Marriage records in Hawaii can be accessed through several channels. HawaiiCourt.us can help find publicly available marriage record information for the state. The official custodian of marriage records is the Hawaii State Department of Health, Vital Records Section, which maintains all marriage certificates filed statewide. Records may also be requested online through the state's vital records portal, in person at the Department of Health office, or by mail.
Hawaii Marriage Records Search
In Hawaii, marriage records are maintained at the state level rather than by individual counties. The Hawaii State Department of Health, Vital Records Section serves as the central repository for all marriage and civil union certificates filed in the state. This office holds records for marriages that took place anywhere in Hawaii, dating back to 1842. The collection includes marriage licenses issued, marriage certificates returned after solemnization, and civil union certificates filed since 2012.
Marriage license applications are processed through local Department of Health marriage license agents located on each island, but the completed certificates are filed with and maintained by the central Vital Records office in Honolulu.
On Hawaiʻi Island (the Big Island), marriage license agents operate through the Department of Health's district offices in Hilo and Kona. Contact the Vital Records Section for current agent locations and appointment availability.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Hawaii
Fees for marriage record copies are set by the Hawaii Department of Health under Hawaii Revised Statutes §338-14.5. The following fee schedule applies to requests made directly through the Vital Records Section:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage/civil union certificate | $10.00 |
| Each additional copy (same order, same certificate) | $4.00 |
| Search fee (no record found or uncertified abstract) | $10.00 |
| Letter of verification (non-certified confirmation) | $10.00 |
| Online order processing (via state portal) | Additional service and processing fees apply |
Processing times vary. In-person requests at the Honolulu office are typically processed the same day. Mail requests generally take several weeks. Online orders placed through the state portal may include expedited shipping options for an additional fee.
Who can request a certified copy: Under Hawaii law (HRS §338-18), certified copies of marriage certificates are restricted to individuals with a direct and tangible interest, including:
- Either spouse named on the certificate
- A parent or legal guardian of a minor spouse
- A legal representative or attorney authorized by one of the above
- Government agencies with a statutory need
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Hawaii
There are three ways to order a certified copy of a Hawaii marriage or civil union certificate:
Online
The Hawaii Vital Records online portal allows eligible requestors to order and track certified copies of marriage and civil union certificates. You will need to:
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Provide the full names of both spouses, date of marriage, and place of marriage
- Upload a valid government-issued photo ID
- Pay the certificate fee plus any service and shipping charges
Online orders include tracking capability so you can check the status of your request.
In Person
Walk-in requests are accepted at the Vital Records Section in Honolulu:
Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to complete an application form on-site. Same-day processing is generally available for in-person requests.
On Hawaiʻi Island, you may also contact local Department of Health district offices in Hilo or Kona to ask whether walk-in certificate requests are accepted at those locations.
By Mail
Mail requests should be sent to:
Include the following with your mail request:
- A completed application form (available from the Vital Records website)
- A check or money order payable to "State Department of Health" for the applicable fee
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (optional but recommended)
- Full names of both spouses, date of marriage, and place of marriage
Mail requests may take several weeks to process. If no record is found, the search fee is still retained. For questions about your request, call the Vital Records Section at (808) 586-4533.