Officiating a wedding in Hawaii
Registration, the license, and who returns it — the essentials for officiants.
Informational only. Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with the county clerk or issuing office that handles the license.
Reviewed August 2026 · Issuing office: emrs.ehawaii.gov
Can you officiate, and is registration required?
Hawaii requires a performer license from the Department of Health before you may perform any marriage in the state, and performing without one is unlawful. Ministers and other religious officials register under the religious class; any individual at least 18 may hold the civil performer license instead, so ordination rarely decides the question here. The state portal warns that approval can take up to two weeks, which makes this the most lead-time-sensitive state in this reference. The couple gets the license from a Department of Health agent in the district, and it is void 30 days after issuance.
Who returns the license, and by when
The performer reports the marriage to the Department of Health agent for the district where it was performed within three business days of the ceremony. Business days are not calendar days, so a weekend wedding is tighter than it looks. If the performer does not report, the married parties may submit a notarized affidavit to the department. Confirm the count with the Department of Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to register to officiate in Hawaii?
Yes. A performer license from the Department of Health is required before performing any marriage in the state, and the state portal warns that registration can take up to two weeks to approve. Register early.
Does an online ordination work in Hawaii?
The performer license, not the ordination, is what authorizes you, and any individual at least 18 qualifies for the civil performer license regardless of ordination. For how the department treats an online ordination under the religious class, ask the Department of Health.
How soon must a Hawaii marriage be reported?
Within three business days of the ceremony, to the Department of Health agent for the district where it happened.
Never miss a return deadline
RiteBinder's license tracker keeps every state's note in front of you (free, no card). On Solo it also turns the signed license into a task and reminds you before the deadline.
Confirm the current rule with the issuing office:emrs.ehawaii.gov.