Do You Need an Officiant to Get Married in Hawaii? (Can You Self-Solemnize?)
If you’re planning to elope or get married in beautiful Hawaii, you might be wondering:
“Do we need to hire an officiant, or can we marry ourselves?”
In other words — can you self-solemnize your marriage in Hawaii?
It’s a great question — and the answer is important if you want your marriage to be legally recognized.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Can You Self-Solemnize Your Marriage in Hawaii?
No — Hawaii does not allow self-solemnization.
You must have a licensed officiant perform your wedding ceremony in order for it to be legally valid in the state of Hawaii.
What Is Self-Solemnization?
Self-solemnization means the couple can legally marry themselves — without an officiant — simply by exchanging vows and signing their marriage license.
Some U.S. states, like Colorado and Pennsylvania, allow self-solemnization.
But in Hawaii, it is not legally permitted.
Who Can Perform a Legal Wedding in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, only certain individuals can legally officiate a wedding:
Licensed officiants registered with the Hawaii Department of Health
Judges or certain government officials
Religious leaders who are licensed and approved
If your officiant is not registered with the State of Hawaii, the marriage will not be legally valid.
How Do You Find a Licensed Officiant in Hawaii?
If you are planning a Hawaii wedding or elopement, hiring a licensed officiant is simple:
Many wedding planners and photographers (like One Moment Hawaii!) work with trusted local officiants and can provide recommendations.
You can also search for officiants directly on the Hawaii Department of Health website.
Your officiant must register your marriage license online after the ceremony — so using an experienced professional helps ensure the process is completed correctly.
What About Friend or Family Officiants?
Many couples love the idea of having a friend or family member officiate their ceremony.
In Hawaii, this is possible — but only if that person:
Becomes ordained through an online ministry or religious organization, AND
Registers as a licensed officiant with the Hawaii Department of Health before your wedding.
Without this official registration, your marriage would not be legally binding.
Important: Registration should be done well in advance of your ceremony to avoid any last-minute issues.
Final Takeaway: You Need a Licensed Officiant in Hawaii
To recap:
✅ You cannot self-solemnize your marriage in Hawaii.
✅ You must have a licensed officiant conduct your ceremony.
✅ Friends or family can officiate only if they are properly licensed and registered with the state.
✅ Your officiant will handle the legal filing of your marriage license after your ceremony.
Planning Your Hawaii Elopement or Wedding?
At One Moment Hawaii, we work with some of the best local officiants and can help you find the perfect person to match your style — whether you want a:
Simple beach elopement
Romantic vow exchange
Spiritual or religious ceremony
Fun and modern wedding experience
When you book your photography and videography with us, we’re happy to help guide you through the entire planning process — including connecting you with trusted licensed officiants.
Ready to start planning your Hawaii wedding?
Contact us today — we’d love to help you create the perfect day! 🌴💍✨
