Marriage License Requirements in Hawaii

You must apply for a marriage license to wed in the Hawaiian Islands.

Many details go into planning your wedding, regardless whether you are carrying on a lavish affair with hundreds of guests or a civil ceremony at your local courthouse with just your witnesses. One of the most important details in planning a wedding is the marriage license. In all states, including Hawaii, all couples are required to obtain a marriage license prior to the date of the wedding. Without a marriage license, the act of marriage is not considered legal, and you will not be recognized by the state of Hawaii as husband and wife.

Age Restrictions

To apply for your marriage license, you must visit the Hawaii Department of Health as a couple to fill out your application. Couples who do not appear together will not be permitted to fill out a marriage license application. The required age for marriage in Hawaii is 18. However, anyone 15 to 17 years of age can apply for a marriage license if they have parental consent. The parents or legal guardians of a minor must appear with the couple to apply for a marriage license, because their signature is needed on the application as permission for the minor to wed.

Proof of Identity

Proof of age and identity are required when filling out a marriage license application in Hawaii. Applicants who are 19 years of age or younger must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate when applying for a marriage license. Applicants who are older must also bring identification, such as a driver's license or government issued ID card. Applicants cannot be blood relatives closer than first cousins. Only male and female couples are permitted to file a marriage license application. Hawaii, as of 2010, does not recognize same-sex marriage. You do not need to be a resident of Hawaii or a U.S. citizen to apply for a Hawaiian marriage license.

License Fees and Expiration

Your marriage license will be given to you during your application visit provided you meet the requirements for obtaining a license and your application is approved. You have 30 days to use your marriage license before it expires. To apply for a marriage license in Hawaii, you do not need to take a blood test, nor do you need to take pre-marital counseling classes. Your marriage license may be used on any of the Hawaiian Islands. The fee for a marriage license in Hawaii, as of 2010, is $60 and is payable only by cash.

References

• State of Hawaii Department of Health: Marriage License Application
• State of Hawaii Department of Health: About Marriage Licenses