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How to get a Marriage License

Getting legally married in Hawaiʻi is wonderfully simple — there’s no residency requirement, no blood test, and no waiting period. Still, a few legal steps need to be handled correctly so your marriage is recognized everywhere you go. Below is everything you need to know about your Hawaiʻi marriage license: what it costs, what to bring, and how it differs from your marriage certificate. If you’d rather have it all coordinated for you, Rev. James and our in-office State of Hawaiʻi Marriage License Agent can guide you through every step.

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate: What's the Difference?

These two documents sound alike, but they serve completely different purposes in your wedding journey:

Marriage License

This is what you obtain before your wedding. It is the State of Hawaiʻi's official authorization for your ceremony to take place.

Marriage Certificate

This is the official proof of marriage you receive after the ceremony, once Rev. James has legally filed your paperwork with the State. This is the document you will use for legal name changes, updating financial records, or proving your marital status.

How to Receive Your Official Marriage Certificate

Once your ceremony is complete and the marriage is registered with the State, you have three ways to access your official certificate:

By Mail

The State of Hawaiʻi will automatically mail your physical marriage certificate to the forwarding address you provided on your initial license application. This typically arrives within a few weeks after your wedding.

Digital Download

Need proof of marriage quickly? A temporary PDF certificate is available to download via the online portal a few business days after your ceremony is registered. To access it, log into the online portal using the Locator ID / Authorization Code sent in your original application receipt email.

In-Person Pickup

If you prefer to expedite receiving a physical copy, you can pick it up in person at the Department of Health (DOH) in Honolulu as soon as the temporary copy becomes available online. Note: in-person physical copies carry a State fee of about $15 per copy.

For Couples From Outside the U.S.: If your home country requires an apostille to legalize your Hawaiʻi marriage document for international use, this is a separate process handled by the State. Our office does not provide apostille services directly; you will need to follow the State’s authentication process after your certificate is issued.

What Does a Hawaiʻi Marriage License Cost?

The legal financial requirements for getting married on Oahu are straightforward:

Total Fee: $65

This is paid directly to the State of Hawaiʻi when you submit your online application. It is made up of a $60 application fee plus a $5 portal fee. All fees are non-refundable

No Additional Recording Fees

There are no separate state fees for recording your marriage. Any further costs depend entirely on the specific wedding package or officiant services you book for your ceremony.

There is no waiting-period fee or hidden processing cost to make the license valid. Once issued by a marriage license agent, it is valid immediately, and there is no waiting period before the ceremony can take place.

Hawaiʻi Marriage License Requirements

Hawaiʻi is one of the easiest places in the world to get legally married. The process is completely streamlined:
  • No waiting period (your license is valid immediately)
  • No residency or U.S. citizenship required
  • No blood tests
To ensure a smooth process, here is exactly what is required before your ceremony:

1

Apply and Pay Online

Submit your formal application via the State portal and pay the $65 fee

2

Meet an Agent

Both partners must physically appear together before an authorized State of Hawaiʻi Marriage License Agent on Oahu to verify documentation and pick up the physical license. Proxies are not allowed. (Our office includes an in-office State of Hawaiʻi Marriage License Agent, so we can coordinate your appointment directly.)

  • Bring Valid Government ID: Both individuals must present a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) at the agent meeting.
  • Age Requirement: The legal age to marry in Hawaiʻi is 18. A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented for anyone 18 years of age or under; a valid photo ID is sufficient for anyone 19 or older.
  • Recent Divorce or Loss of Spouse: If a divorce or the death of a former spouse was final less than 30 days before you pick up your license, you must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate to your meeting with the marriage license agent.
  • The 30-Day Window: Once the marriage license agent hands you your physical license, it is valid for exactly 30 days from the date of issuance. Your wedding ceremony must take place within this window, or the license becomes null and void.

Federal Recognition & Registered Officiants

  • Marriage vs. Civil Union: A Hawaiʻi marriage license is federally recognized across all 50 states and internationally — unlike a civil union, which carries legal protections only at the state level.
  • State-Registered Officiant: To make your marriage legally binding, your ceremony must be performed by an officiant registered with the State of Hawaiʻi. Rev. James Chun has been a licensed, registered Hawaiʻi wedding officiant since 2013, ensuring your legal paperwork is handled correctly.

Ready to get legally married on Oahu?

Rev. James has been a trusted Hawaii wedding officiant since 2013. Together with our in-office marriage license agent, we streamline the entire process from license to ceremony. View our wedding packages to find the perfect fit for your day, and leave the paperwork to us.

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