Maui Marriage License

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Married in Maui

Planning a Maui wedding is exciting.

The beach.

The flowers.

The photographer.

The sunset.

The dress.

And then there is the less glamorous—but very important—part:

The marriage license.

If you are planning to legally marry in Maui, you need to obtain a Hawaiʻi marriage license before your ceremony.

The process is relatively straightforward, and you do not have to be a Hawaiʻi resident or a U.S. citizen to obtain one. Hawaiʻi also does not require a blood test or a waiting period.  

Here’s exactly how it works.

How Much Does a Maui Marriage License Cost?

The current Hawaiʻi marriage-license fee is:

$65 total

That consists of:

• $60 application fee

• $5 portal fee

The Department of Health states that these fees are non-refundable.  

This is the cost of the marriage license itself.

It does not include your officiant, photographer, venue, flowers, permits or other wedding expenses.

Who Can Get Married in Hawaii?

Hawaiʻi does not require you to be a state resident.

There is also no U.S. citizenship requirement for obtaining a Hawaiʻi marriage license.  

That means couples can travel to Maui from:

• Another U.S. state

• Canada

• Europe

• Asia

• Australia

• Other countries around the world

and legally marry in Hawaiʻi, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

If you’re coming from another country, however, check whether your home country requires additional documentation after the marriage.

Is There a Waiting Period?

No.

Once your marriage license has been issued, there is no waiting period before your ceremony can take place.  

This is particularly convenient for destination weddings.

You don’t have to obtain your license several days before the wedding and sit around staring at it.

Once it’s issued, you’re legally able to have the ceremony.

How Long Is a Hawaii Marriage License Valid?

This is an important one.

Your marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued.

Your ceremony must take place within that 30-day period.

If the ceremony does not happen within those 30 days, the license becomes null and void.  

The easiest way to remember it:

Get your license → get married within 30 days.

When Should You Apply for Your Maui Marriage License?

You can complete the online application before your trip, but the actual license is issued when you meet with an authorized license agent.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health says couples must meet with the agent no more than 30 days before the ceremony date.  

So don’t plan on getting your license six months ahead of time.

Instead:

Before your trip:
Complete the online application.

Within 30 days of your wedding:
Meet your license agent in person.

At the appointment:
Bring your identification and any required documentation.

After receiving the license:
Have your wedding ceremony within 30 days.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

The first step is to complete the Hawaiʻi marriage-license application online.

The Department of Health directs applicants to its electronic marriage and civil-union licensing system.  

You’ll receive an Authorization Code/Locator ID that you’ll need when dealing with your license agent.

Official application system

⁠Hawaiʻi Marriage License Application — Official State System

Keep your confirmation information somewhere safe.

Your wedding planner doesn’t need to find it in the bottom of your suitcase five minutes before your appointment. 😂

Step 2: Schedule Your Appointment With a License Agent

After completing the online application, you need to meet with an authorized marriage-license agent.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health maintains the official list of current license agents.  

Appointments are important because neighbor-island agents may have limited availability, particularly outside regular business hours. The Department of Health’s published agent information advises couples to make plans early.  

Official agent directory

⁠Hawaiʻi Department of Health — Marriage License Agents

Maui Marriage License Agents

The Department of Health’s current published information lists marriage-license agents in several Maui locations, including:

Kahului

Private license agents are available by appointment.

Kīhei

Private license agents are available by appointment.

Lāhainā

Private license agents are available by appointment.

Wailea

Private license agents are available by appointment.

Wailuku

Private license agents are available by appointment.  

Because agent availability and contact information can change, use the current State Department of Health agent directory rather than relying on an old wedding website’s phone number or agent list.

That’s an important distinction for this page.

We want maui-weddings.co to be the site that sends people to the actual current government source.

Step 3: Both Applicants Must Appear in Person

This is one of the most important rules.

Both people getting married must appear together.

You cannot send one person to obtain the license for both of you.

The Department of Health specifically states that proxies are not allowed.  

At the appointment, the license agent reviews the application, verifies identification and checks any additional documentation that may be required.

What Identification Do You Need?

Both applicants need a valid government-issued photo ID.

Examples include:

• Passport

• Driver’s license

• State identification card

The Department of Health specifically lists government-issued photo identification as required documentation.  

For international couples

A passport is generally the straightforward identification document to bring.

If your circumstances involve previous marriages, legal name changes or other special documentation, check the requirements before your appointment.

What If You’ve Been Married Before?

If you have previously been married, additional documentation may be required in certain circumstances.

The Department of Health states that if a divorce was finalized less than 30 days before the license appointment, a certified copy of the divorce decree must be presented.

Similarly, if a previous spouse died less than 30 days before the appointment, a certified death certificate is required.  

If those documents aren’t in English, certified translations may also be required.  

If your situation is unusual, contact the Department of Health or your license agent before traveling.

Do You Need a Blood Test?

No.

Hawaiʻi does not require a blood test to obtain a marriage license.  

One less thing on the wedding checklist.

Do You Have to Be a U.S. Citizen?

No.

There is no U.S. citizenship requirement for obtaining a Hawaiʻi marriage license.  

There is also no Hawaiʻi state-residency requirement.

That’s one reason Maui is such a popular destination for couples traveling from around the world.

Do You Have to Live in Maui?

Nope.

You don’t need to live in Maui.

You don’t need to live in Hawaiʻi.

You simply need to meet the applicable Hawaiʻi marriage-license requirements.

You can travel to Maui for your wedding and legally marry here.  

Can You Get Married Anywhere in Maui?

The marriage license itself does not mean every Maui location is automatically available for your ceremony.

This is an important distinction.

Your marriage license is the legal authorization to marry.

Your ceremony location may have separate rules.

For example, a public beach can have State permitting requirements if commercial activity is involved.

A State Park can have its own special-use requirements.

A private resort has its own venue rules.

So you need to think about two separate things:

Legal marriage

Marriage license

Wedding location

Venue permission / permits

For more information, visit:

[Maui Wedding Permits]

Who Can Perform Your Maui Wedding?

Your marriage ceremony must be performed by someone legally authorized to solemnize marriages in Hawaiʻi.

The State maintains requirements for people who perform marriages and civil unions.

Your wedding officiant should be familiar with Hawaiʻi’s requirements and the paperwork involved.

This is another reason it can be helpful to work with an experienced Maui wedding professional.

Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate

These two documents are often confused.

They’re not the same thing.

Marriage License

The license allows the marriage to take place.

You obtain it before your ceremony.

Marriage Certificate

The certificate records that the legal marriage took place.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health specifically distinguishes the two documents.  

Think:

License = permission

Certificate = record

Simple.

What Happens After the Wedding?

Once the authorized officiant performs the ceremony and completes the required paperwork, the marriage is registered with the State.

If you need certified copies of your marriage certificate afterward, Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health provides an online ordering system.

The current Department of Health information lists certified marriage certificates at:

$10 for the first copy

$4 for each additional copy

plus applicable administration fees.  

Official certificate ordering

⁠Hawaiʻi Department of Health — Marriage & Civil Union Certificates

If you’re returning to another country, you may also need an apostille or authentication, depending on what your home country requires. The Department of Health notes that apostille/authentication requests are handled by mail.  

A Simple Maui Marriage License Timeline

Here’s the whole process without the government-speak:

Before Your Trip

1. Complete the online application.

2. Save your Authorization Code/Locator ID.

3. Contact a Maui license agent.

4. Schedule your appointment.

Within 30 Days of Your Wedding

5. Both of you attend the appointment together.

6. Bring valid government-issued photo IDs.

7. Provide any additional documents required for your circumstances.

8. Pay the $65 license fee if not already paid through the online application.

9. Receive your marriage license.

Wedding Day

10. Have your ceremony performed by an authorized officiant.

After the Ceremony

11. Your marriage is registered.

12. Obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate if needed.

Maui Marriage License Checklist

Before You Leave Home

☐ Complete online application
☐ Save Authorization Code/Locator ID
☐ Contact license agent
☐ Schedule appointment
☐ Confirm required documentation
☐ Check passport/ID expiration dates

At Your Appointment

☐ Both applicants present
☐ Valid government-issued photo ID
☐ Additional documentation if applicable
☐ License fee paid
☐ Marriage license issued

Before the Wedding

☐ Confirm officiant
☐ Confirm ceremony location
☐ Check beach/venue permits
☐ Confirm wedding date falls within license validity period

After the Ceremony

☐ Officiant completes required paperwork
☐ Marriage is registered
☐ Order certified copies if needed
☐ Apostille/authentication if required by your home country

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Maui marriage license?

The current Hawaiʻi marriage-license fee is $65, consisting of a $60 application fee and $5 portal fee.  

Is there a waiting period?

No. Once the license has been issued, there is no waiting period before the ceremony.  

How long is the license valid?

30 days from the date it is issued.  

Do both people have to be there?

Yes. Both applicants must appear together in person before the license agent.  

Do we need to be Hawaii residents?

No. There is no Hawaiʻi state-residency requirement.  

Do we need to be U.S. citizens?

No. There is no U.S. citizenship requirement.  

Do we need a blood test?

No.  

Can we apply online?

You can complete the application online, but you still must meet with an authorized license agent in person before the license is issued.  

Can we get the license months before our wedding?

No. The agent appointment must occur no more than 30 days before the ceremony.  

Can we get married anywhere on Maui?

Not necessarily. Your marriage license is separate from permissions or permits associated with your ceremony location.

What if we’re having a beach wedding?

Check the location’s current jurisdiction and permit requirements. Commercial beach weddings on State shorelines can require DLNR authorization.  

Official Hawaii Marriage License Information

Because marriage-license requirements can change, always verify the current requirements directly with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health before your wedding.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health

⁠Official Hawaii Marriage License Information

Hawaii Marriage License Application

⁠Official Online Marriage License Application

Marriage License Agents

⁠Official Hawaii License Agent Directory

Getting Married in Maui

Once you’ve handled the legal paperwork, the fun part begins.

Choose your beach.

Choose your venue.

Choose your photographer.

Choose your flowers.

Choose your people.

And then let Maui do what Maui does.

Ocean.

Mountains.

Sunset.

Aloha.

And one very good reason to remember the date forever. 🌺

Continue Planning Your Maui Wedding