A Hawaii Wedding

To be legally married in the State of Hawaii and the United States, you need to do a couple of things.

If you're already married and just having a vow renewal, you don't need a license.

Note: Our "Decorative Wedding Certificate" is not a legal marriage license.


APPLY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE:

Applying for and receiving a license can only be done by you. we cannot do this for you nor is it part of our service.

You are required to apply and register for a State of Hawaii marriage license here: Hawaii Marriage and Civil Union Registration System.

FYI: The application will ask for the minister. We will normally send this to you a week before the end of the month before your ceremony but, if you want it sooner, let us know.


PICK-UP YOUR LICENSE WORKSHEET:

See map here.

You and your future spouse must appear in person at the State Dept. of Health in downtown Honolulu verify your identity to be issued a Marriage License Worksheet. This is not your license.

Bring your application paperwork with government issued photo I.D. (driver's license, military I.D., or passport) for you and your spouse to verify your identity.

If you have questions regarding the legalities of your marriage or civil union, please direct them to the Hawaii State Dept. of Health or your attorney. We do not give legal advice or opinions.

If you are unable pick-up your license during the regular business hours, you must make an appointment to meet with an off-duty agent. The Health Dept. has a list or ask us for a name. Call us immediately for advice.

Note: Some foreign countries require an additional document called an Appostille to be recognized as legal marriage. See bottom of page.


AFTER YOU GET YOUR WORKSHEET:

You must bring your Health Dept. issued License Worksheet to the ceremony and give it to the minister.


AFTER YOU FORGET YOUR WORKSHEET:

Do not go back to get it! This will make you late and/or cause your ceremony not to happen.

We can still perform a ceremony but, it will not be legal until, you get one and have the officiate sign and submit it.

You'll need to meet the minister later or on another day when is available and where he directs.

This requires an extra fee paid directly to the minister. Usually $50 for Honolulu/Waikiki areas.

The wedding date will be the date and location the officiate signs it and not the date and location of the ceremony we performed.


AFTER THE CEREMONY:

The minister will take the Worksheet, sign, date, and input your information electronically to the State Dept. of Health. We allow up to 5 days for this but, it's usually perform within a day or two, or sooner.

Our officiate can expedite the submittal and do it that evening for an extra fee (see Order Form) but, you still have to wait for the Health Dept. staff to enter and process it. So?

Once your information is entered by the Health Dept. staff, you'll be able to download a temporary license using your document locator number. It usually takes the State, 3 business days but, could take longer.

Your official marriage license will be mailed to you directly from the State of Hawaii and usually within 30 days unless, you've paid extra to have them expedite it.

If you do not receive your official marriage licence by mail after 3 months, please let us know, the minister can check on it for you with the Health Dept..