HOW TO GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN MAUI: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR DESTINATION WEDDINGS
November 10, 2026 · MAUI
Planning a wedding in Hawaii is an exciting adventure.
You’ve chosen your destination, started imagining your beach ceremony and perhaps already pictured yourselves exchanging vows with the Pacific Ocean in the background.
But before the big day arrives, there’s one important detail you’ll need to take care of: your Hawaii marriage license.
The good news is that Hawaii has a relatively straightforward marriage licensing process, and couples travelling from the mainland United States or overseas can apply to get married here.
If you’re planning a Maui beach wedding, here’s a helpful guide to understanding the process.
DO YOU NEED A MARRIAGE LICENSE TO GET MARRIED IN MAUI?
Yes.
If you want your wedding to be legally recognised as a marriage in Hawaii, you need to obtain a valid Hawaii marriage license.
The license allows an authorised officiant to perform your marriage ceremony.
Once the ceremony has taken place and the required documentation has been completed and submitted, your marriage can be officially recorded.
It’s important to distinguish between a marriage license and a marriage certificate.
The license is the document that gives you permission to marry.
The marriage certificate is the official record confirming that your marriage took place.
STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE MARRIAGE APPLICATION
Hawaii provides an online marriage application system.
Couples can begin the process before travelling to Maui.
The official application website is:
https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/home.html
Both individuals will need to provide the required information.
Make sure all details are accurate and match your identification documents.
STEP 2: APPEAR TOGETHER BEFORE A LICENSED MARRIAGE AGENT
After completing the application, both individuals generally need to appear together before a licensed marriage agent.
You’ll need to provide the required identification and complete the necessary steps.
The agent will review your application and issue the marriage license if all requirements are satisfied.
Don’t leave this until the last minute.
It’s sensible to arrange your appointment ahead of your wedding date and allow enough time for any questions or unexpected delays.
STEP 3: UNDERSTAND HAWAII’S MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS
Hawaii has specific requirements for couples wishing to marry.
Generally:
- Both individuals must be at least 18 years old.
- Both individuals must appear together before a marriage agent.
- The required application information must be provided.
- The applicable marriage license fee must be paid.
- There is no waiting period after the license is issued.
- The marriage must be performed by an authorised officiant.
Additional requirements can apply in certain circumstances.
Always check the latest official guidance before travelling.
STEP 4: ARRANGE YOUR WEDDING OFFICIANT
Your wedding ceremony must be performed by someone authorised to solemnise marriages in Hawaii.
This could be a licensed wedding officiant, minister or another authorised individual.
Your officiant will guide you through the ceremony and complete the required marriage documentation.
If you’re planning a beach wedding, make sure your officiant understands the arrangements and requirements for your chosen location.
STEP 5: GET MARRIED IN MAUI!
Once your marriage license has been issued, you’re ready for your wedding ceremony.
This is the exciting part!
Whether you’ve chosen a romantic beach ceremony in South Maui, a beautiful coastal setting in West Maui or an intimate celebration with family and friends, you can concentrate on enjoying the experience.
After the ceremony, your officiant will complete and submit the required documentation.
HOW MUCH DOES A HAWAII MARRIAGE LICENSE COST?
The Hawaii marriage license fee is currently listed by the Department of Health as $65, consisting of a $60 application fee and a $5 administrative fee.
Fees and procedures can change, so always verify the current amount before applying.
Official information:
https://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses/
CAN FOREIGN COUPLES GET MARRIED IN MAUI?
Yes.
Couples travelling from other countries can generally marry in Hawaii, provided they meet the applicable requirements.
You do not need to be a Hawaii resident to get married here.
This is one of the reasons Maui is such a popular destination for international weddings.
However, if you’re travelling internationally, you should also check the requirements in your home country for registering or recognising your Hawaiian marriage.
WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?
It’s a good idea to begin researching the process well before your wedding.
Although Hawaii does not have a waiting period once the license is issued, you still need to arrange the application and appear before a marriage agent.
Planning ahead means one less thing to worry about when you arrive on Maui.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR BEACH WEDDING PERMIT
A marriage license and a beach wedding permit are two completely different things.
Your marriage license allows you to legally marry.
A beach permit relates to the permitted use of a particular location for your wedding ceremony.
Couples planning a public beach wedding should check the applicable Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources regulations.
Official information:
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/land/permits/
Make sure your wedding arrangements comply with the requirements for your chosen location.
START PLANNING YOUR MAUI BEACH WEDDING
Organising the legal details of your wedding might not be the most romantic part of the experience, but getting everything arranged early makes the rest of your planning much easier.
Once your paperwork is taken care of, you can concentrate on the exciting details.
The beautiful beach, the flowers, your wedding photographs and the unforgettable experience of exchanging vows in Hawaii.
At Maui Beach Wedding, we’re here to help you explore the possibilities of celebrating your love on this beautiful island.
Visit our homepage:
https://maui-beach-wedding.com/
Discover more about us:
https://maui-beach-wedding.com/about
Have questions or ready to start planning?
https://maui-beach-wedding.com/inquire
Your Hawaiian wedding is getting closer!
