Legal Requirements for Eloping in Hawaii
Congrats my friends! You’ve decided to travel allll the way to Hawaii to elope! You are going to be blown away by the beauty, history, and “aloha spirit”. BUT the most daunting part of the whole thing seems like the legal requirements and paperwork that comes along with getting married in Hawaii while visiting from another country.
The good news is the process is much more simple than you’d think and I’m here to help you through the process.
Understand Hawaii’s Marriage License Requirements
The good news is that there is no U.S. citizenship or residency requirement to get married in Hawaii! The most critical thing is to have is a valid photo ID, such as your passport. There is also no waiting period for marriage license once you have applied!
Apply Online
Prior to your wedding day, you’ll need to apply online for a marriage license through Hawaii’s Department of Health website:
Hawaii Marriage License Application
You’ll need to have the following information for both you and your spouse-to-be to complete the application:
- Legal name
- Date and place of birth
- Name change(s) after the ceremony (if applicable)
- Father & Mother’s names (including maiden), place of birth, and date of birth
- Ceremony location and date
- Officiant name
Once you submit your application, you’ll be given a Locator ID. It’s important to keep this number in a safe place.
Schedule an Appointment with a Licensing Agent
No more than 30 days prior to your ceremony date, you’ll need to meet with a licensing agent. This person will review your photo ID, application, and any other documents needed, and then will issue your license to you.
Now, while I absolutely love that most things are on island time in Hawaii, there’s no doubt that it is frustrating to try to get something done when you are on a tight timeline and the few people who can help you are on island time. The sooner you apply for your license, the sooner you can schedule your appointment to meet with the licensing agent. They have very limited availability, so it’s critical to apply and schedule your appointment ASAP.
To make your life easier in case rescheduling with the licensing agent becomes necessary, I suggest scheduling your appointment shortly after you arrive in Hawaii.
Meeting with the Licensing Agent
When you do meet with the licensing agent, BOTH partners must be present and meet in-person. You’ll need to bring a copy of your confirmation email, your Locator ID number, and your $65 US application fee. This meeting should be quick and easy if you have all necessary documents and your license will be issued immediately during the appointment.
Work with Your Planner & Officiant
Having a planner who lives on island and is connected to the local wedding and elopement vendor community will help you to connect with the right team to make your elopement dreams come true. It’s important to note that only licensed officiants can legally perform a marriage ceremony in Hawaii.
If you plan to bring your own officiant, they can apply for a 60-day license here:
It’s a good idea to double-check with local authorities in your country of residence for any additional requirements to recognize the marriage.
The good news is you’re already one step closer to marrying your person and by becoming familiar with the marriage license process, you’ll be ready to say, ‘I do’ in no time! Hawaii’s marriage license process doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but you’ll want to get started on the process earlier than later.
Ready to say ‘I do’ in paradise? Let’s make your dream Hawaiian elopement a reality!
