Couples deciding to get married in Hawaii have the idea that planning their wedding should take ages. However, this isn’t necessarily true because you can get married earlier than you thought. For those couples thinking about tying the knot in Hawaii, here’s what you should know about getting married on the same day.
You may be one of those couples who want the magic of a Hawaii wedding but need or want the convenience of a same-day marriage. Want the good news? Hawaii’s marriage laws make it one of the easiest places to say “I do” with no waiting period.
We have prepared some clear answers to your top questions so you can plan your perfect island wedding stress-free.
Can You Get Married in Hawaii the Same Day You Apply for a Marriage License?
You surely can. You can get married in Hawaii on the same day you pick up your marriage license. There is no mandatory waiting period between obtaining your license and having your wedding ceremony. Once you have your Hawaii marriage license in hand, you can exchange vows that very day if you wish.
What Are the Basic Legal Requirements to Get Married in Hawaii?
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old (or 15-17 with parental consent and additional approvals).
- No residency requirement – you don’t have to live in Hawaii or the US.
- No blood tests or medical exams required.
- Valid government-issued photo identification needed (driver’s license, passport, military ID).
- Proof of divorce or death certificate if widowed or divorced within 30 days.
- You cannot marry a close relative (no first cousins).
Steps to Get a Marriage License in Hawaii
Before doing anything, you need to get your Hawaii marriage license. The easiest way to do this is by following the following steps:
- The application process includes completing an online marriage license application and paying a $65 fee.
- Next, you’ll need to meet with a licensing agent in person. It’s mandatory that both you and your partner appear together at a Hawaii Department of Health agent’s office to verify your identities and pick up your license. Proxies are not allowed.
- Once you get the license, you should have your ceremony within 30 days. Why? Because your marriage license is valid for 30 days after issuance, your ceremony must take place within that time frame.
The Documents You Need for Same-Day Marriage
When applying for a Hawaii marriage license, you’ll need to provide the required documentation to prove your identity and marital status. Make sure you have the following documents ready and at hand:
- Valid government-issued photo IDs, like a driver’s license or passport.
- Proof of divorce or a death certificate if a previous marriage ended within 30 days.
- If under 18, additional parental consent and a certified birth certificate are required.
Waiting Period Between Getting the License and the Ceremony
Lucky for all those couples who are in a hurry, Hawaii does not impose a waiting period. So, once you have the license, you can legally marry immediately.
And the good news for all those couples coming from abroad, the answer is that you can absolutely get married in Hawaii the same day as well. Hawaii does not require residency or citizenship to marry there. Visitors can legally marry during their vacation with the proper paperwork. So, prepare your documentation before you arrive and go ahead and tie the knot on your holiday.
The Downsides to Same-Day Marriages
While there are so many benefits of having a quick wedding in Hawaii, you should also be aware of the downside:
- You only have a limited time to plan. A same-day wedding might feel rushed if you are organizing beach or large ceremonies.
- Both you and your partner must appear in person to pick up the license. This will require some scheduling and coordination on your part.
- Be sure to have the proper documentation. If you have recently divorced or your spouse has died, you must have all the documentation ready.
- Keep in mind that not all officiants may be available at the last minute. This is why it’s wise to book a trusted officiant like Rev. James Chun ahead of time.
Where Can You Get Married Same-Day in Hawaii?
The easiest way to get married in Hawaii is to have a civil ceremony at the courthouse or government office. Again, you should ask if there are any available spots to realize your plan.
Beach weddings are also another option. They are possible on the same day but require more coordination for permits, timing, and officiant availability. To avoid the permits for the beaches, you may want to check the list of beaches that do not require you to get a permit. This is sometimes possible on some beaches for wedding parties of up to 10 people.
Same-Day Hawaii Wedding Tips
We have picked a few tips for you to follow when planning to get married in Hawaii on the same day:
- Plan your license pick-up early because the Department of Health offices have limited hours.
- Don’t forget to bring all necessary IDs and documents for both of you.
- You may want to book your officiant in advance, which is especially important for beach weddings.
- If you are having an intimate ceremony, you will want to stay flexible and keep it simple.
Choose Rev. James Chun for Your Hawaii Wedding
Choosing the right and reliable officiant is one of the most important items on your to-do list. Rev. James Chun is a state-licensed, non-denominational officiant with decades of experience in Hawaii weddings. Whether you want a quick courthouse ceremony or a romantic beach wedding, he provides personalized service and smooth legal guidance so you can focus on celebrating your love.
Conclusion
Hawaii’s welcoming marriage laws are the reason behind same-day weddings being simple and special. You can make a courthouse ceremony or a beautiful beach wedding happen quickly and easily with the right preparation.
Fill out our contact page to start planning with Rev. James Chun. Or explore our Locations and Wedding Packages pages to find your perfect spot and style in paradise. Your dream Hawaiian wedding is just a phone call away – no waiting required! As always, for more inspiration and advice, feel free to browse through our blog!
