Hawaii is a beautiful place and a marriage here is
an ideal way for a couple to start life together. You may be a visitor
to the Islands, drawn to our year-round warm and sunny weather, or you
may be a resident wishing to celebrate a most cherished moment in a
place that you call home. Whoever you are, we welcome you and hope that
we can make your wedding day as free from worry as possible. Aloha and
best wishes!
For any person to lawfully marry in the State of
Hawaii, a license for that purpose must be obtained from an authorized
agent (HRS §572-1.7). Once the license has been issued, there is
no waiting period before the marriage can take place.
A marriage license and marriage certificate are
different documents. The marriage license permits a marriage to take
place. The marriage certificate indicates that a legal marriage has
been performed.
The marriage certificate is prepared and filed by
your licensed marriage officiant or performer with the Department of
Health. A newly married couple receives one (1) certified copy of the
marriage certificate at no extra charge, upon payment of the marriage
license fee, which will be sent to the couple by mail (60-120 days)
after the marriage has been performed. If a marriage certificate is
needed sooner than this, you can apply for one or more additional
certified copies.
Marriage performers must be duly licensed by and in
the State of Hawaii to perform the marriage ceremony. If desired, you
may request the marriage performer to present his/her license for your
inspection. For further information about obtaining a marriage
performer, you can visit The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
website or call them at (808) 924-0266.
Getting Marriage License Information by
Telephone
Information on marriage licenses may be obtained via
the telephone system, any day or any time, by calling (808)
586-4545.
Contacting this Office by E-mail
To send an e-mail message, click on vr-info@doh.hawaii.gov
now.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Marriage License?
- There are no state residence or U.S. citizenship requirements.
- Blood tests are not required.
- The legal age to marry is 18 years for both males and females.
- Males or females of 16 or 17 years of age who wish to marry require the
written consent of both parents, legal guardian, or the family court. The
parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent
forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.
- Males or females of 15 years of age who wish to marry require the written
consent of both parents or legal guardian, and the written approval of a judge
of the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents
of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.
- Proof of age is required. A certified copy of a birth certificate must be
presented for anyone 18 years of age or under. A valid I.D. or driver’s
license may be presented for anyone 19 years of age or over.
- If previously married, proof of original divorce decree or death certificate
needs to be presented to the marriage agent by the applicant if the divorce
or death was final within 30 days of applying for a marriage license. NO FAXES
ARE ACCEPTED.
- Cousins may marry. However, the blood relationship between the prospective
bride and groom cannot be closer than first cousins.
How to Apply for a Marriage License
- The prospective bride and groom must appear together in person
before a marriage license agent to apply for a marriage license.
Proxies are not allowed.
- The prospective bride and groom should be prepared to provide the
necessary proof of age and present any required written consents and
approvals. All of the necessary documents should be obtained prior to
applying for a marriage license.
- The prospective bride and groom must prepare an official
application and file the application in person with the marriage
license agent. Applications are provided by the marriage license agent
or may be downloaded from this site (see below). The application will
not be accepted if sent by either postal mail or e-mail.
- Upon approval, a marriage license is issued at the time the
application is made.
- The marriage license costs $60.00, payable in cash at the time the
application is made.
- The marriage license is good only in, but is valid throughout, the
State of Hawaii.
- The marriage license expires 30 days from and including the date of
issuance, after which it automatically becomes null and void.
- If you do not get married within the 30 days, return the unused
license in the pre-addressed envelope provided to you for
invalidation.
Marriage license applications are available in a “fillable” Adobe Acrobat portable
document format (PDF). The Adobe Acrobat Reader 7 (or later) is required for
using the fillable forms feature.
The Adobe Acrobat Reader 7 is free to download and install on your computer
by clicking on the button:
Where to Apply for a Marriage License
- In Honolulu - Room 101 (1st floor) of the Health Department Building,
1250 Punchbowl St. (corner of Beretania and Punchbowl Streets)
Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- For the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of marriage agents in
the rural and suburban areas of Oahu - call (808) 586-4544
- For the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of marriage agents on
the neighbor islands - call the local office of the Department of Health:
Hawaii (Big Island) |
- |
(808) 974-6008 |
Kauai |
- |
(808) 241-3498 |
Maui |
- |
(808) 984-8210 |
Molokai |
- |
(808) 553-3663 |
Lanai |
- |
(808) 565-6411 |
|