Hawaii Wedding Information

CLIMATE
With our gentle trade winds and clear sunny skies, Hawaii is ideal for weddings and honeymoons. The average temperature is around 80 degrees, dropping to 78 degrees during the winter months. Evening temperatures drop another 10 degrees. The rainy season is during our winter months.

WHAT TO WEAR
The style in Hawaii is resort casual or just "hang loose." For an authentic Hawaiian wedding, we recommend a "holoku" or muu muu for the bride and an aloha shirt for the groom. Wearing a traditional wedding gown and tuxedo is also acceptable in the islands, even for outdoor weddings.

LANGUAGE
The official language in the State of Hawaii is English, but since we are known as the "melting pot " of the Pacific, you'll hear Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Samoan and a variation of English called "pidgin."

TIME ZONES
There is no daylight savings time in Hawaii and we are in the Pacific Standard Time Zone. When daylight savings time is not in effect on the mainland, Hawaii is 2 hours after the West Coast; 4 hours after the Midwest and 5 hours after the East Coast.

CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted for most transactions in Hawaii. In order to obtain your marriage license at the State Department of Health, you will need $60 cash and an additional $10 cash if you would like to RUSH your certified copy. This is highly recommended for brides who will be changing their last name.

TIPPING
A gratuity for good service is graciously accepted in Hawaii.

SUNSCREEN
The proximity of the islands to the equator makes the sun more intense. We recommend that you bring sunscreen. Severe sunburn is the last thing you'll want on your honeymoon or in your wedding photos. Sunscreen works best when applied at least one hour before you hit the beach. This allows the skin plenty of time to absorb the protective ingredients and gives the lotion time to dry so sand doesn't stick to your body.

MARRIAGE LICENSE
A marriage license is valid for 30 days throughout the Aloha State. There is no waiting period and a blood test is NOT required. There are no residency or citizenship requirements for filing. The prospective bride and groom need only to go together to the marriage license office with the $60 cash fee, a valid ID and any other specific documents.

The required documents are a valid driver's license or ID card. Legal marrying age in Hawaii is 19 years old; 18 years old and below should call the Hawaii State Department of Health for special instructions.

Once your marriage license is filed with the State of Hawaii following your ceremony, you will receive a copy of your recorded license in 90 days, sent to the address you have indicated on your application. You can expedite the processing of your license for a state fee of $10.00. You will receive your certified copy within 30 days.

The marriage license division is open Monday though Friday except holidays. If you need to obtain your license on a holiday or weekend, the Marriage Licensing division can direct you to home agents who can accommodate you by appointment.

For more information, call the Hawaii State Department of Health at (808) 586-4545 for recorded information or (808) 586-4544 for an agent. The office sends marital packets to interested parties from out-of-state.

WHERE TO GET YOUR LICENSE

OAHU
Hawaii State Department of Health
1250 Punchbowl Street Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-4545 / (808) 586-4544
Open 7:45 - 4PM

HAWAII (Big Island)
Hawaii State Department of Health Registrar
(808) 974-6008

KAUAI
Hawaii State Department of Health Registrar
(808) 241-3495

LANAI, MAUI, MOLOKAI
Hawaii State Department of Health Registrar
(808) 984-8210

DOWNLOAD YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION

The State of Hawaii Department of Health has a website with marriage information and an application form that can be downloaded and printed.

www.hawaii.gov/doh/records

SUBSCRIBE TO HAWAII'S #1 WEDDING MAGAZINE

Hawaii's only complete wedding planner since 1991. Over 120 colorful pages of photos and information to plan your wedding in Hawaii. Order online today!

www.hawaiibride.com