Getting Married in Hawaii
Countless couples with visions of "happily ever after" come to the Hawaiian Islands to start their new lives together. Saying "I Do" just may be the most important two words you'll utter in your lifetime. And what better backdrop to celebrate this union than in Hawaii? The mild and sunny year-round Hawaiian climate, the spiritual power of the ocean and the lush scenes of Hawaii help create a heartfelt wedding day. Many couples married in Hawaii return annually, or during big anniversaries, to renew their vows and celebrate their life together.
The wedding options in Hawaii are diverse and plentiful. From the simple to the formal, many types of creative celebrations can take place here. Choose either formal attire or casual island-style attire, or go completely casual in bathing suits and slippers (flip flops). Arrange a fresh flower lei exchange and symbolically adorn the parents of the bride and groom during the ceremony. Original music, tropical flowers, beachside ceremonies - whatever your vision may be, the Islands can accommodate. Hawaii is a relatively easy location for getting married. There's very little red tape and no waiting period.
Hawaii Marriage License
The couple must obtain a state license to make the marriage legal. Couples can complete the online application before the ceremony and pay the required fee. Both applicants must then appear together in person before a marriage license agent no sooner than 30 days before the ceremony. The agent reviews the application, verifies photo IDs and any necessary documentation, and issues the license. Once the license is issued, the ceremony may take place right away.
Hawaii Marriage Certificate
Once a ceremony has taken place, a marriage certificate must be signed to show the union is complete and officiated. Your chaplain or ceremony performer will prepare the document and file the signed certificate with the Department of Health. Newly married couples will receive a copy of the certificate.
Marriage Performer
You must choose a person to perform your ceremony who is licensed in the state of Hawaii. For more information about obtaining a marriage performer, visit the Hawaii Department of Health website to view the current marriage performer information.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Marriage License?
- There are no state residence or U.S. citizenship requirements.
- Blood tests are not required.
- The legal age to marry is 18 years for both males and females.
- Applicants age 16 or 17 require the written consent of both parents, legal guardian, or the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state.
- Applicants age 15 may marry with the written consent of both parents or legal guardian and the written approval of the judge of the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state.
- Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent or by contacting the Hawaii Department of Health Marriage and Civil Union License Office.
- Proof of age is required. A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented for anyone 18 years of age or under. A valid government-issued photo ID may be presented for anyone 19 years of age or over.
- Cousins may marry. However, the blood relationship between the prospective bride and groom cannot be closer than first cousins.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
- Applicants must complete the online application and pay the required fee.
- Applicants must appear together in person before a license agent prior to the ceremony to pick up their license. Proxies are not allowed.
- Applicants should be prepared to provide the necessary proof of age and present any required written consents and approvals. All necessary documents should be obtained prior to meeting with the marriage license agent.
- Upon approval, a marriage license is issued at the time the application is made.
- The marriage license costs $65.00, which includes the $60 application fee and a $5 portal fee. Fees are non-refundable.
- The marriage license is good only in, but is valid throughout, the state of Hawaii.
- The marriage license expires 30 days from and including the date of issuance, after which it automatically becomes null and void.
- If you do not get married within the 30 days, return the unused license in the pre-addressed envelope provided to you for invalidation.
Where to Apply for a Marriage License
Address: Room 101 (1st floor) of the Health Department Building, 1250 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, Hawaii. Office hours are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Couples can also start the application online through the Hawaii Department of Health marriage license system.
License Agents
Couples must appear together, in person, before a license agent no sooner than 30 days prior to the wedding ceremony date. The agent will review your application, verify photo IDs and any necessary documentation, and issue the license. Current license agent information is available through the Hawaii Department of Health marriage license system.
Same-Sex Marriage in Hawaii
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Hawaii since December 2, 2013. Governor Neil Abercrombie signed the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act, also known as Hawaii Senate Bill 1 (SB1), on November 13, 2013, allowing same-sex couples to legally wed in the state. Both same-sex and opposite-sex couples also have the option to formalize their relationships legally in the form of civil unions and reciprocal beneficiary relationships. While Hawaii civil unions provide the same rights and obligations of marriage at the state level, reciprocal relationships offer only limited rights. In addition to the state of Hawaii allowing and recognizing same-sex marriages, the U.S. federal government recognizes same-sex marriages as well.
Hawaii - A Romantic Place to Marry
If you're planning a wedding, consider Hawaii as your wedding backdrop. The Islands can work beautifully for both a wedding and honeymoon. Exchange vows in the sand and be whisked away on a sunset cruise, or stroll along the beach with your partner as you contemplate your future.
Whether you celebrate your union on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, Molokai or the Big Island of Hawaii, the Islands offer many ways to make the day feel personal. Here are a few inspirational wedding day phrases that may be used on invitations or keepsakes:
Hawaiian phrases for your wedding day
- Mau Loa ~ Forever
- Pomaika`i ~ Good Luck
- 'Aha'aina Male ~ Wedding Feast
- Aloha Au Ia 'Oe ~ I Love You
- Aloha Aku No, Aloha Mai No ~ I give my love to you, you give your love to me
- Aloha Kaua ~ May there be love between us (said to one person)
- Aloha Kakou ~ May there be love between us (said to more than one person)
- Aloha No Au Ia 'Oe ~ I Truly Love You
- Aloha Nui Loa ~ All my love
- Aloha Pumehana ~ Warm love, affection
- E Hoomau Maua Kealoha ~ May our love last forever
- E Kipa Mai ~ Come to me
- E Ku'u Aloha ~ My Love
- Eia Au, Eia 'Oe ~ Here I am, here you are
- Hele Mai 'Oe I Ko Maua Male 'Ana ~ Come to our wedding
- Ho'i Hou Ke Aloha ~ Let us fall in love all over again
- Ia Iho Ke Aloha ~ To my love
- Ka Honi Mai Me Ke Aloha ~ And with love is a kiss
- Ke Aloha ~ Beloved
- Kipona Aloha ~ Deep love
- Ko Aloha Makamae E Ipo ~ Sweetheart you are so precious
- Ko`u Aloha ~ My Love
- Ku`u Lei ~ My beloved
- Ma'ane'i No Ke Aloha ~ For love is here and now
- Mahalo E Ke Akua No Keia La ~ Thanks be to God for this day
- Male 'ana ~ Wedding
- Male Ana E Pili Mai Aloha Kaua ~ We two will cling to love in marriage
- Mau Loa ~ Forever
- Mea Aloha ~ loved one
- Me Ke Aloha ~ With love
- Me Ke Aloha Pumehana ~ With the warmth of my love
- Nau ko`u aloha ~ My love is yours
- Na'u `oe ~ You're mine
- No Kau a Kau ~ For Eternity
- No Keia La, No Keia Po, A Mau Loa ~ From this day, from this night, forever more
- Mahalo nui loa na ho'olaule'a me la kaua ~ Thank you for celebrating with us
- Nou No Ka `I`ini ~ I desire you
- 'O Ku'u Aloha No 'Oe ~ You are indeed my love
- Pa'ipunahele ~ An expression of love for a favorite
- Pilialoha ~ To be in a bond of love
- Ahu lio ~ Groom
- Wahine male ~ Married woman
- Wahine male hou ~ Bride
- Kane male ~ Married man
