The beauty of a sunset ceremony is part of Hawaii's allure.
The romance of exchanging vows on a tropical island beach has made Hawaii a desirable destination for many soon-to-be-married couples. The State of Hawaii encourages couples to plan their wedding ceremonies on the islands by making marriage licenses simple to obtain and having no mandatory waiting period.
How Do We Obtain a Marriage License in Hawaii?
You must apply for your marriage license in person and state law requires that both partners be present with their photo IDs. The fee for a marriage license is $60, payable in cash. Your marriage license is valid throughout the state of Hawaii for 30 days from the time of issue.
In most cases you will obtain your marriage license from a government-contracted marriage license agent. The names, addresses and telephone numbers for marriage license agents in every area of Hawaii are available by calling the Department of Health.
Department of Health Offices
Oahu: 808-586-4544
Hawaii (Big Island): 808-974-6008
Kauai: 808-241-3498
Maui: 808-984-8210
Molokai: 808-553-3200
Marriage license agents in Hawaii are accustomed to dealing with couples from other states and countries and will guide you through the simple application process. In Honolulu you have the option to apply for your marriage license at the Department of Health building located at 1250 Punchbowl Street; office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Will our Marriage in Hawaii be Considered Legal in Other States and Countries?
Provided that the marriage is performed by a state licensed official, it will be recognized as legal throughout the United States and most other countries. If you are unsure, it's best to check with your local authorities and confirm that your marriage will be considered legal before you proceed.
What's the Best Time of Year for a Wedding in Hawaii?
Hawaii is a year-round wedding destination.
Peak tourist season in Hawaii is during the winter, mid-December to mid-April, which is also the rainiest time of year. Many couples prefer to plan their weddings during the off-peak season to take advantage of the warmer, dryer weather and better deals on flights and accommodations.
What Island Should We Get Married On?
Each of the Hawaiian Islands has abundant natural beauty and a distinctly different character. If you like lots of activities and nightlife, Oahu or the Big Island are your best bets. If you prefer to relax on the beach and soak in the beauty of nature, Kauai or Maui would be ideal choices. Hawaii's official tourism site is an excellent resource for figuring out which island will be the best fit for you.
What Time of Day Should We Have Our Ceremony?
Most couples opt to have their marriage ceremony in the early evening to take advantage of the spectacular natural backdrop of a Hawaiian island sunset. Early morning is also a popular time of day for beach weddings.
Do We Need a Special Permit To Have our Ceremony on the Beach?
Plan ahead for a perfect beach wedding.
A right-of-entry permit is required to hold a marriage ceremony on a public beach in Hawaii. If you are using a wedding planner to assist you with arranging your ceremony, she will generally take care of obtaining this permit for you. If you are making your own arrangements, contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources for information about obtaining the right-of-entry permit.
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