So… you have chosen to have your wedding in beautiful Hawaii! Congratulations! Now what?? Well, the list goes on and on but one common question we frequently answer is “How do I apply for a marriage license in the State of Hawaii?” Hawaii’s marriage license regulations fall under the authority of Hawaii’s Department of Health, and the steps you need to know are below!

1. Your first step is to seek out a licensed minister, or marriage performer who will be the officiant at your ceremony. They will have a registered performer name in the system which will be required to apply.

2. Visit the Hawaii government website and complete the marriage license application steps & payment. You only need to fill out one application per couple.

  • Submit your application online at https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/home.html
  • There is a $65 application fee that will be paid prior to receiving a locator ID #. You will need this number along with formal identification (license/passport), divorce decree or death certificate of any past spouses when you finalize your documents closer to your wedding date.

3. NO EARLIER THAN 30 DAYS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING (this is very important), you must go TOGETHER to the Department of Health Building to meet with a marriage license agent. There are no appointments, it’s first come first served through the day (take a number & wait). They will assist you with the finalizing of your license and upon the completion of your ceremony, everything will be official!

  • Remember to bring your Locator ID #, formal identification (license/passport) and additional paperwork (listed above).
  • Address: 1250 Punchbowl St. Room 101. Their hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 am until 4:00pm, they take their last applicants around 3:30pm!

Tips:

  • Directions to the Honolulu office are a little tricky but here are some tips on how to get there: You must enter the building parking lot coming southbound on Punchbowl. The parking lot entrance will be on your right directly before Beretania. Note: There are no left turns from Punchbowl therefore if you are northbound, find an intersection that allows U-turn’s so that you are entering from the South.
  • The process should only take about an hour. The best days to visit the office to obtain your marriage license are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as Monday and Fridays are often busy with last minute couples.
  • Know that you do not have to be a resident of Hawaii or the U.S. to obtain your marriage license