How to Apply for a Marriage License on Oahu

Planning a wedding in Hawaii? Whether you're traveling to Oahu for a destination wedding, planning an intimate beach ceremony, or getting married at one of the island's beautiful wedding chapels, you'll need a valid Hawaii marriage license before you can officially say “I do.”

Fortunately, getting a marriage license on Oahu is a relatively simple process. Hawaii does not require couples to be residents of the state, and there is no waiting period once your marriage license has been issued.

Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a marriage license on Oahu.

Step 1

Complete Your Hawaii Marriage License Application Online

The first step is to complete your marriage license application through the State of Hawaii's online Electronic Marriage and Civil Union Registration System.

You can begin the application here:

Hawaii Marriage License Online Application:
https://emrs.ehawaii.gov

The current marriage license fee is $65, which includes a $60 application fee and a $5 online portal fee. The fee is non-refundable.

After completing your application, be sure to save or print your Authorization Code/Locator ID. You'll need this information when you meet with your marriage license agent.

Step 2

Schedule an Appointment With a Marriage License Agent

Completing the online application does not mean your marriage license has been issued.

Both partners must meet together and in person with an authorized Hawaii marriage license agent. Proxies are not permitted.

Your appointment must take place no more than 30 days before your wedding ceremony because your marriage license is only valid for 30 days after it is issued.

Couples getting married on Oahu can visit the Hawaii Department of Health Marriage License Office in Honolulu or schedule an appointment with one of the private marriage license agents located around the island.

The main Oahu Marriage License Office is located at:

Hawaii State Department of Health – Kinau Hale
1250 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Marriage license office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding state holidays.

Private marriage license agents are also available throughout Oahu by appointment. This can be especially convenient for destination wedding couples staying outside of downtown Honolulu.

We recommend arranging your appointment in advance, particularly if you're visiting Hawaii for only a few days before your wedding.

Step 3

Bring the Required Identification

Both applicants must bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the appointment.

Acceptable identification can include:

• Driver's license

• State-issued identification card

• Passport

Additional documentation may be required in certain situations.

For example, if a previous marriage ended in divorce less than 30 days before you pick up your marriage license, you may need to provide a certified divorce decree. If a former spouse passed away less than 30 days before your appointment, a certified death certificate may be required.

If any required document is not written in English, a certified English translation may also be necessary.

Step 4

Receive Your Hawaii Marriage License

Once the marriage license agent verifies your application, identification and any required documentation, your marriage license can be issued.

One of the great things about getting married in Hawaii is that there is no waiting period.

That means your wedding ceremony can take place as soon as your marriage license has been issued.

However, your ceremony must take place within 30 days of the date the license is issued. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere within the State of Hawaii.

Step 5

Get Married!

Now comes the fun part.

Your wedding ceremony must be performed by an officiant who is properly licensed by the State of Hawaii.

After your ceremony, your licensed wedding officiant completes and submits the required marriage information to the State of Hawaii.

Your marriage license allows you to legally get married, while your marriage certificate becomes the official record showing that the marriage actually took place.

Frequently Asked Marriage License Questions

• Do You Have to Be a Hawaii Resident to Get Married in Hawaii?

  No.

  You do not need to live in Hawaii or be a U.S. citizen to obtain a Hawaii marriage license.

  This makes Oahu an especially convenient destination for couples traveling from the mainland United States or internationally for a Hawaii destination wedding.

  Hawaii also does not require a blood test.

• How Much Does a Hawaii Marriage License Cost?

  The current fee for a Hawaii marriage license is $65:

  $60 marriage license application fee + $5 online portal fee

  The fee is non-refundable.

  Because requirements and fees can change, we always recommend confirming the latest information with the Hawaii Department of Health before your trip.

• How Far in Advance Should We Apply?

  You can complete the online portion of the application before arriving in Hawaii, but you must meet with a marriage license agent within 30 days of your wedding ceremony.

  For destination wedding couples, we recommend completing the online application ahead of your trip and scheduling your in-person appointment before arriving on Oahu.

  Many couples schedule their appointment for one or two business days before their wedding.

  This gives you enough time to complete the legal requirements without having to worry about your marriage license on your wedding day.

• Can We Get Our Marriage License the Same Day as Our Wedding?

  Potentially, yes.

  Because Hawaii does not have a waiting period, you can legally marry after your marriage license has been issued.

  However, we generally recommend getting your license before your wedding day whenever possible. Wedding days already have plenty of moving parts, and scheduling your marriage license appointment ahead of time gives you one less thing to think about.

• What If We're Having a Beach Wedding on Oahu?

  The marriage license requirements are the same whether you're getting married on a beach, at a chapel, at a hotel, or at another wedding venue.

  Your Hawaii marriage license is valid throughout the state, so you do not need a different type of marriage license for an Oahu beach wedding.

  Keep in mind that your marriage license and any permits required for your wedding location are separate. A marriage license gives you legal permission to marry; it does not reserve or authorize the use of a particular beach, park, or wedding venue.

• Hawaii Marriage License Checklist

  Before leaving for your Hawaii wedding, make sure you've completed these important steps:

  • Complete the Hawaii marriage license application online.

  • Pay the $65 marriage license fee.

  • Save your Authorization Code/Locator ID.

  • Schedule an appointment with an Oahu marriage license agent.

  • Make sure both partners attend the appointment.

  • Bring valid government-issued photo identification.

  • Bring any additional required documents, if applicable.

  • Pick up your marriage license no more than 30 days before your ceremony.

  • Have your ceremony performed by a State of Hawaii licensed officiant.

• Getting Married on Oahu Made Simple

  Planning a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, but obtaining your marriage license is one of the easier parts of getting married in Hawaii.

  Complete your application online, meet with a marriage license agent after arriving on Oahu, bring the proper identification, and you'll be ready to make your Hawaii wedding official.

  At The Best Hawaii Wedding, we help couples create beautiful and stress-free weddings throughout Oahu, from intimate Hawaii beach weddings and elopements to unforgettable chapel ceremonies.

  With your marriage license taken care of and your wedding plans in place, all that's left is to enjoy Hawaii, celebrate your love, and say “I do” in paradise.