Hawaii Marriage License Made Simple
- Nicole Van Diver
- 20 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Aloha, lovebirds! It’s your favorite Oahu Officiant here to walk you through the legal portion of getting married in Hawaii. I understand that the legal part of your day can seem daunting, unsexy, unromantic, and a little scary. Don’t worry, getting married in Hawaii is simpler than perfecting your hula moves and I’m here to walk you through how to get married in Hawaii. Spoiler: It’s way simpler than you think!
Hawaii Marriage License: Step-By-Step
Getting married in Hawaii is pretty straightforward compared to the rest of America and the myriad of requirements that differ state by state. We cut out the need to dig up documents that rarely see the light of day (no need for birth certificates or multiple forms of identification), no blood tests, and no witnesses needed. It is a three-step process and you are only involved in the first two! Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Online Portion
The first step is to fill out an online application with the Hawaii Department of Health’s Marriage License Application Website. You will fill out some simple information about you and your partner (one page total) and pay a non-refundable $65 fee to the State. This is your first stop, and you can do it up to a year before your wedding date (which if you like checking off a ‘to do’ list, this is quick, simple, and easy on the bank account).
It will ask you if you have a performer and their ID number, I will give this to you once you book!
PRO TIP: Keep that Locator ID noted somewhere you’ll remember it, because that is what you will use to check on the status of your application.
Step 2: In-Person Pick Up
Once you land in Oahu, you AND your sweetheart will need to meet with an authorized Marriage License Agent. This appointment must be within 30 days of your wedding dates, as your license is only valid for 30 days once issued. You have to pick this up BEFORE the ceremony - we can’t backdate the license for you!
What to Bring:
Your Locator ID (remember I told you to keep that handy)
Valid Government-Issued IDs (if it got you on the plane, it’s good enough to get you a marriage license)
Cash for a small fee for the agent (at the time of writing it is $5)
If you are divorced, you ONLY need to bring the divorce document if you got a divorce within the last 30 days.
How to Schedule an Appointment: Two Ways (and a bonus Third)
Department of Health Pick-Up - You can make an appointment HERE
They are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding holidays - and DOUBLE CHECK STATE HOLIDAYS!).
Metered parking is available in front of the building with entry from Punchbowl Street.
Fees (subject to change) are currently $2 per hour (payable by cash or credit card).
This isn't a long process, it is quicker than going through a Starbucks drive thru (if you make an appointment!)
Address: Health State Department of Health – Kinau Hale | 1250 Punchbowl Street Room 101 | Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone Number: (808) 586-4544
Email: doh.marriage@doh.hawaii.gov
Private Agent
If logistics or distance are keeping you from getting to the department of health (like if you land on a Friday night and get married that Sunday or you are staying really far away!) you can opt to have a Private Agent meet you and issue the license. HERE is a somewhat updated list of Private Agents. Each one runs things a little differently and may charge different fees.
Same rules apply as if you were going to the Department of Health.
BONUS for those Staying at Turtle Bay and Four Seasons Ko’Olina
If you are staying at The Ritz-Carlton Turtle Bay Oahu or Four Seasons Oahu their concierge can set up a Private Agent for you - even if you are not getting married there. This is great because both of these resorts are pretty far from the Department of Health which makes this task just that much easier.
Step 3: That’s On Me - Your Oahu Officiant
Once you have that marriage license worksheet in hand, all you have to do is remember to bring it with you to your ceremony! Once we have said the ‘I do’s’ we will sign the paper and I take it home with me to file it online the same day with the State of Hawaii.
How to Get Your Official Certificate
The State of Hawaii understands the need to get you your marriage license ASAP that is why they will issue you a temporary electronic certificate that will be emailed to you in three business days (NOTE: BUSINESS DAYS!). This is good enough if you are in the military and need to set up DEERs and update your pay structure or most other legal proceedings.
In about a month or two a hard copy of your certificate will be mailed to you.
You might need a few extra copies for name changes or other legal needs and those can be ordered through the Department of Health website.
For Our International Lovebirds: A Little Extra Step (The Apostille)
If you are joining us from outside the US, welcome! Your Hawaii wedding will be recognized back home - Oahu is the ‘Gathering Place’ after all - but some countries require an extra document called an Apostille to certify your marriage. This basically authenticates your Hawaii marriage certificate for international use(think of it as your marriage license passport).
What Countries Need an Apostille?
Generally, countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention (Here's A List of the 92 Countries that are Members. If your home country is not a member, you may need additional or different certifications. Please check with your local authorities back home.
How to Get an Apostille to Authenticate Your Marriage in Hawaii.
You can request an apostille AT THE SAME TIME you request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Hawaii Department of Health.
There are separate fees involved (at the time of writing this blog it is $1 cash) and you can go over that Hawaii State Department of Health and Vital Records Website
Conclusion
See? Not so scary after all. Getting your marriage license in Hawaii is a breeze and just one small step on your journey to forever.
My biggest wish for you is a wedding day filled with pure joy and epic memories and as your laid-back, caring, and super excited officiant, I’m here to help you on your journey to forever.
Ready to make your Oahu elopement dreams into reality? Let’s connect. Reach out through the contact form below and let’s start planning your perfect, stress-free celebration in paradise. I can’t wait to be a part of your love story.
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