Oftentimes when planning a wedding, it’s easy to want to just focus on all the fun parts of the planning process! Such as selecting your flowers, decor, favors, and so much more! However, the MOST important item that we need but don’t often think about as much as the “fun” stuff is your Marriage License!
Photography: Embr Photo | Venue: Four Seasons Resort in Ko’Olina
What’s the difference between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate you ask?
A Marriage License is the document that states that you and your partner are allowed to legally get married. (A couple should get this BEFORE their wedding!)
A Marriage Certificate is the document that states that you and your partner are legally married! (A couple should get this AFTER their wedding!)
Not to make things confusing but a “Decorative Certificate” is something many vendors or venues may give a couple. This is purely decorative and is not a legal document in any way.
As this is such an important but often overlooked item in the wedding planning process we sat down with well experienced officiant Reverend James Chun to share some instructions and tips on how to get your Hawaii marriage license!
What are the Steps to Getting a Marriage License in Hawaii?
Apply online at https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/home.html
Go in-person to the Hawaii Health Department (Both people MUST be present)
What Do You Need to Apply for a Marriage License?
To fill out this application you will need to know the following:
Date and location of the wedding.
Mother’s maiden names, and Parents’ birth dates.
The chosen name for anyone changing their name after the marriage. This will be listed as the “Declared Name”.
Name of performer. This will be the name of your officiant who is registered in the State of Hawaii.
Fill out the application to the best of your ability! If you fill in anything incorrectly, or do not know the required information, it’s okay! When you meet the marriage agent at the health department you can let them know what information needs to be adjusted and they should be able to help you update your application!
In order to submit the application, you will have to pay $65.00
As you and your significant other will need to go in-person to the Hawaii Health Department, we recommend making an appointment prior! Click here to schedule an appointment!
If you choose to walk-in, we recommend going to the Hawaii Health Department before 12pm as walk-ins typically have a higher chance earlier in the day.
Both of you will need to bring photo identification, such as a Driver’s license, State ID, or Passport.
Bring your receipt (in email if applied online) that has your locator ID.
Photo from: Honolulu Civil Beat
What Happens at the In-Person Visit?
With your partner, you will meet with a marriage agent and they will verify that your application has all of the necessary information. Then they will have you take an oath attesting that everything stated is true, and that you both are there on your own will to get married! Following that, you will get your license!
When Should you Apply for a Marriage License/Pick up the License?
You are able to apply for a marriage license up to one year before the date you plan to get married.
You should pick up your Marriage License within 30 days prior to your wedding. Once you pick up your marriage license you will have 30 days to get married, before it expires. That’s why we highly recommend waiting to pick up your license a week or two before your wedding date!
How to Get Your Marriage Certificate?
On the day of your wedding, bring your marriage license with you to the ceremony. Following the ceremony you and your officiant will typically sign the license and then they will submit it to the Vital Records department so that you can get your marriage certificate! If your officiant is doing this service for you, it’s always good to follow-up a few days after your wedding to make sure that they submitted it to ensure that you two are legally married! Typically the certified marriage certificate will be ready within 2-4 weeks after your wedding. However if you need it sooner than that, the temporary copy can typically be downloaded within 1-3 business days following your wedding. You can also go to the vital records department in person, to request a certified copy (may have to pay a fee).
Couples That are Traveling to Hawaii for Their Wedding
If you’re flying to Hawaii for your wedding, please note that you MUST HAVE a Hawaii Marriage License in order to get married in Hawaii. Due to this, if you are unable to visit the Hawaii Health Department prior to your wedding, there are agents that work outside of the health department that you can contact to see if they can meet with you to give you your license. Check out the Hawaii Health Department website to see the license agents that work outside of typical hours.
XOXOXO
Happy Planning!
(A Perfect Day)