Officiate a wedding ceremony Hawaii

You may have a friend or family member who you would like to perform your marriage in Hawaii. This is a very special way to honor someone close to you who knows you both well, and they will create a unique and meaningful ceremony. Yes, anyone can become an officiant in the State of Hawaii and perform a marriage legally.

There are two things they need to do to legally perform a marriage for your Hawaiian wedding.

1. They must become ordained

2. They must become licensed by the State of Hawaii before performing the marriage

Becoming ordained in Hawaii

They can become ordained in a variety of ways, but one simple way is through the Universal Life Church. Anyone interested can become a minister of the Universal Life Church. It’s an easy way to become ordained, is completely free, and done online through their website. See the link below for more information and to register.

Universal Life Church

Becoming licensed by the State of Hawaii to perform a marriage

Licenses to perform a marriage are issued by the State of Hawaii Health Department. They must be licensed by the state prior to performing the marriage in order for it to be legally binding. Registration is done online through the state website and is $35 for a 60 day license and $110 for a one year license (the pricing was updated on July 1st, 2023 it used to be $65 for the license). If they are applying for the 60 day license, they need to do so within 60 days of the wedding date so it is valid on the wedding date. Licenses typically take a few days to process. See the link below for more information and to apply.

State of Hawaii Department of Health

Phone: (808) 586-4540
Email: doh.licensequery@doh.hawaii.gov

Tara Lee Photography is a destination wedding and elopement photographer based in Maui, Hawaii. From spectacular wedding celebrations to small adventure elopements across Hawaii and beyond.

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