When you decide to get married in Hawaii, there are things you need to familiarize yourself with to ensure everything goes smoothly. You should first start with the legal matters because that will make sure you make your Hawaii civil wedding official. This is usually the most tiresome part, but when you have the right guidelines, it will be over quickly.
If you are not keen on dealing with legal Hawaii wedding requirements, we are here to help you out. We have included everything you need to know to ensure your marriage is official. Once you read our blog, you will be ready to move on with your planning process!
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Find a Wedding Officiant to Perform Your Ceremony
First, you will want to find someone to officiate your Hawaii civil wedding. In this step, it is very important to pick a licensed officiant so your marriage is legally recognized. This could be a judge, a minister, or someone officially accredited by the State of Hawaii to perform weddings.
However, when picking this person, you should not only think about their license to perform ceremonies. Namely, this is a professional who will make your ceremony special and memorable, so you need to be careful with your choice. In other words, make sure you take your time to choose a Hawaii wedding officiant who aligns with your vision for the ceremony. Since you’re planning a destination wedding, it is a good idea to set up a meeting or a video call with them to see if they are the right fit.
Moreover, do not forget to use technology to your advantage! You can check an officiant’s credentials on the Hawaii State Department of Health website. Also, take into account that you can always find it helpful to read reviews from other couples who have worked with them. Nowadays, we have a lot of information at our disposal, so use the advanced tech tools to make the right choice for your big day!
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Get All The Documents You Need
The next thing you will want to do is gather the necessary documents in English for your Hawaii marriage license. If any of your documents are in a different language, just make sure to get a certified translation for each one, along with the original.
Moreover, both partners should bring a valid photo ID so the officiant can verify who you are. Always check whether your ID documents are on a valid date because it might take some time to get new ones.
If you are over 18, you are good to go for a Hawaii civil wedding. But if either of you is under 18, you will need consent from both parents. It is also a good idea to include a copy of your birth certificate just to be safe.
Lastly, if either of you has been divorced or widowed, you will need to provide a divorce judgment or death certificate. These are important documents, so do not omit them when preparing your legal files for your marriage application. Otherwise, you might end up with no marriage license days before your wedding date.
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Apply for a Marriage License
After you have gone through the initial steps, you are all set to apply for your Hawaii marriage license. This license is essential because it legally allows you to get married, but it is important to note that it is different from a marriage certificate.
The marriage license is what you need before the big day, while the certificate is what you receive after you have tied the knot. In short, when you receive your marriage license, it does not mean you have made your marriage official.
To kick off the process, head over to the Hawaii State Department of Health’s website and fill out the online application. This not only streamlines everything but also helps ensure that all your information is submitted correctly. Bear in mind that there is a non-refundable application fee that you will need to pay, so make sure you are prepared for it.
The minute you have your license, you will be that much closer to your Hawaii civil wedding!
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Schedule an Appointment with a Marriage License Agent
Once you fill out the online application, both of you will need to go together to meet with a marriage license agent in Hawaii. Make sure to set up an appointment with the agent where you plan to have your ceremony.
When choosing an agent, just go with the one closest to you. Remember, they are unavailable on weekends, so it is best to schedule your meeting within 1 to 3 days after you arrive. If you are visiting during peak season, they might have limited availability, so plan ahead.
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File for a Marriage Certificate After Your Ceremony
After tying the knot, the last thing on your checklist is to file your marriage certificate. You have the option to handle it yourself, but many couples prefer to leave this task to their officiant. This way, they can rest easy knowing that everything is done correctly and legally.
Once your Hawaii civil wedding is over, the officiant will take care of filling out the certificate and sending it off to the Hawaii State Department of Health. Typically, you can expect to receive your official marriage certificate within about 30 days.
However, there is a convenient online filing option that can speed things up – if your officiant files it that way, you might get your certificate in as little as a week! Plus, if you ever need to double-check any details, you can request copies of your records. It is a straightforward process, and it is nice to know everything is sorted out after your big day!
As you can see, the process of making your marriage legal is simple, and it includes several steps. We know that the legal stuff might be the most dull part of the wedding planning process, but if you find the right officiant, you can always rely on their help.
To begin your planning process for a Hawaii civil wedding, fill out the contact form. For more information on Hawaiian celebrations, check out our Locations and Wedding Packages pages. Need more valuable tips? Discover our blog!
