This updated guide covers seasonality and venue choices (public beaches, sunrise options, and private resorts), vendor and lodging booking tips, and an overview of Hawaii marriage law essentials: age and ID requirements, no waiting period and no blood test (verify current details), relationship restrictions, license fees and validity, witness rules, and where to confirm current rules (Hawaii Department of Health and county websites).

Hawaii remains one of the most popular U.S. destinations for weddings. This guide updates the essentials - timing, locations, and the legal steps - so you can plan with fewer surprises.

When and where to hold your ceremony

Beaches and coastal parks are the obvious draws. Most shorelines are public, so if you want an exclusive spot you'll usually need to reserve a venue or obtain a permit through the county parks department . Consider alternatives to busy sunset slots: sunrise ceremonies, shaded coves, or private resorts often offer more privacy.

Seasonal notes: the islands see their highest travel volumes in winter holidays and summer. North Shore surf peaks roughly November through March, which affects beach safety and photography options. Plan around local holidays and inter-island flight schedules.

Booking vendors and accommodations

Book lodging and key vendors (photographer, officiant, florist) months in advance for peak seasons. Many couples secure essentials online and finalize local permits and details after arrival. Check the venue's rules on music, chairs, and parking.

If you plan a boat ceremony or a private resort event, confirm that the captain or minister is authorized to perform marriages in Hawaii 1, and that the operator carries required safety and passenger permits.

Legal requirements (overview)

Hawaii issues marriage licenses through the state Department of Health (vital records) and county offices. Key points to prepare for:

  • Age: 18 is the standard legal age; younger applicants may require parental consent or court approval 2.
  • Identification: Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). Bring birth certificates if requested for applicants under 18 3.
  • Waiting period: There is no waiting period after a license is issued before the ceremony can take place 4.
  • Blood tests: Not required 5.
  • Relationship restrictions: Hawaii law restricts certain close-relative marriages; confirm current prohibitions (for example, first-cousin rules differ by state) 6.
  • Fees and validity: Licenses have a fee and a limited validity window after issuance; check current fee amounts and the license validity period before you travel 7.
  • Witnesses: Some ceremonies require one or two witnesses; verify the current witness requirement for filing the license 8.
After the ceremony the officiant returns the completed license to the issuing office for your official record. Order certified copies from the Department of Health for name changes and legal purposes.

Where to verify details

Visit the Hawaii Department of Health, Vital Records - Marriage Licenses page and the county parks/permits pages for the island where you'll marry. County clerk or health office contact details and up-to-date fees and forms are maintained online 9.

Planning tip: collect required documents, secure your officiant early, and confirm any permit needs for your chosen beach or park. With a little advance work Hawaii still offers relatively straightforward legal steps and spectacular locations for a memorable ceremony.

  1. Confirm current marriage license fee and license validity period with Hawaii Department of Health (Vital Records).
  2. Verify whether Hawaii allows first-cousin marriages or other specific relationship restrictions.
  3. Confirm witness requirements for marriage ceremonies in Hawaii.
  4. Verify identification and parental consent requirements for applicants under 18.
  5. Confirm whether ministers/captains/other officiants must register or receive authority to perform marriages in Hawaii.
  6. Check county parks departments for beach/park permit rules and whether event permits are required.

FAQs about Hawaii Weddings

Do I need to live in Hawaii to get married there?
No. Hawaii allows non-residents to obtain a marriage license and marry in the state. You must appear in person at the issuing office with required ID and documents.
Is there a waiting period after I get a marriage license?
There is no waiting period after a license is issued before you may be married, but verify current rules with the Department of Health or county office before you travel .
What identification should we bring to get a marriage license?
Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). If either applicant is under 18, birth certificates and parental consent or court approval may be required .
Are permits required to hold a wedding on a public beach?
Many public beaches and parks require reservations or permits for events, amplified sound, or chair setups. Check the county parks office for the island you plan to marry on .
How do we get the official marriage certificate after the ceremony?
The officiant returns the signed license to the issuing office. Order certified copies from the Hawaii Department of Health's Vital Records office for legal name changes and records.

News about Hawaii Weddings

At Some Weddings, Centerpieces Are Ripe for the Picking - The New York Times [Visit Site | Read More]

I eloped 7,000 miles to a paradise island — to avoid a pricey wedding - The Times [Visit Site | Read More]

The Bride Wore Custom Schiaparelli for Her Elegant Beach Wedding on Hawaii’s Big Island - Vogue [Visit Site | Read More]

From Hawaii to Bali: One Couple Hosted Two Intimate, Tropical Destination Weddings That Prioritized Their Shared Experiences Every Turn - Brides Magazine [Visit Site | Read More]

Inside the Royal Wedding Scene in 'Chief of War' - Town & Country Magazine [Visit Site | Read More]

Watabe Wedding to lay off 10 part-time employees in Hawaii amid Japanese tourism slump - The Business Journals [Visit Site | Read More]

MMA fighter Angela Lee rings wedding bells in Hawaii, Entertainment News - AsiaOne [Visit Site | Read More]