For any person to lawfully marry in the State of Hawaii, a marriage license must be obtained from a marriage license agent. Once the license has been issued, there is no waiting period before the marriage can take place. Marriages must be performed by a licensed marriage performer, who will then complete and file the marriage certificate with the state Department of Health.
Note that 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.
Eligibility:
- Blood tests are not required.
- There are no state residency or U.S. citizenship requirements.
- Proof of age is required. A valid I.D. or driver's license may be presented for anyone 19 years of age or over. A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented for anyone 18 years of age or under.
- The legal age to marry is 18 years for both males and females. Males or females of 15 to 17 years of age require additional documentation and consent forms (including the written consent of both parents, legal guardian, or the family court, and/or the written approval of a judge of the family court).
- Cousins may marry. However, the blood relationship between the prospective bride and groom cannot be closer than first cousins.
Process:
- 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 must prepare an official application (see below) and file the application in person with the marriage license agent. The application will not be accepted if sent by either postal mail or e-mail.
- The prospective bride and groom should be prepared to provide the necessary proof of age and present any required written consents and approvals.
- The marriage license costs $60.00, payable in cash at the time the application is made. Upon approval, a marriage license is issued immediately.
- The marriage license is good only in, but is valid throughout, the State of Hawaii.
- The marriage license expires 30 days from 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.
See Also:
Download: Marriage License Application (PDF)
Source: Vital Records, Hawaii Department of Health
