Wedding Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage By Proxy: Not Allowed
- Minister Required to Be Present: Yes
- Witnesses Required: None
- Couple’s Consent Required: Yes
- Pronouncement Required: Yes
The officiating minister and both parties of the couple must be physically present for the ceremony. While the ceremony’s content and flow can be fully customized, the legally required elements are the couple’s verbal consent (“I do”) and the minister’s pronouncement (“I now pronounce you married”).
Requirements for the Couple
- Minimum Age: 19 (or 15 with Guardian Consent)
- Residency: Not Required
- Kinship Restrictions: No Closer Than First Cousins
- Marriage Equality: Yes
In Hawaii, adults 19 years or older can legally marry. Exceptions include 18-year-olds who can marry with parental consent and younger minors (15–17) who must petition the court for special circumstances. Hawaii welcomes both residents and non-residents, including international couples, and has recognized marriage equality since 2013.
Marriage License Requirements
- Who Picks Up License: The Couple
- Where License is Valid: County of Issuance
- Marriage License Pick-Up: In Person Only
- Cost of License: $60 + Filing Fee
- Accepted ID: Standard Government-Issued ID
- Proof of Divorce: Required if Applicable
- Blood Test: Not Required
Couples must obtain their marriage license in person from the county where the ceremony will take place. Ministers should confirm with the issuing office if they need to submit documentation. The application fee is $60 plus a filing fee, and proof of divorce may be required if applicable.
Marriage License Facts
- Ceremony Type: Religious
- Mandatory Waiting Period: None
- License Valid For: 30 Days
- License Must Be Submitted: By Expiration
A marriage license issued in Hawaii is valid immediately and for 30 days. The wedding must take place within this timeframe, and the completed license must be returned to the issuing office before expiration.
Requirements for the Minister
- Minimum Age: 18
- Residency: Not Required
- Documents Required: State Dept. of Health Registration Certificate
- Online Ordination Recognized: Yes
- Registration Office: Hawaii State Department of Health
- Document Submission Deadline: Before Ceremony
Ministers officiating in Hawaii must register with the Hawaii State Department of Health before performing a ceremony. During this process, they will receive an I.D. number, which must be saved for future reference. Ministers may also need to provide their credentials to the county office where the marriage license was issued.
Final Steps
- Officiant’s Title on Marriage License: Minister
- Church/Ordaining Body: Ministries of Love
- Address of Church: Minister’s Home Address
After the ceremony, the minister must complete the officiant’s section of the marriage license, including:
- Full legal name (without titles).
- Title as “Minister.”
- Church/Ordaining Body as “Ministries of Love.”
- Home address (or as requested by the state).
The minister must ensure the document is fully and accurately completed, including the I.D. number issued during registration. The license must be returned to the issuing office within 30 days of issuance. Failing to return the license could result in legal consequences for the officiant.
Maintaining personal records of the ceremonies performed is highly recommended, especially if contracts or payment arrangements are involved.