How To Get Married In Hawaii

Your Complete Planning Guide

Lei Exchange at a Hawaii Marriage.

Licenses, Costs, and Requirements

Every detail you need to know to get legally married in Hawaii.

If you’re dreaming of tying the knot in paradise, then you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a local, you’re visiting from another state, or coming from outside the country, here’s all you need to know on how to be legally married in the State of Hawaii.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: where to get your marriage license, how to apply for your marriage license, what you need to bring with you when applying for your marriage license, marriage requirements and more.

Hawaii is one of the easiest places to get married. As a couple getting married in Hawaii, you have the options to choose between a Civil Marriage at the Courthouse, a traditional wedding ceremony at a wedding venue, or eloping together in Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes.

Whichever you choose, Hawaii will definitely be one of the most amazing and beautiful places where you can say “I do” to forever. Let’s get started.

HAWAII AT A GLANCE

  • The vibe: Romantic, tropical, adventurous
  • Best for: Destination weddings, intimate elopements, multi-day celebrations
  • Why couples choose it: Island vibes, tropical landscapes, beach and mountain views, pre and post wedding activities, honeymoon destination

ISLANDS WHERE YOU CAN GET MARRIED

  • OAHU
  • MAUI
  • KAUAI
  • BIG ISLAND
  • LANAI (though not many options)

KEY DETAILS

  • Peak season: May–October
  • Best golden hour: 5:30pm – 7:00pm (varies by month and which side of the island you’re on)
  • Sunset Couples portraits are hugely popular
  • Beach and State Park weddings and elopements require a permit for activity
  • Sunset ceremonies are possible but need tight timing – has more crowds, less privacy
  • Drone permissions vary by venue and require FAA approved Pilots License from its flier.

Table of Contents

Do you need to be a resident to get married in Hawaii?

Simple answer? Absolutely not.
The State of Hawaii does not require that couples getting married have to be residents of Hawaii, so you’re in the clear!

Hawaii Marriage License Requirements


Below is a list of everything you’ll need and what to bring or have in order to get your Hawaii Marriage License.

1. Identification Needed

  • Government Identification

You will need a government identification card to fill out your application as well bring it with you to pick up your marriage license. You can use your Passport, State Issued Drivers License, State Issued Identification Card, or your Military ID if you’re in the military. Any of these 4 identification documents are okay to use as long as it has your picture on it, your address, your birthdate, and your full legal name.

And great news! If you’re an International couple or a foreigner looking to get married in Hawaii, your Passport will be used as your government identification.

2. Age Requirements

  • You must be at least 18 years old

If you plan to get married in the State of Hawaii, the legal age requirement is 18 years old.

3. Pick your “Performer”

  • Find an officiant, a pastor, a celebrant, or someone who is legally licensed and registered in the State of Hawaii to marry you.

Before you can even finish filling out your marriage license application, you have to have the information of the person who will be legally officiating or “marrying” you. You can find your own officiant or “Performer” on Hawaii through your own search, or you can pick from the list provided on the Department of Health’s Marriage website here: Find your Performer/Celebrant/Officiant

You can also browse through our recommended list of Hawaii Officiants here: Hawaii Wedding Officiants (coming soon)

4. Must Fill out the Marriage License Application

  • Fill out your marriage license application online or in person

You can find and fill out the Hawaii marriage license application online at the Hawaii Department of Health’s online Marriage and Civil Union Registration System.

Be sure to take a screenshot of the Locator ID or Authorization Code on your receipt for access to your Marriage Certificate online for later printing.

5. Pay the Application Fee

  • It costs $65 total when you apply for your marriage license. $60 for the application + $5 processing fee.

You must pay the application fee either in person, or online when you apply for your marriage license. If online, then you can pay by card. If in person, you can pay in cash or card. If in cash you must have the exact amount of $65 as they do not accept bills bigger than $20. Some locations and independent marriage agents can charge $70 if in person, just depends on the location.

How to Apply for a Hawaii Marriage License (Step-by-Step)



It’s a simple and easy process to obtain your Hawaii marriage license. You can choose to apply online and pick it up later, or you can call the Department of Health to schedule a meeting with a marriage agent to do it all at the same time, or you can walk-in (preferably before 12pm) and fill out an application, pay the fee, and meet with an available agent then. Though we highly advise making an appointment to make sure someone will be available when you arrive.



It is also possible to apply for and obtain your marriage license all in one day, if planned in advance. So if you’re staying for a week and getting married within that week, just make sure to fill out the application online and pay the fee early, bring your application with you and your receipt as proof of payment when you go to meet your marriage license agent, and you’ll be on your way! Just remember you and your partner must both be present in-person for the meeting with the agent to receive your marriage license. No stand-ins, or designated people other than you and your partner are allowed to pickup your marriage license. The step-by-step guide below will help you obtain your marriage license and you’ll be on your way to saying “I do!”

STEP 1. Find your Performer (officiant, celebrant, pastor, etc)

  • Pick your Performer before starting your application
  • You must do this before filling out your application as you will be asked for this information.
  • Find a Performer here: Find your Performer/Celebrant/Officiant

STEP 2. Fill out the Online Application & Pay the Fee

  • Fill out your online application here: Hawaii Department of Health’s online Marriage and Civil Union Registration System.
  • If in person, if paying in cash, bring $65 exact change or bills no bigger than $20. You can also pay by card.
  • If online, it will be $65.
  • Remember that some locations or independent marriage agents, should you pay in-person, might require $70 instead of $65
  • You can apply and pay online, print out the application and bring it with you to your appointment.

STEP 3. Meet with a Marriage License Agent in person

  • You MUST meet IN-PERSON with a Marriage License Agent to receive your marriage license.
  • After submitting your application you will be shown a list of available marriage agents in your chosen location.
  • Schedule an appointment in person, or you can walk-in. We recommend scheduling an appointment as it can get busy.
  • BRING your government approved ID, $65 fee payment (if you didn’t pay online), and a copy of your application for your appointment.

STEP 4. Receive Your Hawaii Marriage License

  • At your appointment, your marriage license agent will go through steps to make sure your information is correct and that you are who you say you are.
  • Any corrections will be made then, so double check your information.
  • Once everything checks out, your fee is paid, you will be handed your Marriage License!
  • You have 30 days from the day you are handed your marriage license to get married. So don’t pick up your marriage license unless you’re getting married in that 30 day window.
Married couple on a staircase.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Hawaii?

Wedding Centerpiece for a reception.

So let’s break it all down to how much this is actually going to cost you to get married in hawaii…

Things you’ll have to pay for right off the bat if you’re just wanting to get married the same day. And this is assuming you just decided to get married today.

  • Application fee $65
  • Performer (officiant, celebrant, pastor, etc.) – typically this can range from $200 – $600
  • Marriage Certificate if downloaded early after you get married $5 online
  • Wedding Rings
  • Wedding Attire
  • Permits – $20 – $50 for Beaches, and $50-$150 for National and State Parks, not including the entrance and parking fees.
  • Insurance: You may need to provide a special event liability insurance certificate, which can cost approximately $100 if you will be getting the permits yourself and not through your performer, planner, or photographer.

Do You Need an Officiant in Hawaii?

Honestly? Yes.

In order to be legally married in the State of Hawaii, you do need to have an officiant present in Hawaii. BUT, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to be FROM Hawaii.

CAN YOUR FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER MARRY YOU?

If you choose to not use one of the recommended Performers from the State Departments list of Performers, and you also choose not to use a local Hawaii Officiant/Performer, then you can choose to have a friend, a family member, or your own Performer/Officiant from out of state to legally marry you in Hawaii.

That person will need to get their license to marry you either online, or be ordained by a religious group that gives them the license to marry you. Then they will have to register their license in the State of Hawaii as a Performer and it will be their responsibility to register your marriage license online for you after you are married, so that you can obtain your marriage certificate.

White chair wedding ceremony at a Hawaii Wedding Venue.

For your friend or family member to be registered as a performer in Hawaii to legally marry you, they will need to register their license at the State of Hawaii’s Department of Health here: Register online as a Hawaii Marriage Performer

They can choose between religious or non-religious as a registrant and will have to fill out the form and pay the required fee to marry you.

Married couple walking on lava rocks.

Can You Have a Beach Wedding in Hawaii?

Heck YES!!! If anything, we encourage you to get married on or by the beach! I mean, it’s Hawaii!

But how exactly can you get married on the beach in Hawaii and what do you need to have to make it happen? Let’s break it down.

First of all, to get legally married on the beach you will need to get a “Right-of-Entry” beach permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources DNLR on WikiPermits to hold your wedding or elopement. Hawaii is one of the most permitted states in the US for weddings and elopements; and because it is one of the top destinations to get married, the State of Hawaii tries to keep the island beautiful by making sure exposure to its nature is controlled and taken care of. Hence, you need to get a permit.

Secondly, you will need to get a one-time Special Event Liability Insurance policy for your event. The State of Hawaii requires that it covers up to $1 million dollars, and this can typically cost about $100 – $200 depending on your insurance. This is mainly needed for when you apply for your Beach Permit or for your wedding or elopement venue location. If you choose to go with certain photographers or officiants, they will be able to get the permits for you if they are legally registered as a business in the state of Hawaii.***Side Note – Maiwahine Creations offers coverage for your beach permit needs in her photography services. Though not every wedding and elopement vendor offers this, it is sometimes a great help to ask if your vendor will obtain the permit for you or if they require that you obtain this for yourself. And lastly, it is generally a good idea, to have event insurance for yourself in case of cancellations, etc.

Thirdly, not all beaches are the same. There are public beaches, that require the Beach Permits for your wedding or elopement, and then there are private beaches where you can have access to them only through a wedding venue, villa, or private estate that holds wedding and elopement events. (see our Hawaii Wedding Venues Guide – COMING SOON)

And lastly, here are some RESTRICTIONS to holding your wedding on the beach.

  • You are limited to 25-30 guests, including your vendors.
  • Your event must be no longer than 2 hours on the beach maximum.
  • Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed chairs (there are exceptions for elderly or disabled), any floral setups, or tents during these 2 hours as it is viewed as obstruction of the beach.
  • You can however have your own hand-held bouquets, and only real life flower petals to throw, though these might have to be picked up afterwards. Artificial flowers are strictly prohibited, unless they’re hand-held.
  • While you are not allowed any speakers to amplify your music, you can definitely opt to have a live musician perform during your ceremony. (See Hawaii Wedding Vendors Guide – COMING SOON)
  • And lastly, this might be obvious, but if it’s not, alcohol is not allowed nor are glass containers allowed on the beach. Alcohol on the beach is illegal, so make sure you either have Sparkling water or a non-alcoholic drink like a Cider as a substitution for a toast. It still makes for great bottle spray photos for after wedding celebrations, and no one can tell the difference but you.

How Long Does It Take to Get Married in Hawaii?

Realistically, you can get married within a day, if you time it right.

You can apply for your marriage license, see a marriage agent, and get married all in one day in Hawaii. Because once your marriage license is issued and given to you by the marriage agent after your meeting, it is immediately valid and you can go straight to wherever you are planning to tie the knot. And because your marriage license is good from the day it’s issued until 30 days after, you’re pretty much good to go.

Some things to note that might help speed things along would be to apply online, pay the fee, and print out your application and receipt before you arrive in Hawaii. If you forget to do this, don’t worry. If you saved the file, you can print it out at any Office Depot or Fedex store. Next, make sure to schedule an appointment with a marriage license agent before or when you arrive. Just know the Department of Health offices are closed on state and government holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, and after 4pm. So, make sure to go during opening hours of 8am to 4pm Mondays through Fridays! We recommend before 12 PM.

Married couple holding each other by the beach.

Example Timeline for Applying for your Marriage License:

  • Friday – Go online and find your Performer
  • Fill out your application online
  • Pay the $65 fee
  • Print out your application, receipt, and make a note of the Locator ID for later
  • Schedule an appointment with a marriage license agent after you submit your application online
  • Saturday – 9:00 AM – Arrive in Hawaii
  • Monday – 11:00 AM – Go to your appointment with the license agent
  • 11:30 AM- Get your marriage license (good for 30 days)
  • 1:00 PM – Go get married!
  • Easy right?
Hotel room for a wedding stay.

When to Apply for a Marriage License

While you can typically get married in Hawaii within a day, it is always good to be prepared. You can apply for your Hawaii marriage license as early as one year in advance.

While applying for your marriage license in advance of your arrival to Hawaii is recommended, things do happen. So before your travel, at least 1-2 weeks before your departure, take some time to apply online, pay, and print out your marriage license and have at least 2 copies for safe keeping.

Just remember, once you pickup your marriage license, you have 30 days to get married.

Planning a destination wedding in hawaii (what to know)

Planning a destination wedding in Hawaii can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. From booking tickets and hotel blocks, to finding your vendors, and planning all the details from afar, here’s what you need to know to help make planning your wedding day easier.

Planning your Travel to Hawaii

When planning your travel to Hawaii for your wedding…

… it’s always a good idea to book your tickets far in advance at least a 3-4 months. If you are bringing your wedding dress, it’s best to bring it as a carryon in a dress bag to make sure it won’t get lost. If you’re bringing wedding favors or gifts, it’s recommended to ask if your family members or your wedding party members also traveling to Hawaii, can bring one or two items for you. Just make sure that they are arriving with plenty of time to give your items to the wedding planner.

Guest Logistics and Hotel Blocks

When planning a wedding in Hawaii, you may have to think about…

… guest logistics such as transportation for you, your wedding party, and your guests to your wedding, pre- and post -wedding activities, welcome dinner or party, and hotel blocks. Exploring the possibilities can seem overwhelming so we’ve curated the following Transportation Vendors, Hotel Block suggestions, and a list of Activities for you and your guests to enjoy. (complete lists COMING SOON!)

  • Hawaii Transportation Vendors
  • Hotels for Guest Blocks
  • Activities for before and after your wedding

Working with local Hawaii Vendors

Planning your wedding in Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without…

your Hawaii wedding vendors to help make your dream come to life. From planners, florists, makeup artists, musicians, caterers and more, we’ve curated a list of trusted and well known Hawaii Wedding Vendors to help make your day unforgettable!

Our Hawaii Wedding Vendor list – COMING SOON!

Hawaii Wedding vs Elopement

Getting married in Hawaii is a unique and amazingly beautiful experience, and choosing between having a wedding or an elopement can be a hard decision to make. While weddings are more structured and traditional, elopement are more flexible and less pressure. But whichever you decide – to have a wedding or to elope, just make sure it’s what YOU want, and the memories will last you a lifetime.

EXPLORE OUR HAWAII WEDDING & ELOPEMENT GUIDE

Final Steps Before Your Wedding Day

Your big day is just around the corner, so here’s a few things to make sure you don’t forget a thing – your Checklist:

  • Hawaii Marriage License
  • Vendors
  • Permits
  • Wedding Details – rings, vow books, invite

And in case you want more, here’s a full list of what we give our actual couples to help prepare them for their big day!

Full Wedding Day Prep List COMING SOON!

Palm tree with coconuts.
Wedding arch with bird of paradise floral arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Hawaii

Here are the questions I am most commonly asked as an Hawaii wedding photographer on how to get married in Hawaii.

Young married couple under a palm tree.

Your marriage license is valid for 30 days starting from the day you pick it up in your meeting. So don’t pick it up too early if you are planning on getting married more than 30 days after your appointment.

Absolutely yes! You will just need to provide your passport as a government form of Identification.

Yes, you do. And we recommend that you get what is called the Special Event Liability Insurance that will cover things like, cancellation fees, damages, injuries, etc. In the State of Hawaii it is required to have at least $1 million to $2 million in event insurance coverage. But please make sure to check with your venue or location before adding a specific amount.

We suggest to first ask your own personal car insurance holder if they provide this as an add on for your event. If not, State Farm Insurance, WedSafe, Geico, WedSure, or eWed are also possibilities. But please do you research on what’s best for you.

The best time for couple’s portraits is either right before sunset, just after sunset, or early in the morning, This is because the light is softer, not straight above your head to cause harsh shadows, and it’s not too bright where you will squint. If you must have your couples photos during the daytime when it is harsh lighting, we recommend choosing areas that are shaded, or where you are not facing directly into the sun. A good photographer will know this and be able to help you plan for it. See Maiwahine Creations for your photography needs if you’re looking for a photographer.

Unfortunately, no. Alcohol in public is illegal in Hawaii but great substitutions are Sparkling Water or Ciders!

Explore More Hawaii Wedding Resources

Explore our guides:

Sky view of the hawaii coastline.

FIND YOUR HAWAII MARRIAGE OFFICES – BY ISLAND:

Oahu Marriage License Offices

Honolulu – Hawaii State Department of Health – Kinau Hale

Address: 1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 101; Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone Number: (808) 586-4544

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, from 8 AM – 4PM

Kauai Marriage License Offices

Lihue – Kauai Health District Office

Address: 3040 Umi St.; Lihue, HI 96766

Phone Number: (808) 241-3498

Office Hours: 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM

Maui Marriage License Offices

Wailuku – Maui District Health Office

Address: State Office Building – 54 South High Street Rm. #301; Wailuku, Maui, HI 96793

Phone Number: (808) 984-8210, (808) 984-8200

Hawaii Island (Big Island) Marriage License Offices

Hilo – Hawaii Health District Office

Address: 75 Aupuni St. Suite 201; Hilo, HI 96720

Phone Number: (808) 974-6008

Waimea – Hawaii Health District Office

Address: 67-5189 Kamamalu St.; Kamuela, HI 96743

Phone Number: (808) 887-8114

Let’s create your

Hawaii Love
STORY

Hawaii wedding holding a camera.

If you’re dreaming of getting married in Hawaii, I’d love to help you plan, explore, and create something unforgettable.
Use the link below to inquire about your date and let’s connect!

BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL WITH ME!

EXPLORE OUR GUIDEs

WEDDING & ELOPEMENT GUIDE
HAWAII WEDDING & ELOPEMENT GUIDE
HAWAII WEDDING GUIDE