Planning a Wedding
Love is always in the air on Oahu. From sunset strolls along Waikiki Beach to a starlit dinner cruise off the island’s famed Gold Coast, Oahu is made for romance. Even better, it is the perfect place to say “I do.”
Ceremony
Every day, visitors come to Oahu to exchange wedding vows and enjoy a Hawaiian honeymoon. They may opt for a traditional ceremony in a church or wedding chapel (several hotels and resorts on the island offer their own chapels), or they may decide to say “I do” on a secluded white sand beach, near a cascading waterfall or on a scenic mountain hillside. If you’re on the adventurous side, Oahu also offers a number of unique wedding experiences, including those on land (horseback riding), in the air (skydiving) and under the sea (SCUBA).
There are many professional wedding planners on the island who can help arrange the wedding of your dreams. A wedding planner can coordinate every aspect of your wedding, from securing a location and arranging for a minister to hiring a photographer and even finding that perfect wedding gown. Basically, a planner can take the worry out of your wedding.
Marriage License
For a person to marry in the State of Hawaii, a marriage license must be obtained from an authorized agent. Once the license has been issued, there is no waiting period before the marriage can take place. Marriage performers must be licensed by and in the state of Hawaii to perform the marriage ceremony.
You do not have to be a state resident or U.S. citizen to be granted a marriage license in Hawaii. Blood tests are not required. The legal age to marry is 18 years for both males and females. Males or females who are 16 or 17 years of age and wish to be married must present the written consent of both parents, legal guardians or family court. (Consent forms may be obtained by a marriage agent.) Proof of age is required.
The prospective bride and groom must appear together in person before a marriage license agent to apply for a marriage license. Proxies are not allowed. The marriage license costs $60 (payable in cash). The license is good for 30 days.
On Oahu, you can apply for a marriage license at the Health Department Building (1250 Punchbowl Street) in Honolulu. For more information about obtaining a marriage license, call (808) 586-4545.
Hawaii Bridal Expo
For newlyweds-to-be, the Hawaii Bridal Expo is a major consumer show held at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu. Held in January, the two-day event includes wedding planners, photographers, videographers and many other wedding-related services and products.