GETTING YOUR HAWAI‘I MARRIAGE LICENSE
At Beach Glass Weddings, it is our privilege to make your entire wedding experience as seamless as possible. Every wedding package we offer includes assistance with coordinating your Hawai‘i marriage license appointment so the process feels simple and stress-free.
Prior to your wedding date, we will:
Provide you with the link to Hawai‘i’s online marriage license application
Guide you through the application process if needed
Coordinate your marriage license appointment
Help you choose the most convenient license agent based on your travel plans
After completing the online application, simply send us your Locator ID and we will take care of the appointment coordination for you.
Hawai‘i’s Marriage License Process
To legally marry in Hawai‘i, both applicants must appear together in person before an authorized marriage license agent and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Hawai‘i does not allow applications by mail or proxy.
We recommend completing the online application before traveling to Hawai‘i. The online application is valid for 1 year.
Your marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued and may only be used within the State of Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i does not require a blood test, witnesses, or a waiting period, which makes it one of the easiest places in the United States to elope.
If either of you has been previously married, your divorce must be finalized before applying for a new marriage license. Hawai‘i does not require a waiting period after divorce. However, if your divorce was finalized within 30 days of applying for your marriage license, you may need to present a certified copy of your divorce decree at your appointment.
What Does This Mean for My Travel Plans?
When making your travel arrangements, we recommend arriving in Hawai‘i at least one business day before your wedding to allow time for your marriage license appointment.
Some marriage license agents are based at hotels and resorts, which can help make scheduling more convenient depending on where you are staying.
Please note that government offices are closed on weekends, Hawai‘i state holidays, and federal holidays. Private marriage license agents are often available outside regular business hours, though weekend availability can sometimes be limited.
Is There a Cost to Apply?
Yes. The State of Hawai‘i charges a $65 marriage license fee, which is paid directly through the online application system.
If you are traveling from outside the United States, you may need additional documentation, such as an apostille, to have your marriage officially recognized in your home country.
For A Marriage License Appointment, Call:
Kailua Kona
Labuen-Enos, Carla Kailua Kona 808-319-7182
Matele, Puamelia Kailua Kona 808-325-8072
Tanimoto, Sheena Kailua Kona 808-238-6666
Howard-Gillaspie, Kimberly Kailua Kona 808-854-4246
Balanay, Monica Kaupulehu Kona no number
Kamuela
Brandt, Tiffany Kamuela 808-887-8114
Spencer, Lahela Kamuela 808-989-3182
HiloDelfin, Rose Hilo 808-640-6179
Kuwahara, Letisha Hilo 808-974-6008
Apostilles
What Is an Apostille?
An Apostille certifies that a document has been signed by, and bears the seal and stamp of, a duly commissioned Notary Public of the State of Hawaii OR was certified by the appropriate custodian of records (e.g. Court Clerk).
A certified copy of civil union, marriage, or divorce certificate issued by the State of Hawaii may need to be officially authenticated in order to be recognized and accepted by government officials of foreign countries.
Who Is Required to Get an Apostille?
For those foreign countries who are nations that have joined the 1961 Hague Convention, the authentication process requires just one official form (the Apostille) to accompany the civil union, marriage, or divorce certificate.
In the State of Hawaii, Apostilles are prepared by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
For nations who have not joined the Convention, the authentication process requires two separate forms to accompany the certificate.
In Hawaii, one of these forms is called a Certification and is prepared by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. The second form is called an Authentication and is prepared by the State Circuit Court.
Any person applying for a certified copy of a birth, death, civil union, marriage, or divorce certificate is eligible to apply for its authentication, if necessary, for international purposes.
How Do We Apply For an Apostille?
If you require a certified copy of a civil union, marriage, or divorce certificate to be authenticated for international legalization, you may request authentication at the same time that you request a certified copy of the certificate.
The Department of Health will coordinate with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the State Circuit Court to have the official forms prepared and attached to the certificate being issued.
There are separate fees charged by each of the agencies involved in authenticating the certificate. Each fee must be paid separately and in the form of a money order or cashier’s check.
What Are The Fees?
If you are making the request in person, the clerk can assist you in determining which forms are needed and what the amount of the fees will be.
If you are making the request by mail, indicate that you want the certificate to be authenticated for international recognition and identify the country involved. If you do not know whether this country has or has not joined the Convention, enclose three (3) separate money orders or cashier’s checks (all payable in U.S. Dollars); and if it is determined that only an Apostille is needed, the unused money order or cashier’s check will be returned to you. Prepayment is required.
The first money order/cashier’s check should be made payable to the State Department of Health:
It will serve as payment for the certificate.
The fee is $10 for the first copy of the certificate and $4 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered at the same time.
There is also a $2.50 portal administration fee for each certificate order up to 5 copies and for each 5-copy increment thereafter.
A second money order/cashier’s check should be made payable to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor:
It will serve as payment for either the Apostille or the Certification, whichever is needed.
The fee is $1 per certificate to be authenticated.
A third money order/cashier’s check should be made payable to the Chief Clerk, First Circuit Court:
It will serve as payment for the Court Authentication, if it is needed.
The fee is $3 per certificate to be authenticated.
Further Information and Assistance
If you require further information about applying for an Apostille or want to check on the status of an accepted request for an Apostille, call (808) 586-4539 or (808) 586-4542 during regular business hours.
