How to Get Married in Hawaii As a U.S. Citizen?

Vacationing in Hawaii is a dream come true for many U.S. citizens who enjoy the natural beauty of this island. As such, many choose it as a honeymoon destination. But what if you could have your cake and eat it by getting married and having your honeymoon in one place? It’s possible! In this guide, we show you how to get married in Hawaii as a U.S. citizen by meeting all the marriage requirements:

 

How to Get Married in Hawaii As a U.S. Citizen?

Hawaiian weddings are so thoughtful and picturesque that many people aspire to replicate the styles in their mainland weddings. But luckily, if you can abide by the Hawaii marriage laws, you can have your wedding on this beautiful island. Proceed as follows:

1. Choose a wedding venue: All the Hawaiian islands have unique elements that add to any wedding. Thus, choosing a wedding venue is often the most challenging part for many people. Reviewing your options and settling on one this early can help you avoid confusion at later stages. You can even have the wedding on one island and enjoy your honeymoon on another. And the sooner you decide, the easier it will be to lock down the best venues and accommodation.

2. Find a wedding planner: While you can always organize the entire wedding alone, having an expert leading the way is a good idea. A wedding planner is not there to control the ceremony. Instead, they implement your vision in less time and at lower costs. Finding a wedding planner can also help you navigate the wedding requirements and processes. We will later detail how to choose the best planner for your ceremony.

3. Choose a wedding type: Do you want a civil wedding? How about a religious wedding? There are many wedding types in Hawaii. The differences lie in the settings, preliminary requirements, and legal standing. Understanding the options available to you at this point helps you determine the best approach so that you can meet all the necessary criteria.

4. Get a permit: If you will have your ceremony in a public area, you must get a permit. Usually, it is best to work with a wedding planner to find a venue with the right liability insurance to cover your event.

5. Find an officiant: All weddings in Hawaii feature marriage performers or officiants who lead the ceremony. They also sign the marriage license to ensure that the wedding is legal. Your need for an officiant will depend on the nature of the wedding. You can have a friend conduct the wedding if your ceremony is symbolic. But if the ceremony is legally binding, only a registered officiant can perform the ceremony.

6. Compile your paperwork: You must get a marriage license before getting married in Hawaii. But you can only get one if you have a valid ID (e.g., a driver’s license or a passport). In some cases, you may need additional documents, e.g., birth certificate copies, death decrees of deceased partners, divorce decrees, etc. Some churches may also need baptismal and confirmation certificates. Knowing the documents you must present can help you get all your ducks in a row in time for the wedding.

7. Apply for a marriage license: The Hawaii State Department of Vital Records only issues marriage licenses to couples that meet the marriage requirements. Here is how you should go about the application:

• Apply online through the Hawaii State Department of Vital Records website,
• Compile the required documents – most people only need a valid ID. However, divorced, widowed, and underage applicants will need to submit extra documentation, and
• Meet with a licensed agent no more than 30 days before your wedding – all partners must be present during the meeting.

You will pay a fee to get the license, which should be ready almost immediately after the application if there are no impediments to the union. Ensure you use the license within 30 days; otherwise, it will expire, and you must reapply.

8. Get married: A Hawaiian marriage license is valid on any Hawaiian island and must be physically present during the ceremony. Once a registered marriage officiant has performed the wedding, you and your spouse will sign the marriage license alongside the officiant. No witnesses are necessary for this process. And just like that, things will be official!

If you get married in Hawaii, is it legal in the U.S.? Yes, However, you must register the wedding with the Vital Records Office within three business days from the wedding date. You will receive a temporary marriage certificate in 48 hours, which you can use for official processes. The original marriage certificate should be ready in two to four months.

 

What are the Different Types of Marriage in Hawaii?

People getting married in Hawaii can choose between civil unions and marriages. Consider the implications of these choices below:

1. Civil Unions: These legal relationships allow couples to enjoy legal protections at the state level. As such, people in such unions can inherit each other’s property, enjoy employment benefits, start families, etc. However, these legal relationships do not amount to a marriage. Moreover, couples that get a civil union license cannot get married as this license does not equate to a marriage license.
2. Marriages: These legal relationships allow couples to enjoy legal protections at the state and national levels. In addition to the rights accorded to couples in civil unions, married couples can also enjoy social security, tax, and other benefits.

In many ways, civil unions and marriages are the same, as follows:

• Joint Ownership: Couples can use their marriage or civil union certificates to buy property together, add each other to health insurance plans, etc. They also enjoy spousal privilege in court.
• License Requirements: You cannot enter a marriage or civil union without a valid license. Regardless of your choice, you must compile the required paperwork and meet with a licensed agent for verification to get a license.
• Legality: These unions are legal. Thus, couples wishing to break up must file an application with the family court and present supporting evidence.

As much as these legal relationships have many similarities, they have one significant difference: recognition. While Hawaii will recognize both relationships, civil unions do not get recognition from the federal government. But is a marriage in Hawaii recognized in the United States? Yes. However, couples in civil unions can only enjoy legal protections at the state level if they live in states that recognize such unions. Same-sex couples often used these unions to bypass the same-sex marriage laws. However, since same-sex marriages now have federal recognition, couples can choose a civil marriage in Hawaii over civil unions.

 

Marriage Requirements in Hawaii for U.S. Citizens

Before getting married in Hawaii, you must prove that you meet all the set requirements, which the license agent will confirm. What are they?

1. Age: The legal marriage age is 18. However, people aged less than 18 can get married if they have parental or guardian consent. Those aged 16 and 17 must have written consent from parents, legal guardians, or the family court. Those aged 15 must have written consent from the family court and their parents or guardians. In many cases, the family court does not okay underage marriages and will often review the circumstances to determine who can get married before reaching 18.
2. Single Status: You must be single to get married in Hawaii. Previously married partners must have ended their previous marriages. If you have divorced or been widowed in the last 30 days before applying for a license, you must present proof of the divorce or death.
3. Relationship: While blood tests were necessary in the past, couples no longer need to undergo these checks. However, you cannot marry any relative closer than a first cousin. Other relatives can marry if they meet this requirement.
4. Consent: Only willing partners can get married. Cases of coercion will render a marriage void.

Please meet these requirements to avoid a license refusal. Luckily, residency is not a requirement for any U.S. citizen getting married in Hawaii. You can fly in, get your license, get married, have your honeymoon, and head back to your home state in under a week!

 

What Documents Do I Need to Get Married in Hawaii?

Everyone arranging a marriage in Hawaii must get a marriage license before tying the knot. During your license appointment with your agent, you will need the documents below:

1. A valid ID: All partners must have valid government-issued IDs. These should bear their legal names, show their faces, and be in good condition. The Department of Vital Records accepts passports, state IDs, driver’s licenses, and other such documents.
2. A divorce decree: People who have divorced their partners within the last 30 days before applying for licenses must present their divorce decrees. These must be certified. Moreover, if the decree is not in English, you must present it with a certified translation. If it was not issued in the U.S., you must present it with its apostille or authentication to validate it for use in Hawaii.
3. A death certificate: Partners whose previous spouses have passed away need a death certificate if the death was less than 30 days before getting a license. Where the document is not in English, a certified translation is necessary. Additionally, if the document was not issued in the U.S., you must get it authenticated.
4. A birth certificate: People aged 19 and above do not need birth certificates. However, those aged 18 and below must have certified birth certificate copies to prove their age and identity.
5. Legal name change documentation: Suppose you have changed your legal name, e.g., after a divorce. You must present documents that prove this change.

The requirements for getting married in Hawaii for foreigners also depend on the wedding type. For example, Catholics getting married in Hawaii often require baptismal and confirmation certificates. They often also need to undergo pre-marital classes, get approval from their local parishes, and meet with the officiating priest before the wedding. Thus, confirm with your officiant regarding the documents you should have.

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Married in Hawaii?

The legal age for marriage in Hawaii is 18. While this is the legal requirement, people under 18 can marry. So, how old do you have to be to get married in Hawaii? Those aged 16 and 17 can do so if they have written consent from the family court, legal guardians, or parents. Those aged 15 can only get married if they have written consent from the family court and their parents or guardians.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Hawaii?

As you gauge your eligibility to get married in Hawaii, you must also consider the costs of this exciting venture. So, how much does it cost to get married in Hawaii? The costs often range between $10,000 and $40,000 and often depend on the following:

• Whether you need to get certifications, apostilles, or translations,
• If you hire a wedding planner,
• The wedding style,
• What you spend on the venue, decorations, catering, etc.

Other wedding costs include accommodation, transport, licenses, etc. Working with a licensed wedding planner can help you assess likely costs and develop a reasonable budget.

 

How to Choose a City and Wedding Venue in Hawaii?

As you assess the Hawaii requirements in Mexico and other places, you must consider the best venue for your wedding. The sooner you choose one, the easier it is to find and book a suitable option before others do. Here is how you can do this:

1. Wedding Planner Advice: Finding a good wedding venue among so many options is a challenge. After all, where should you start your search? Using a good wedding planner is thus the best option. They know what makes different venues good for your wedding and can provide you with a list of the best options. Settling on one choice will be much easier with such a narrow focus.
2. Location: Hawaii is home to many islands. And while this gives you access to many venues, it also brings about an accessibility issue. As you choose venues, think about how you will reach them. Will they be easy to access from your accommodation? Can your guests arrive at the venue quickly? For example, if your venue requires guests to use several transport modes, this may discourage some guests from attending the reception.
3. Style: Can you actualize your vision? A wedding venue is a blank canvas where you add your preferred elements. And while this gives you a lot of leeway, the overall structure influences a lot. You must consider if the venue aligns with your wedding theme, if the layout works for your backdrops, etc. Your wedding planner can help you envision the setting and determine if the venue is a hit or a miss.
4. Inclusions: The more you can get in a venue, the less money and energy you can spend sourcing what you need for the wedding. For example, many venues offer seating and catering as part of the packages. Consider the items you don’t want to outsource and find venues that incorporate them into their pricing.
5. Terms: What conditions must you meet to secure and use the venue? Many venues have strict terms and conditions, and failing to adhere to these can force you to forfeit your booking. As you consider your options, you should think about the fairness of the terms.
6. Capacity: How many people will come to the wedding? The guest list determines the size of the space and its layout. You want to find a space that holds all your guests without feeling stuffed. However, it should not be so big that guests feel lost in it. The art of balancing the extremes lies in assessing the space considerations and eliminating options that do not match your needs.
7. Budget: Wedding venues fall under different price ranges. Thus, finding one that matches your budget should be easy. Once you have found spaces that meet the conditions above, list those that will not strain your budget. Remember that the venue accounts for only one cost – you have more bills to pay, and spending too much on your venue can affect your overall experience.

Tour the options that meet your wants and needs. It is much easier to assess venues when you have seen them and can determine if their vibe is a good match.

 

How to Find a Wedding Planner in Hawaii?

Couples who want to marry in Hawaii often have many questions, including, “What do you need to get married in Hawaii?” The best person to help you navigate the Hawaii marriage laws, get a license, and organize a beautiful wedding is a licensed wedding planner. You can find a good one by asking for reviews from loved ones before narrowing your search by considering expertise, availability, style, and pricing. Also, consider your gut instincts.