Officially Hitched in Paradise: Your Guide to Hawaii Civil Marriage and Legal Weddings

I'd like to thank the Rev. James Chun, of https://www.hawaiiweddingminister.com/ for taking the time to write this article for our blog. Rev. James has been officiating weddings in the islands for decades, and he has the kind of calming aura that we all want for that special day. If you are considering a wedding in Hawaii, keep reading!

Dreaming of saying "Aloha" to your new spouse amidst the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii? Whether you envision an intimate elopement on a secluded beach, a charming ceremony in a private courtyard, or a simple yet significant courthouse marriage, understanding the legal requirements for getting married in the Aloha State is paramount. This comprehensive guide to Hawaii marriages will walk you through every step to ensure your union is not only memorable but also legally binding in Hawaii.

At the heart of every legal marriage in Hawaii, big or small, lies one crucial piece of paper: the marriage license. Think of it as your official permission slip to wed in this island paradise. You can obtain your Hawaii Civil Marriage license as early as 30 days before your special day, but remember, you absolutely must have it in hand before your officiant can perform the ceremony. In fact, besides your presence and your partner's, it's the second most vital element for a legal ceremony. To make things seamless, it's always a good idea to bring your marriage license with you to your chosen ceremony location.

Rest assured, even if a moment of pre-wedding jitters leads to a forgotten license, all is not lost! Because your information is pre-registered with the state, your officiant can still file the necessary paperwork with the State of Hawaii to finalize the legal aspects of your marriage. In this scenario, you'll simply need to provide your officiant with your birth dates so they can locate your license details online. After the ceremony, your officiant will handle the filing, and the official legal copy of your marriage certificate will be mailed to you by the State of Hawaii. Typically, this takes around four weeks. However, if you're eager to receive it sooner, you can expedite the process by completing a specific form and paying an additional fee to the Department of Health.

So, how exactly do you navigate the process of getting married in Hawaii or entering into a civil union? Let's break it down step-by-step:

Step 1: Select Your Dream Hawaii Wedding Location

Hawaii offers a stunning array of backdrops for your special day. The choice is yours, reflecting your unique style and vision. Consider these enchanting options:

• Courthouse Marriage Style: For couples seeking a no-fuss, legally binding union, opting to simply sign the marriage paperwork in an office provides a straightforward and efficient solution. This is the epitome of a Hawaii Civil Marriage, focusing on the essential legalities.

• Marriage Ceremony in a Private Plaza Courtyard: Imagine exchanging vows in a serene and intimate setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle Hawaiian breeze. A private plaza courtyard offers a charming ambiance for a small ceremony.

• Wedding Elopements at Picturesque Parks: For those dreaming of a more adventurous and naturally beautiful setting, Hawaii's parks offer breathtaking scenery:

  • Magic Island: With its iconic views of Diamond Head and the Honolulu coastline, Magic Island provides a stunning backdrop for an intimate elopement.

  • Honolulu Ridge: Offering panoramic vistas of the city and the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu Ridge is a romantic choice for exchanging vows.

  • Keehi Lagoon: This tranquil lagoon setting boasts calm waters and scenic views, perfect for a peaceful elopement.

  • Aiea Loop Trail: For nature-loving couples, the lush trails and verdant landscapes of Aiea Loop Trail offer a unique and enchanting setting.

  • Foster Botanical Garden: Immerse yourselves in the beauty of exotic flora and serene landscapes within this historic botanical garden.

• Elopement Wedding at a Beach of Your Choice: Picture saying "I do" with your toes in the sand, the sound of gentle waves as your soundtrack, and a spectacular Hawaiian sunset painting the sky. Hawaii's diverse beaches offer endless possibilities for a romantic elopement.

Step 2: Choose Your Date and Time and Make a Reservation

Once you've envisioned your ideal location, the next step is to select your preferred date and time. Popular times and locations can book up, so it's wise to make a reservation as soon as you have a clear idea. You'll typically use an RSVP form provided by your chosen officiant or wedding service. This form will allow you to specify your desired ceremony location, whether it's a beach, a park, a private courtyard, or simply signing the Hawaii

Civil Marriage paperwork in an office setting.

Step 3: Complete the Online Marriage / Civil Union License Application with the State of Hawaii

This is a crucial step in ensuring your wedding is legally recognized in Hawaii. To obtain your legal marriage in Hawaii, you and your partner must complete an online marriage license application through the State of Hawaii.

You'll be asked to provide basic information about yourselves, including:

• Your full legal names

• Your declared names (name after marriage)

• Your dates of birth

• Your social security numbers

• Information about your parents (full names, birthplaces)

• The anticipated date and location of your marriage ceremony

• The name of your licensed officiant (your "performer")

Don't worry if you're unsure about certain details; simply fill out the application to the best of your ability. You'll have the opportunity to review and make corrections when you meet with the marriage agent.

If either you or your partner has been divorced, you will need to provide a copy of the divorce decree. However, this is generally only required if the divorce was finalized relatively recently (typically within the last three months). If your divorce was finalized longer ago, you usually won't need to provide the decree. If you're uncertain, it's always best to err on the side of caution and have the document available.

Use this link to get to the online marriage application.

Step 4: Meet with a Marriage Agent from the State of Hawaii Department of Health

After completing the online application and paying the required fee, the next vital step is to meet in person with a marriage agent from the State of Hawaii Department of Health to obtain your official marriage license worksheet. Both you and your partner must attend this meeting together, and you will both need to present a valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport).

During this meeting, the marriage agent will review the information you provided in your online application to ensure its accuracy. This is your chance to clarify any uncertainties or make any necessary corrections. Once everything is verified, the agent will provide you with your marriage license worksheet – this is the crucial document you must bring to your wedding ceremony and give to your officiant.

Most marriage agents are located at the Department of Health office in downtown Honolulu:

1250 Punchbowl Street Honolulu, HI 96813

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (excluding State and Federal holidays).

For those staying on the North Shore or the West Side of Oahu, there are also a few conveniently located marriage agents working out of the following resorts:

• Turtle Bay Resort (North Shore Oahu)

• Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (West Side Oahu)

• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (West Side Oahu)

It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment to meet with a marriage agent, especially at the hotel locations, as they often require reservations and may prioritize hotel guests. If you are unable to reach an agent by phone, walk-ins are generally accepted at the Department of Health office in Honolulu.

Once your wedding ceremony is complete and your officiant has filed the signed marriage license worksheet with the State of Hawaii, it typically takes about one month for the official marriage certificate to be mailed to you. However, for those who need proof of marriage sooner, a temporary certificate is usually available for download online approximately one week after the filing.

Navigating the legalities of marriage in a new location might seem daunting, but rest assured, the process in Hawaii is relatively straightforward. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a legally sound and unforgettable Hawaii Civil Marriage. Should you have any questions or require assistance at any point, don't hesitate to reach out for guidance at 808.383.7090. We're here to help you say "Aloha" to your happily ever after in beautiful Hawaii!