So you’ve made the decision to tie the knot in Hawaii. Congratulations!

It’s a wonderful place to say ‘I do’ and offers both the bride and groom and entire wedding party a relaxing, stress-free and tropical environment. There’s nothing like enjoying the warm outdoors of Hawaii during the ceremony, or using fresh island flowers for decor. Plus, compared to many other states, Hawaii is an easy place to wed! It makes sense as to why so many couples choose Hawaii as their nuptial destination, and we’re happy you have too!

For anyone planning their marriage in the islands, here are some things you should know:

• You need a marriage license, of course. It costs $60 per couple. Once you have the license, there is no waiting period before the marriage can take place.
• The license is good on all the islands in Hawaii.
• The license will expire in 30 days.
• There are no state residence or US citizenship requirements to get married in Hawaii.
• Blood tests are not required.
• Both the bride and groom must be 18 or older to wed. (Otherwise there are consent rules you must abide by).

Okay, so you know a few of the details. Now here’s the simple process to follow for making sure the marriage is legal:

• The prospective bride and groom must appear together in person before a marriage license agent to apply. (For more details on where to find a marriage license agent, see below.)
• Sorry, but proxies are not allowed. (A proxy is someone who is given the power or authority to act for another.)
• An official application must be completed and submitted in person to the marriage license agent. Your application will be provided by your marriage license agent once you arrive at the office and can be filled out there, or it can be easily downloaded online and filled out ahead of time.
• The application will not be accepted if sent in by postal mail or e-mail. Once the application is approved the license is issued immediately.
• Since you need to be at the office in person, make a note of where the offices are on the island you plan to marry. (In Honolulu, go to the Health Department Building located at 1250 Punchbowl St., Room 101- 1st floor- Monday through Friday- excluding holidays- between 8:00am and 4:00pm).
• To find the names, addresses and telephone numbers of marriage agents in the rural and suburban areas of Oahu, call (808) 586-4544.
• To get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of marriage agents on the neighbor islands, call the local office of the Department of Health, as follows:The Big Island of Hawaii: (808) 974-6008
  Maui: (808) 984-8210
  Kauai: (808) 241-3498
  Molokai: (808) 553-3663
  Lanai: (808) 565-6411