When one often thinks of eloping, Hawaii is for sure a top destination that comes to mind. While the birthplace of elopements may be Las Vegas, Hawaii is a close sister for top small wedding destinations in the US. The islands provide so many options for stunning scenery, epic adventures and a wedding you’ll never forget. The question is — how to elope in Hawaii?

Hawaii is a destination of its own, with its own rules and ways of doing things, and that’s no exception when it comes to getting eloped. Here, we’ll review:

• How to obtain a marriage license 
• How many witnesses are required
• All inclusive Hawaii elopement packages
• Top booked island and venues in Hawaii on Simply Eloped
• Post elopement: getting a marriage certificate
• Post elopement: changing your last name

How to Get your Marriage License in Hawaii

It’s important not to sleep on the process of getting a marriage license in Hawaii, as it’s not as simple or easy as some other destinations in the US. If you were getting married in New York or Las Vegas, for instance, you’d take an easy stroll into City Hall to pick up your license. In Hawaii, since things are so spread out, they don’t have City Halls to support marriage license processes. 

To kick things off, you’ll head to Hawaii gov’s page to begin your wedding license application. The application costs $65.00. Please note both you and your partner will need to be over the age of 18, be in possession of state or country ID and if either of you have been previously married you’ll need to show proof of divorce with a divorce decree or death certificate. Once your application is complete, you’ll be given an Authorization Code/Locator Identification – SAVE THIS! You’ll need it later. 

Before heading to the islands for your ceremony, you’ll need to make an appointment with an Agent of the Health State Department of Health. Please note there are different agents per island, so be mindful as to which island you’re getting married on! You will not be given your marriage license until you meet with an agent, so this is a crucial step. You can find a list of authorized agents here. 

You’ll need to provide proof of age (you must be 18 or 16 with a parent’s permission in Hawaii) by sharing one of the following documents:

• US valid driver’s license
• Government-issued non-driver’s ID
• Passport

As noted, the marriage license application fee is $65.00. There is no required waiting period between getting your marriage license and getting married in Hawaii, so you can do both on the same day.

Neither party needs to be a resident of Hawaii in order to get married on the islands. This license will be good for 30 days after receiving it from the agent. 

Obtaining a Wedding Officiant and Witness

For your ceremony to be legal in Hawaii, you’ll need to hire an officiant that is registered with the state! The State of Hawaii has strict requirements for one to become an officiant, so unfortunately Hawaii is difficult to have a friend or family member act as your legal officiant. You are welcome to find your own officiant, but hiring through a company like Simply Eloped ensures that the vendor is vetted and professionally qualified to be your celebrant. 

No witnesses are required, though you’re welcome to have them. Since there isn’t a mandatory waiting period between when you obtain your marriage license and when you hold your ceremony, you can tie the knot any time after getting that doc – with or without loved ones present!

One important note is that both the parties to the wedding and the person performing the wedding must be physically located in Hawaii at the time of your ceremony; no virtual officiants allowed.

All-Inclusive Hawaii Elopement Packages

Simply Eloped offers a number of customizable elopement packages for your Hawaii elopement! Our Seed, Simply Photographed, Sprout, Bloom, and Oasis packages are available in Hawaii. This provides each couple the unique opportunity to build their perfect, customizable elopement package from top to bottom. Here are a few details on each package. To see more information on each of these Hawaii elopement packages, click here.

• Seed Package Details: Includes professional officiant, personalized ceremony, advice on obtaining your marriage license, beach permit and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Simply Photographed Details: Covers one hour of professional photography, a gallery of 75 or more edited images delivered 15 days or less after your ceremony, beach permit and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Sprout Package Details: Offers a professional officiant, personalized ceremony, one hour of photography, a gallery of 75 or more edited images delivered 15 days or less after your ceremony, beach permit and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Bloom Package Details: Includes a professional officiant, personalized ceremony, one hour of photography, two leis, a gallery of 75 or more edited images delivered 15 days or less after your ceremony, beach permit and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Oasis Package Details: Covers professional officiant, two hours of photography, one hour of videography which renders a highlight reel and long form video of your ceremony, hair and make up for one person, two leis, a gallery of 75 or more edited images delivered 15 days or less after your ceremony, beach permit, Nosegay bouquet and boutonniere and a dedicated Elopement Specialist

Places to Elope in Hawaii

With so many incredible options, it’s hard to select one island – let alone venue. Here are our recommendations on where to elope in the Hawaiian Islands.

Top Maui Elopement Venues

Makena Cove

Makena Cove on Maui is by far one of the most popular venues to elope on the island, possibly even on ALL of the islands! Situated in Wailea, which is full of high-end hotels and restaurants, this little cove has the perfect view of the beachy Hawaiian sunset. Within the cove there is both greenery and rock, which make for a variety of gorgeous backdrops, even within such a small space. If you’re feeling adventurous and aren’t afraid to get wet, the waves are regularly mild here, making for some memorable soaked photos, without getting hit by big waves! The only thing to be mindful about is that because this is such a small cove and such a popular destination, we do not recommend this location if you have feelings about sharing a beach with another wedding. We often see multiple couples eloping here at the same time! If you’re set on the venue but do not want to share, you may consider a sunrise ceremony or try eloping on a less popular day of the week, like a Monday. Word to the wise: DO NOT get eloped in the middle of the day or you and your guests will be sweating beads. Please note since this bay is so small, no more than five guests are permitted. 

Ironwoods Beach (Oneloa) 

If you’re seeking a venue that’s a little more on the quiet side, you can’t go wrong with Ironwoods Beach. Located on the Northern side of the island (near-ish to the Kahului Airport), this big stretch of beach is nestled behind houses and sleepy resorts. There are both beachy spots and small cliffsides to choose for your elopement ceremony, both making for stunning views. While you may see other groups or other couples eloping, there’s so much space it won’t make much of a difference. Please note there is a bit of walking from the parking lot to the beach, so ensure you have flat shoes and show up with plenty of time prior to your ceremony time. 

Kula Botanical Garden

If a beachy elopement is not your vibe, fear not. Kula Botanical Garden is such a stunning destination and offers so many lovely spots for your special ceremony. From hidden nooks of greenery to a broad spectrum of colorful tropical flowers, you’ll have your pick of whatever spot resonates with you best. If you have no guests, you can just pay the entrance fee at the gate. Otherwise, you’ll have to reach out to them to coordinate your date and time. Let us know if you’re interested in this spot and we can give you the skinny. 

Top Oahu Elopement Venues

Papa’iloa Beach

This one is a bit of a blast from the past reference, but roll with us: remember the popular early 2000’s show Lost? That show was filmed on this beach, which is how it’s now known around the island. This stunning beach near the North Shore of Oahu has a regularly outstanding view of the sunset, which makes this a perfect destination to hold your dreamy elopement. Backed by thick greenery and white sands, there are a multitude of areas to perform your small wedding. 

Hale’iwa Beach

If you’re digging the North Shore area and want to stay away from busy Honolulu, Hale’iwa is a great spot to elope. Our favorite thing about this venue is that you get immaculate beach plus jungle vibes, making for incredible elopement photos. Hale’iwa is a popular beach swimming destination, so you may have onlookers, but that’s part of the Hawaiian spirit fun!

Sandy Beach (Wāwāmalu)

If rolling green hills, lush backdrops and soft white sands are the vibes you’re seeking, look no further than Sandy Beach. This venue, appropriately named, is located on the southeastern side of the island and offers a bit of a quieter vibe. You may not get those intense sunset views, but sunrises are pure magic here. 

Top Big Island Elopement Venues

Captain Cook Bay (Kealakekua Bay) 

This one is a bit of a well-known gem locally and a piece of Hawaiian History. Back in 1778, this bay is reportedly where Captain James originally landed his ship in Hawaii. It’s not easy to get to, but you can see a monument dedicated to him across the circle moon of the bay. This rocky beach is famed for its sunsets and marine wildlife. If you’re hoping for a spectacle of a sunset, this is a great destination to choose for your small ceremony. 

Kiholo Beach

This beach is a local favorite! Rocky outcrops, lush green trees, black sand beaches: this venue boasts them all! As this is a protected sea turtle spot, while you may see some amazing wildlife, there is a specific permitting process for this location, which Simply Eloped is unable to obtain on your behalf. 

Kukio Beach

While some beaches feel dense and crowded, Kukio Beach is the opposite. Located near to Hualalai Four Seasons Resort, this beach offers stunning and expansive views in every direction. Black volcanic rock, white sand and lush greenery are all options as backdrops for your perfect elopement.

 

Get Your Marriage Certificate

The process of getting a marriage certificate starts at your marriage license appointment, where you will pay for the amount of certificates you’d like to have. It is recommended to get two wedding certificates. This is because as you’re changing your name, you’ll be using this document a lot. While in transition, it’s always good to have a backup in the event of an emergency. In Hawaii, additional marriage certificates are an additional $4.00 per copy. Please note that if you declare your future last name on your marriage certificate, this will act as your legal name change document, meaning you will not have to petition for a name change.

How to Change your Last Name in Hawaii

In Hawaii, it’s about a six step process to change your name on both your legal and non legal documentation. While this can feel a bit overwhelming, it really is just a matter of taking it step by step. Don’t move on to the next step before you’ve completed the one you’re in. If you do this, it’ll feel more seamless and will be complete in no time. Here, we’ll review what you have to do.

1. Get your marriage certificate: if your last name on your marriage certificate is your intended last name after marriage, this can act as your legal name change document. If this is not the case, you’ll need to petition for a name change.
2. Petition for a name change: you’ll have to do this if you can’t use your marriage license to facilitate a legal name change. To apply for a legal name change in Hawaii, you must be a current resident of Hawaii and be at least 18 years old.  You’ll need to complete and submit the Application of Change of Name and provide supporting documentation. There’s a $50.00 filing fee, $1.00 archive fee, and a $5.00 service fee per petition submitted. All fees are non-refundable. Additional fees include a publication fee, which starts at $204.19, and a registration fee which is $41.00. Once filed, this change can take up to 12 weeks, so be patient!
3. Change your name with Social Security: After you’ve either gotten your marriage certificate or gotten your legal name change approved, it’s time to head over to the SSA office. You can find your closest location here. This is a relatively quick process where you’ll fill out an application, make an appointment, show the required documentation at your appointment and wait for your new card to arrive by mail. You’ll want to bring your legal name change document, proof of identity like your driver’s license, and proof of citizenship like your birth certificate or passport. There are no fees associated with changing your name with social security, and you’ll have a new card delivered to you by mail in a matter of weeks.
4. Change your name on your Driver’s License: In Hawaii, you’ll need to visit the Motor Vehicles and Licensing office to go through this process. Make an appointment with your local county MVL office, and bring with you your certified name change documents, like your marriage certificate or new social security card. You’ll also need to bring your existing driver’s license. Check with your local county office for any additional documentation and for associated fees, as they change county to county. Once approved, you’ll receive a paper driver’s license the day of your appointment, with your hard license to follow by mail in a few weeks.
5. Change your Name on your Passport: If you have a passport, this is your fifth and final step in legally changing your name. You’ll want to do this after you’ve received your new driver’s license, so you have additional identifiable documentation on hand. While this is a federal process, the forms you will need to do so are dependent on a few factors, like whether your passport is expired or not. To find out which documents apply to you, go to Travel.State.Gov. Once you have filled out the proper paperwork, you’ll need:
   • Your current passport
   • Your certified name change document (marriage license or otherwise)
   • A new color passport photo
   • Payment and other fees in the form of a check

Depending on your passport needs, you will either be able to submit everything by mail, or need to submit your documents in person. After submitting, a new passport will take several weeks to arrive. You’ll be able to track the progress of your application and passport online.

From here, you’re done with the legal tasks! Your next step is changing your name on non-legal documents. Examples to consider at this point are things like car titles, insurance (health, car, renters,) employers, credit cards and more. It seems like a lot because it is! Take this process step by step, and it should all go smoothly. There’s also many businesses that help with the name changing process.

Eloping is an exciting moment in you and your partner’s life! Though there’s a few steps to get you down the aisle, Simply Eloped is here to support you in the full process. To learn more about our packages and services, chat with one of our Personal Elopement Designer.

This article has been fact checked and reviewed for accuracy by a Simply Eloped Personal Elopement Specialist in January 2026.