Hawaii Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in Hawaii: $60 license fee, None waiting period, 30 days validity, minimum age 18, None witnesses required. Apply at the Department of Health Marriage License Office.
Hawaii Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in Hawaii?
A marriage license in Hawaii costs $60. This is the standard fee charged by the Department of Health Marriage License Office when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, Hawaii's fee is in line with the national average.
How to Get a Marriage License in Hawaii
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Hawaii does not require proof of residency.
Visit the Department of Health Marriage License Office
Both applicants must appear in person at the Department of Health Marriage License Office in any Hawaii county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $60 fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
License issued same day
Hawaii issues marriage licenses the same day with no waiting period. You can legally marry as soon as the license is in hand, though most couples still plan a few days of buffer.
Hold the ceremony within the validity window
The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be officiated and the license signed within this window. Authorized officiants in Hawaii: Licensed ministers, priests, and officers of any religious denomination. Judges, retired judges, and justices. Hawaii also allows anyone to apply for a one-day license to officiate a specific ceremony.
Return the signed license for recording
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license along with any required witnesses. The signed license must be returned to the Department of Health Marriage License Office (often by the officiant) within the timeframe specified by Hawaii law. The county then issues your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in Hawaii
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some Hawaii counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the Department of Health Marriage License Office.
Out-of-state couples
Hawaii has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the Department of Health Marriage License Office with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in Hawaii following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in Hawaii on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Important Hawaii Notes
Who Can Officiate in Hawaii
Licensed ministers, priests, and officers of any religious denomination. Judges, retired judges, and justices. Hawaii also allows anyone to apply for a one-day license to officiate a specific ceremony.
Good to Know
Hawaii is one of the most popular destination wedding states. The license can be obtained online, and there is no waiting period or residency requirement, making it easy for destination couples.
Hawaii Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, Hawaii drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the Department of Health Marriage License Office
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $60 - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- No witnesses legally required (though many couples bring them anyway)
After the Hawaii ceremony, collect every guest photo
Once you have your license and your ceremony is set, make sure no moment gets missed. Guests scan a QR code and upload photos straight to your shared album - no app download required.
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Hawaii Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A Hawaii marriage license costs $60. The fee is paid at the Department of Health Marriage License Office when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
No. Hawaii has no mandatory waiting period - you can apply for and use your marriage license on the same day. Many couples still apply a few days in advance to avoid last-minute complications.
A Hawaii marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
Hawaii accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the Department of Health Marriage License Office.
No. Hawaii does not legally require witnesses for the marriage ceremony, though many couples choose to have them anyway. If you do invite witnesses, anyone over 18 capable of signing is typically acceptable.
No. Hawaii does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any Department of Health Marriage License Office as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes Hawaii a popular destination wedding state.
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