Obtaining a Marriage License in Hawai'i

Hawaii is a beautiful place and a marriage here is an ideal way for a couple to start life together. You may be a visitor to the Islands, drawn to our year-round warm and sunny weather, or you may be a resident wishing to celebrate a most cherished moment in a place that you call home. Whoever you are, we welcome you and hope that we can make your wedding day as free from worry as possible. Aloha and best wishes!

For any person to lawfully marry in the State of Hawaii, a license for that purpose must be obtained from an authorized agent (HRS §572-1.7). Once the license has been issued, there is no waiting period before the marriage can take place.

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.

The marriage certificate is prepared and filed by your licensed marriage officiant or performer with the Department of Health. A newly married couple receives one (1) certified copy of the marriage certificate at no extra charge, upon payment of the marriage license fee, which will be sent to the couple by mail (60-120 days) after the marriage has been performed. If a marriage certificate is needed sooner than this, you can apply for one or more additional certified copies.

Getting Marriage License Information by Telephone

Information on marriage licenses may be obtained via the telephone system, any day or any time, by calling (808) 586-4545.

Contacting this Office by E-mail

To send an e-mail message, click on vr-info@doh.hawaii.gov now.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Marriage License?

  • There are no state residence or U.S. citizenship requirements.
  • Blood tests are not required.
  • The legal age to marry is 18 years for both males and females.
  • Males or females of 16 or 17 years of age who wish to marry require the written consent of both parents, legal guardian, or the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.
  • Males or females of 15 years of age who wish to marry require the written consent of both parents or legal guardian, and the written approval of a judge of the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.
  • Proof of age is required. A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented for anyone 18 years of age or under. A valid I.D. or driver’s license may be presented for anyone 19 years of age or over.
  • Cousins may marry. However, the blood relationship between the prospective bride and groom cannot be closer than first cousins.

How to Apply for a Marriage License

  • 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 should be prepared to provide the necessary proof of age and present any required written consents and approvals. All of the necessary documents should be obtained prior to applying for a marriage license.
  • The prospective bride and groom must prepare an official application and file the application in person with the marriage license agent. Applications are provided by the marriage license agent or may be downloaded from this site (see below). The application will not be accepted if sent by either postal mail or e-mail.
  • Upon approval, a marriage license is issued at the time the application is made.
  • The marriage license costs $60.00, payable in cash at the time the application is made.
  • The marriage license is good only in, but is valid throughout, the State of Hawaii.
  • The marriage license expires 30 days from and including 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.

Marriage license applications are available in a “fillable” Adobe Acrobat portable document format (PDF). The Adobe Acrobat Reader 7 (or later) is required for using the fillable forms feature.

The Adobe Acrobat Reader 7 is free to download and install on your computer by clicking on the button:   download Acrobat Reader

Where to Apply for a Marriage License

  • In Honolulu - Room 101 (1st floor) of the Health Department Building, 1250 Punchbowl St. (corner of Beretania and Punchbowl Streets)
    Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.