married on one of the islands.

First, you must be of legal age, 18 years or older, to apply for a Hawaii marriage license. But that is just the beginning. If you plan to mark your special day in Aloha State, this guide is for you. We have put all the essential information in one place so you can be on your way to saying “I do” as soon as possible. 

Understanding the Basics of Marriage Licenses

Before we go into the nitty-gritty of the process, you have to know the basic Hawaii wedding documentation for obtaining a license. Luckily, there are no strict and crucial obligations you have to follow. 

First things first, there are no residency requirements. Simply put, you or your partner do not need to be a resident of Hawaii or the U.S. to marry in Hawaii. This is why many couples across the globe choose Hawaii to crown their union.

Next is the age requirement. This is true for every country in the world—both applicants must be at least 18 years old. However, if you are a minor, you’ll need written consent from the parents, legal guardians, or family court for both parties.

Another reason Hawaii is a stress-free wedding destination is that it doesn’t require a blood test to obtain a marriage permit. Yes, that’s right, many states used to require a blood test before getting married. However, with the 2019 legislation no states require this kind of test.

Finally, when you get your license it is valid for 30 days, so you don’t need to rush anything. This gives you enough time to plan the wedding and gather all other required documents (we’ll discuss them below) so you officially tie the knot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Hawaii Marriage License

Now that you know the requirements, let’s learn how to apply for a Hawaii marriage license. There are a few crucial steps you need to fulfill: 

Gathering the Required Documents

As we said above, you’ll need to gather several documents to have a Hawaii wedding. So, before you begin with the wedding planning, ensure you have the following Hawaii marriage requirements for you and your partner:

• To prove your identity, you must have a valid photo ID. This can be a driver’s license, passport, or state ID card.
• Submit a copy of your birth certificate. This is a must in all cases to prove the age requirement, especially for minors.
• If you or your partner were married before, you must provide a certified divorce decree. 
• You must present a death certificate – in case of the death of the previous spouse.

Most importantly, ensure the above-mentioned Hawaii wedding documentation is translated into English. Any document that is not in English must be translated by an official translator and presented with the rest of the documents.

Apply Online 

Once you have all the required documents, you can fill out the Hawaii marriage license application on the Hawaii State Department of Health website. You will need to complete the basic information about both parties, such as full names, birth dates, and social security numbers. Then, to acquire the marriage license, you will have to pay a $65 fee ($60 application fee and $5 portal administration fee).

It is best to complete this form online if you wish to save time when you visit the licensing office.

Schedule an Appointment

After you complete the Hawaii marriage requirements, you will be required to schedule an appointment with a marriage license agent. There are two ways to make this appointment: online or by phone. 

We always advise that you schedule your meeting well in advance. Why? Hawaii is a busy destination during the peak wedding season, and many agents will be very busy. So, to avoid inconveniences and to ensure availability, book your marriage license agent on time.

Visit the Licensing Office

You and your future spouse must appear in person when you get an appointment with the marriage license agent. Also, make sure to carry the required documents. 

During the visit, the marriage agent will verify your information. This appointment also involves collecting the application fee (currently $60, payable in cash, credit card, or money order) and issuing your Hawaii marriage license.

Get Your Marriage License

Once the verification process with the marriage license agent is complete, you will have your license on the spot. One thing to keep in mind is that the license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. This is valid information that will help you plan your wedding date and marriage license application accordingly.

What Happens Next?

Upon receiving the marriage license, you should choose an officiant to conduct the civil wedding. You can select between a licensed wedding minister, judge, or certain government officials. Then, after the wedding ceremony, you will receive the marriage permit within 2-3 weeks. 

Conclusion

As you can see, obtaining a Hawaii marriage license is straightforward. It requires very little preparation, and you can complete the entire process quickly and easily. The steps are user-friendly and efficient. So, everyone (even non-US residents) can complete them and have their special day in this breathtaking scenery. Therefore, many couples take advantage of the process and tie the know at one of the stunning venues in Hawaii. 

Do you need assistance? Please fill out our contact page for any further questions or assistance you may require on this or other matters. Alternatively, continue to explore our “Locations” or “Services” pages for more information about your Hawaii wedding. If you wish to read some more tips and ideas, browse through our blog.

Let us help you plan and make your dream wedding a reality, surrounded by the Hawaiian Islands’ natural beauty and aloha spirit.