Organizing a destination wedding in Hawaii may seem like the most frightening thing, but it’s good to know that you can make it official legally while keeping things smooth and stress-free. Can it really be that easy, you ask? Yes, because other than the natural beauty, the legal side of getting married in Hawaii is pretty straightforward, too. This is also true even if you’re planning a last-minute getaway or a relaxed ceremony.
You just started and have no clue what you need to do? Here’s your detailed guide to everything you need to legally get married in Hawaii in 2025. We’ll explain what steps to take, what documents to prepare, and how to make your Hawaiian wedding official and recognized anywhere.
Hawaii’s Marriage License Basics
Hawaii may just be one of the easiest states to get married in legally. You are not required to have residency; there are no blood tests or waiting period. This means you can pick up your marriage license and get married as quickly as the same day, if you want. The Hawaii marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so you need to have your ceremony within that time frame.
Here’s a list of the things that you need to fulfill in order to qualify:
- Be at least 18 years old (or younger with parental consent and court approval starting at age 15)
- Not be closely related (no first cousins)
- Provide a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, military ID, etc.)
- Show certified divorce or death certificates if a previous marriage ended within 30 days before your application.
Get a Marriage License Online
File for your Hawaii marriage license application online through the official Department of Health portal. When you complete the form and pay the license fee, you’ll receive an authorization code (sometimes called a Locator ID). Keep this code safe, as you need it to pick up your license in person in Hawaii.
It’s best to apply for an online application to save time. This way, you can prepare all your information in advance.
Get Your Marriage License in Person
Both partners must appear together in person at a Hawaii Department of Health office or an authorized agent to pick up your marriage license. Proxies or representatives cannot do this for you. It’s a short visit where your ID and documents are verified before issuance. Plan your arrival, keeping this step in mind, since you cannot legally get married in Hawaii without having your actual license in hand.
Ceremony Location and Officiant
Once you have your Hawaii marriage license in your hands, it’s time to pick where you want to say your vows and who will perform your ceremony. Hawaii offers tons of flexibility:
- You can have a courthouse marriage, just minutes from where you collected your license. This is quick, formal, and involves a judge or justice of the peace.
- Many couples opt for a civil ceremony on the beach, in a garden, or at other outdoor spots across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island.
- Licensed officiants can be judges, justices of the peace, court commissioners, or others authorized by the state.
- The ceremony can be as simple or personalized as you like—many couples incorporate Hawaiian traditions like lei exchange or local music.
If you’re looking for convenience and a quick, beautiful Hawaii civil wedding, the Plaza Courtyard near the licensing offices or central Oahu beaches, such as Magic Island, are popular choices.
A Ceremony Within 30 Days
Remember, you have a 30-day window to legally get married in Hawaii before your license expires. No waiting period means you can get married right after picking up your license or schedule your ceremony days or weeks later within that timeframe.
Your officiant will guide you through the vows and legal declarations. The ceremony itself can be brief, especially if you’re having a civil wedding.
Filing the Marriage Certificate
Your officiant will file your signed marriage certificate after the ceremony with the Hawaii Department of Health. This step registers your marriage officially with the state. You’ll receive your official marriage certificate in the mail in about 4 to 6 weeks. This document proves your marriage and is recognized across all U.S. states and internationally. So no matter where life takes you, your Hawaiian wedding has legal weight everywhere.
What to Know Before Your Hawaii Wedding
- There is no residency or citizenship requirement. You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen or a Hawaii resident to get married there.
- In Hawaii, you can ask your officiant to be a witness at your ceremony.
- If you’re under 18 but over 15, there’s a legal process for getting parental consent and judicial approval.
- You need to provide official proof of divorce or the death of your spouse if your prior marriage ended within 30 days before applying.
- The marriage license fee is $65 and is payable online or in person at the time of application.
- Use your marriage certificate to change your name on documents afterward legally.
Why Get Married in Hawaii?
For many, the allure of getting married in Hawaii is the beaches and tropical vibe. This combines perfectly with the simple, straightforward marriage laws. The legal process won’t slow you down, whether it’s a big celebration or a quiet elopement you want.
Plus, Hawaii’s marriage license process and no waiting period make it ideal for couples visiting from out of town or overseas who want a quick but official wedding.
Conclusion
It’s rather easy to legally get married in Hawaii in 2025. All you need to do is file a quick online form, show up with your IDs, and say your vows. No residency or blood tests, no mandatory waiting times, and a 30-day window to plan your ceremony means you’re never rushed. Feel free to move forward at your pace.
If you want to explore beautiful ceremony locations or affordable wedding packages that suit your style, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact page or browse the Locations and Wedding Packages pages on our site. We’re here to make your Hawaiian wedding dreams simple, romantic, and unforgettable. For more ideas, explore our blog!
