Hawaii State Marriage Laws 

Couples planning to tie the knot in Hawaii, also known as The Aloha State, must be at least 18 years of age and must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate, along with proof of age in the form of a driver’s license or other valid ID.  Individuals age 19 and over are only required to produce a driver’s license or other valid ID when applying for a marriage license.  Neither blood nor medical tests are required, and there is no waiting period.  If either of the intended were previously married, the date of their divorce or their former spouse’s death must be provided. 

Individuals who are under the age of 18 and wish to be married in the state of Hawaii must have written consent from both parents, legal guardian or the family court.  Anyone 15 years of age who wishes to marry in the state of Hawaii must have both written consent from his/her parents or a legal guardian and also have written approval from the family court judge. 

The state of Hawaii does not have any residential requirements, which means you can exchange vows even if you are not a resident of the state.  Vacationers, former residents and all others are free to tie the knot in this island paradise.  Once granted, a marriage license is valid for 30 days.  Application and/or marriage license fees may vary by county, which means you must check with the local courthouse regarding the actual cost and acceptable payment methods.  The average fee is $60.00 and most counties accept cash only payments, which means it is advisable that applicants have cash on hand in the event that credit cards are not accepted. 

Same sex marriage is not permitted in the state of Hawaii.  Common law marriages, which are those that a state may acknowledge after a couple has lived together for a certain amount of time, are not recognized in the state.  A wedding must be officiated by a licensed minister or an individual who has been approved by the state’s Department of Health for conducting a marriage ceremony. 

Planning a wedding isn’t state law, but it certainly makes for a more memorable experience.  The official state flower, which is the yellow hibiscus, would be ideal for a bridal bouquet, wedding decorations, etc.  There are a number of tranquil locations, resorts and tourist destinations that would make Hawaii a magical choice for an upcoming wedding. 

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only.  It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional legal advice.  Marriage laws and requirements can change, which means that you should check with your county courthouse regarding the application process for a marriage license, laws, fees and other requirements.   

To obtain a copy of an Hawaii marriage certificate, send $10.00 to: State Department of Health, Office of Health Status Monitoring, Vital Records Section, P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801-9984.

Hawaii Family Code

§ 572 provide information on Hawaii's marriage laws.