Wedding Information: How to Get Legally Married in Hawaii

If you’re looking for a way to have a memorable wedding day among the sunshine and palm trees, then maybe you’ll want to get legally married in Hawaii. Hawaii is one of the most popular places to “tie the knot” at. The sandy-white beaches are an attraction for many engaged couples to legalize their wedding vows at. There are legalities you and your girl/boyfriend will need to follow, but their not unusual or difficult.

Any couple who wants to get legally married in the State of Hawaii must obtain a marriage license prior to the ceremony. The license is obtained from a marriage license agent. There are no blood tests necessary, and you don’t even have to be a resident of Hawaii or a citizen of the United States.

What you and your girl/boyfriend do need, are to appear together before the marriage license agent. You also need legal proof that you are both at least eighteen (18) years of age. A current state or government-issued identification card or a valid drivers license will serve as proof if you two are at least nineteen (19) years old. If you or your girl/boyfriend is eighteen (18) years old or younger, then you’ll need to present a certified copy of your birth certificate to the marriage license agent before you can legally get married in Hawaii. If either of you are under eighteen, then you also need a written consent form from both parents, a legal guardian, or from a family court judge.

As far as the prospective bride and groom being related before they legally get married in Hawaii, first cousins are allowed to marry. However, the man and woman cannot be closer in family relationships than that.

Along with the proof of age, you two will also need to fill out an application
and pay the required fee for the marriage license. Once the marriage license is obtained, you have thirty (30) days to get legally married in Hawaii.

Now, you must locate a minister or someone else who is legally licensed to perform the marriage ceremony. Check with the marriage license agent or with
The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. The latter has a searchable database of wedding service providers and officials.

If you’re a traditional couple, you might want to find a chapel to say your wedding vows at. But you’re not restricted to a chapel. You can legally get married in Hawaii at a beach, in a rainforest or in a lush, or on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just to name a few examples. There are also resorts that you two can go to to get married at.

Keep in mind that if you choose to get legally married on a beach in Hawaii, there are some restrictions. The beaches are typically busy, so finding a private spot for your ceremony may prove to be difficult. Hawaii law doesn’t require a witness to be present at your wedding ceremony. So, it can be just you, your girl/boyfriend, and the person who is legally licensed to perform the marriage. If you’re going to have guests, and your wedding party is going to consist of more than twelve (12) persons, you may need to obtain a permit to use the beach. And, alcohol is illegal on most beaches. So if your wedding reception is going to include alcohol, you’ll need to move to a different location after the wedding ceremony.

And finally, you’ll need a photographer, and maybe a reception if you have guests, and a place to stay after you get legally married in Hawaii. Enjoy your time there, and, Congratulations!