What Are Hawaii Marriage Records?

Hawaii marriage records are official documents issued by different state agencies to validate marriages performed within its jurisdiction. The state began keeping such records in 1842, following laws that required tax officers to inform island governors about marriages and grant written assent. These documents are vital as they serve as proof of a legal marriage.

In Hawaii, marriage records include marriage certificates and marriage licenses. A marriage certificate is an official statement confirming that a marriage has occurred, while a marriage license, per Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 572-11, is a legal requirement that authorizes a couple to marry, often issued before the ceremony takes place.

When accessed, marriage records in Hawaii typically contain the following information:

• Full names of both spouses
• Ages or dates of birth
• Places of residence
• Date of the marriage
• Location of the marriage
• Names of witnesses
• Officiant's details

These records serve various important functions. Couples often need a certified copy when applying for benefits such as pensions, social security, and disability. They are also essential for legal matters, including adoption proceedings or applying for a passport.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

Marriage certificates in Hawaii are not generally considered public records under the state's privacy laws. According to Section 338-18 of Hawaii's statutes, marriage records remain confidential for 75 years from the filing date. During this confidentiality period, only select individuals are eligible to access these records. Eligible individuals include:

• The registrant (the person named in the record)
• The registrant's spouse
• The registrant's parents
• A legal guardian of the registrant
• A person or agency acting on behalf of the registrant
• A descendant of the registrant (e.g., child or grandchild)
• A person sharing a common ancestor with the registrant (e.g., sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, cousin)
• A person granted access by a court order
• A personal representative of the registrant's estate
• Adoptive parents need to verify the death of a biological or legal parent
• A person verifying the marital status of an ex-spouse for alimony purposes
• A person needing the record for credit insurance payment determination
• A person needing to determine the death of a joint property co-owner

After the 75-year confidentiality period, Hawaii marriage records become public and are accessible to anyone.

When marriage records are publicly accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy. For example, sensitive details such as the Social Security numbers, birthdates, or the home addresses of the spouses may be removed. However, general information like the names of the spouses, the marriage date, and the location of the ceremony remains available.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Hawaii?

Different government agencies in Hawaii maintain and provide access to marriage records. The Hawaii Department of Health's Office of Health Status Monitoring serves as the primary custodian of these vital records. The State Archives of Hawaii also holds historical marriage records from earlier periods.

To request marriage records, applicants must submit specific details: the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the location where the marriage took place, and the reason for the request. Additional requirements include a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of relationship to the persons named in the record.

The process to obtain Hawaii marriage records starts with the submission of an application or order form to the Department of Health. Applicants can choose between mail, online, or in-person requests.

The state charges fees for each certified copy, with additional costs for other services. Multiple payment methods exist, such as credit cards, money orders, or cashier's checks. The processing time depends on the selected method and the current administrative workload.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Before searching, individuals should understand the difference between certificate types.

A certified copy bears an embossed seal and signature of the registrar, making it a legal document acceptable for official purposes such as passport applications and legal proceedings. An informational copy, while containing the same information, lacks the official seal and cannot be used for legal purposes.

For centralized services, the Hawaii Department of Health's Office of Health Status Monitoring provides several options for obtaining an official certified copy of a marriage certificate:

Online

To request a certified Hawaii marriage certificate online, follow these steps:

• Access the Hawaii Vital Records Ordering and Tracking System.
• Log in or order as a guest, then select the Marriage/Civil Union option.
• Provide the following information:
  • Delivery method (by mail or pick up)
  • Relationship to the person on the certificate.
  • Number of copies required.
  • A government-issued ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, or passport) for upload.
• Complete the requestor information form.

For detailed guidance on placing an order, watch the demonstration video available on YouTube.

Costs:

• $10 for the first copy
• $4 for each additional copy of the same record
• A portal fee of $2.50 per five copies (or increment thereof)

Payment Method: Only debit or credit cards are accepted. The cardholder's name must match the requester's name to avoid delays.

Order Tracking: Guests can use the "Track Order" feature on the system to monitor their requests.

By Mail

Certified copies of Hawaii marriage certificates can also be requested by mail:

• Download and complete the Request for Certified Copy of Civil Union or Marriage Record form.
• Include the following:
  • A cashier's check, certified check, or money order payable to the State Department of Health.
  • A photocopy of a valid government-issued ID.

The cost is similar when requesting marriage certificates online ($10 for the first copy, $4 for each additional copy, $2.50 general administration fee per five copies).

Mail the completed form and payment to:

Certificates requested by mail are processed within 6 to 8 weeks.

In-Person

Those who want to personally visit an office to request certified marriage certificates or those who chose the pick-up delivery method on the online system can visit the offices below:

Oahu Office

• Operating Days: Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (closed on Tuesday, Thursday, and state holidays).
• Hours: 7:45 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Appointments are required, but walk-ins may be accommodated between appointments.
• Location: 1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 103, Honolulu, HI 96813.
• Parking: Metered parking is available at $2 per hour (cash or credit card).

Neighbor Island Offices

• Offices typically operate Monday through Friday, from 7:45 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
• Availability may vary; contacting the local Health Department office is recommended for the latest information.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

To search for marriage licenses in Hawaii, individuals can use the Department of Health's Marriage License Search portal. The process requires entering either a Locator ID or the last name of one of the applicants (either Applicant I or Applicant II).

The interface provides a simple search form with a "Clear" button to reset the search and a "Search" button to initiate the query. This service is part of the state's online Certificate Validation system.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the Hawaii Vital Records Ordering and Tracking System, several online resources can assist in searching for Hawaii marriage records.

The Digital Archives of Hawaii is a valuable platform offering historical records and information that can help verify whether a marriage occurred.

Genealogical societies, both local and national, often maintain databases with marriage details that are useful for family history research. Commercial record retrieval services, such as RecordsFinder, provide another option for accessing marriage records.

While these resources may not provide certified copies of marriage certificates, they can still offer key details like names, dates, and locations of marriage events. Users may need to provide specific information, such as full names and approximate dates, to conduct an effective search. Some services may also charge fees for access or detailed reports.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

Per the 2023 Hawaii Revised Statutes, Title 31, Chapter 572, there is no specific provision for confidential marriages in the state. A confidential marriage, available in some states, allows couples to keep their marriage details private, typically to protect the couple's privacy in sensitive situations. In Hawaii, however, all marriage records are public documents in general.

If a confidential marriage were to exist under a special circumstance, access to the records would typically require a court order.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

Applying for a marriage or civil union license in Hawaii involves a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth application:

1. Complete the Online Application

Applicants must complete the online application atthe Hawaii Electronic Marriage and Civil Union Registration System and pay the $65 fee ($60 application fee + $5 portal fee). They should keep their Authorization Code/Locator Identification (ID) for reference.

2. Meet with a Marriage License Agent

Applicants are required to meet with a licensed agent no sooner than 30 days before the ceremony date. Both individuals must appear together in person and present valid government-issued photo identification (e.g., passport, driver's license, state ID).

Proxies are not allowed. The agent will review the application, verify the necessary IDs and documents, and issue the marriage or civil union license.

3. Hold the Ceremony

The ceremony must be held within 30 days of obtaining the license. The license is valid only within Hawaii, and there is no waiting period before the ceremony. If the ceremony does not take place within this time frame, the license becomes invalid.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years or older. Parental consent is required for applicants under 18, along with additional documentation.
• There are no residency or U.S. citizenship requirements.
• Blood tests are not required.
• Marriages between first cousins are allowed, but closer blood relationships are prohibited.

Additional Information

Applicants who have been previously married must provide proof of divorce or a death certificate if it occurred less than 30 days before applying. Further information can be obtained from the Hawaii Department of Health at (808) 586-4544 or by visiting their Honolulu (Oahu) office. Neighbor island residents can contact district health offices for assistance:

• Hawaii Island: (808) 974-6008
• Molokai: (808) 553-7870
• Maui: (808) 984-8210
• Kauai: (808) 241-3498

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

In Hawaii, it is possible to correct a mistake found on a marriage certificate, either through a private request or a court order. Common errors on a marriage certificate may include misspelled names, incorrect dates, or incorrect information about the marriage license.

To correct such mistakes, an individual must apply for an amendment, along with supporting documentary evidence. The specific documentation required varies depending on whether the amendment is court-ordered or if the error affects the validity of the record.

Once an amendment is made, it cannot be changed again without a court order or, in the case of name changes, a formal change of name decree.

For more information, individuals can contact the State Department of Health's Office of Health Status Monitoring by calling (808) 586-4541 or sending a letter to the Corrections Section at P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801. Mostly, there is a $3 fee for each amendment request.

Are Marriage Records Under the Hawaii Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is a service designed to help individuals who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault protect their home addresses from being publicly disclosed.

Through this program, eligible participants can use a substitute address on official documents and records, such as voter registration, driver's licenses, and marriage records.

However, Hawaii does not currently have an ACP for any public documents, including marriage records. As a result, marriage records in Hawaii are not subject to the same confidentiality protections that ACP offers in other states. Hawaii marriage records are generally accessible to the public after a specific period unless specific legal restrictions or court orders apply.

Hawaii Marriage Statistics and Trends

Recent data shows that 53% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older are married, a decrease from 58% in 1995. During the same period, cohabitation has risen, with 7% of Americans now living with a partner, compared to just 3% in 1995. In Hawaii, marriage trends vary from the national averages. Below are key marriage statistics for the state:

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