What You Need to Know about Getting Married on Maui: The Legal Stuff

If you’re considering choosing Maui as the location for your destination wedding or elopement, it’s important to understand the legal rules for getting married in the State of Hawai’i. As a Maui wedding photographer, I’m well-acquainted with the legal stuff, and the good news is that it’s not that complicated or difficult to get married on Maui! Read on to learn what you need to know.

Obtaining a Marriage License in Maui, Hawai’i

Maui, Hawai’i does not require U.S. citizenship or a blood test to apply for a marriage license (great news for couples traveling from other countries to be married in Maui). Applicants for a marriage license must be at least 18 years-old. The process for applying for a marriage license begins by completing an online application. The application fee is $60, with a $5 administrative fee.

Once the application has been completed, you and your partner must make an appointment to appear before a licensed marriage agent on Maui (or any other of the Hawaiian islands). You will be asked to provide proof of age, and if you’ve been previously married, you must present your divorce decree or the death certificate of your spouse. After signing consents, you’ll be issued your marriage license! The marriage license can be issued on the same day of the marriage, and it is only good for 30 days. Most of the couples that I work with obtain the license shortly after their arrival on Maui, and often on the same day as the ceremony.

The marriage license permits your marriage to take place. Prior to the ceremony, the officiant will ask to see your marriage license. After the ceremony, you and the officiant will sign the marriage certificate, a separate document that indicates a legal marriage has been performed. The officiant then submits the completed certificate to the State of Hawai’i, and you’re officially married!!! Now let’s get some epic images of you and your spouse!

Who Can Marry you in Maui, Hawai’i

The State of Hawai’i requires officiants (referred to as “marriage performers”) to be licensed. This means that if you have a friend or family member that is an officiant, they won’t be able to marry you legally on Maui unless they are licensed by the State of Hawai’i. You can find the list of licensed marriage performers in Hawai’i here. As a Maui wedding photographer, I can also provide my clients with personal recommendations for rad officiants on Maui that perform amazing ceremonies!