Doing Paperwork Before Getting Hitched in Hawaii

There's more to getting married than bouquets and cummerbunds. There's that tedious process of obtaining a marriage license and waiting in lines, which is why going to any state department office will almost never be quick.

Because of this, a few Hawai‘i hotels have been taking matters into their own hands, by creating their own marriage license office. Sheraton Waikīkī is the first for O‘ahu outside of a government building. The Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa on the Big Island and the Four Seasons Resort on Lāna‘i have offices as well. 

This partnership with the state Department of Health has no doubt expedited the paperwork process for newlyweds – especially on those special dates, like 12/12/12. And with Hawai‘i as a top wedding destination and civil unions, the demand for marriage licenses has increased tremendously. Hopefully we'll be seeing this program expand to more hotels and on more islands, too.

In the meantime, here's what you need to know when applying for a marriage license at one of the Hawai‘i resorts:

• Request a marriage license packet by phone (808-586-4544) or in writing (State of Hawaii Department of Health / Marriage License Section, P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801.)
• Make an appointment (808-586-4544) to obtain the actual license. No sooner than 30 days before the wedding date. Both the bride and groom should be present. 
• Bring $60 in cash for license fee and a photo ID for both the bride and groom.
• Anyone younger than 18 years old must also bring a birth certificate.

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: How to Hawaii

February 27th, 2013