Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules or the law regarding marriages in Hawaii?

For any person to lawfully marry in the State of Hawaii, a license for that purpose must be obtained from an authorized agent (HRS §572-1.7). Once the license has been issued, there is no waiting period before the marriage can take place.

Where is the authorized agent on the Big Island?

On the Kona side of the island, where we perform marriages, the marriage license can be obtained at the Governor's Office. Please call 808-327-4953 for an appointment and directions.

Who is eligible to apply for a marriage license?
		There are no state residence or U.S. citizenship requirements.
		Blood tests are not required.
		The legal age to marry is 18 years for both males and females.
		Males or females of 16 or 17 years of age who wish to marry require the written consent of both parents, legal guardian, or the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.
		Males or females of 15 years of age who wish to marry require the written consent of both parents or legal guardian, and the written approval of a judge of the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent.
		Proof of age is required. A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented for anyone 18 years of age or under. A valid I.D. or driver's license may be presented for anyone 19 years of age or over.
		Cousins may marry. However, the blood relationship between the prospective bride and groom cannot be closer than first cousins.

How do I apply for a marriage license?
		The prospective bride and groom must appear together in person before a marriage license agent to apply for a marriage license. Proxies are not allowed.
		The prospective bride and groom should be prepared to provide the necessary proof of age (if both are 18 years of age or older, a picture ID will suffice) and present any required written consents and approvals. All of the necessary documents should be obtained prior to applying for a marriage license.
		The prospective bride and groom must prepare an official application and file the application in person with the marriage license agent. Applications are provided by the marriage license agent or may be downloaded from this site (see below). The application will not be accepted if sent by either postal mail or e-mail.
		Upon approval, a marriage license is issued at the time the application is made.
		The marriage license costs $60.00, payable in cash at the time the application is made.
		The marriage license is good only in, but is valid throughout, the State of Hawaii.
		The marriage license expires 30 days from and including the date of issuance, after which it automatically becomes null and void.
		If you do not get married within the 30 days, return the unused license in the pre-addressed envelope provided to you for invalidation. The State of Hawaii does not refund money paid for unused marriage licenses.

What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?

A marriage license and marriage certificate are different documents. The marriage license permits a marriage to take place. The marriage certificate indicates that a legal marriage has been performed.

The marriage certificate is prepared and filed by your licensed marriage officiant or performer with the Department of Health. A newly married couple receives one (1) certified copy of the marriage certificate at no extra charge, upon payment of the marriage license fee, which will be sent to the couple by mail (60-120 days) after the marriage has been performed. If a marriage certificate is needed sooner than this, you can apply for one or more additional certified copies.

Marriage license applications for downloading are in Adobe Acrobat portable document format (PDF).

Do we have to be Christians for you to marry us?

No.

Do you require that we go through any counseling?

No.

Do you perform same sex marriages?

No.

Can we arrange that a video or pictures of our wedding ceremony be taken?

Yes.

Do you do big Weddings?

Yes in the sense that we perform the marriage ceremony, but no in the sense that we do the wedding planning and coordination. Generally we cater to those who want a small, inexpensive wedding on a beach or other beautiful place.

We are not familiar with the Big Island. Can you help us decide where to stay and where a good place to marry might be?

Absolutely. This web site is designed to answer basic questions. We understand that you will have questions that this web site will not answer. It is not meant to be all things to all people. Too much information can be confusing. Please call us at 808-987-8662. We would be happy to spend the time answering all your questions; even if you decide to have someone else perform the ceremony. We will make the same recommendations to you that we would a close relative.

The Governor's Office accepts no walk-ins and is closed on all State Holidays.
You must make an appointment!

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