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Getting Married in Hawaii
How do I get married in Hawaii?
It’s a simple three-step process. Apply for the license, procure the license from an agent, and get married by a licensed marriage performer like me. All the details are here.
Do we need to be Hawaii residents or US citizens to get married in Hawaii?
No. Anyone can get married in Hawaii regardless of residency or citizenship. You just need a valid government-issued ID. It’s one of the reasons Hawaii is such a popular destination for couples from around the world.
Is a marriage in Hawaii valid for other states?
Yes! Hawaii is a part of the United States and marriages here are legal in all other states and territories.
Is a marriage in Hawaii valid in other countries?
Yes, but you will need to check with authorities in your country to find out if you need to register your marriage there. Most countries require an apostille along with your certified marriage certificate. Your license agent will give you information on how to obtain this.
🇨🇦 Canada does not require an apostille so you don’t need to do anything extra.
Can I change my name when getting married in Hawaii?
Yes! Hawaii allows a change of middle as well as last name. More information can be found here: https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/faq.html
How do I change my name after I get married?
If you chose to change your name as a part of getting married in Hawaii your certified marriage certificate will be needed as proof of the name change. There is a handy service that can help with the process: https://www.hitchswitch.com/. If you decide to change your name after marriage you will need to see what the process is in your state or county.
Is rain on your wedding day in Hawaii really good luck?
Yes! It is a real thing, and it is also recognized in many other cultures. Rain is seen as a sign of growth, abundance, and fertility.
What do we do if it’s raining on our wedding day in Hawaii? 🌧
We are a chain of tropical islands in the Pacific so rain is a part of life and it’s not always predictable. Rain is often a passing squall that can be waited out. This is another reason I only book 2 weddings a day, I like to be flexible to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.
All Hawaiian islands have a “wet” and “dry” side. Choosing a dry side location does give you a better chance at not having rain on your wedding day.
In the case of rain that doesn’t look like it will stop soon, I discuss options with my couple and any other vendors involved. If there is a wedding planner on site, they take the lead. Sometimes it’s possible to drive to a location that’s not raining.
Some couples just say the heck with it and get married in the rain. I’m totally down with that too! Like they say, no rain, no rainbows! 🌈
What time of year is best for a Maui wedding?
Any time of year, genuinely. Maui averages around 82 degrees with a low of 77 almost year-round, so there’s no bad season. The main variables are crowd levels, rainfall patterns by location, and wind. I’m happy to share what I know about specific times and locations when you reach out.
Are some wedding dates more popular than others?
Yes! Dates with repeating numbers like 5/5, 6/6, or 6/26/26 are hugely popular and book up fast, sometimes a year or more in advance. If you have your heart set on a date like that, lock down your officiant, photographer, and other vendors as early as possible.
What are some ways to give back during our visit?
Glad you asked! I wrote a blog post on this very thing. Check it out!
Jump to: Getting Married in Hawaii | Beach & Location Tips | Booking & Services | About My Ceremonies
Beach & Location Tips
What areas of Maui do you serve?
I serve all of Maui including Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina, West Maui, Upcountry, and the North Shore. The one area I’m generally not able to travel to for weddings is Hana, simply due to the time commitment of that drive. If you’re not sure whether your location works, just ask.
Can we get married on any beach in Maui?
Not all beaches allow weddings or ceremonies, and that list changes based on regulations from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Any experienced vendor who handles permits will know which beaches are currently allowed. What I can tell you is that some beaches are very unlikely to ever be permittable, including Makena Beach (Big Beach) and Ka’anapali Beach. If you have your heart set on a specific spot, check with me or your other vendors early in the planning process.
Can we have decorations at our beach wedding?
This surprises a lot of couples: wedding arches, bowers, and any standing structure are not permitted on Hawaii’s beaches. What you can have is a circle of fresh flowers on the sand, which can be absolutely beautiful. A few things to know: only fresh flowers are allowed (no artificial ones), and everything must be removed when you’re done. That means either bringing a rake or hiring a floral artist who will set up and take everything away afterward.
What should we wear to a beach wedding in Maui?
Honestly, anything goes. I’ve seen full formal gowns and tuxedos, breezy cotton aloha wear, and yes, even a couple who got married in their bathing suits and dove into the ocean right after. It really comes down to your taste and vibe.
A few practical things worth knowing: spike heels will sink into sand or grass, so comfortable footwear or bare feet are the way to go. Some beach locations involve paths, stairs, or rocky sections, and a few have kiawe thorns on the path, so shoes to get there and barefoot for the ceremony is often the smartest approach.
One thing worth thinking about: veils and Maui’s trade winds can be a tricky combination. Some months are quite windy, and it’s not uncommon for a veil to become a bit of a distraction during the ceremony. One option couples love is wearing the veil for photos before or after, then removing it for the ceremony itself. Best of both worlds, and you get to actually be present for the moment. Totally your call though!
Do you have a preference for morning or evening ceremonies?
I love both, but I always encourage couples to consider a sunrise ceremony. Sunsets get all the attention, but mornings on Maui are often less crowded, the weather is more predictable, and the light is soft and gorgeous. If you want a more intimate feel with fewer people around, morning is worth serious consideration.
Any tips on choosing the right beach location?
One thing I see often: couples choose a beach right next to a hotel without realizing how busy it can get. If privacy and intimacy matter to you, a beach that isn’t adjacent to a resort will usually give you a much better experience. I’m happy to help you find the right fit based on what you’re looking for.
Is there a best day of the week for a beach ceremony?
If a quieter, more private feel is important to you, weekdays are generally better. Weekends tend to be busier because locals are out enjoying the beaches too, which is wonderful but does mean more people around. If you have flexibility in your schedule, a Tuesday through Friday ceremony will usually give you a more intimate atmosphere.
How many guests can attend a beach ceremony?
Beach permits allow a maximum of 30 people total, including the couple, officiant, photographer, and any other vendors. If you’re planning a larger celebration, I’d recommend looking into a private venue which can accommodate bigger groups more comfortably.
Jump to: Getting Married in Hawaii | Beach & Location Tips | Booking & Services | About My Ceremonies
Booking & Services
How far in advance should I book a Maui wedding officiant?
I recommend booking 3-6 months in advance, especially if you have a specific date or location in mind. Popular times like winter holidays, spring, and summer fill up quickly. That said, don’t assume it’s too late if your trip is coming up soon. Read on!
Can I get married in Maui on short notice?
Yes, and people are often surprised by this. If I’m available, a same-day or next-day ceremony is absolutely possible. Hawaii’s marriage license process is straightforward, and I’ve officiated many last-minute ceremonies for couples who decided to make it official while they were already on the island. Reach out and let’s see what we can make happen.
Do you offer wedding packages with photography?
Yes! I offer two simple elopement packages created together with Shayla Tiare Photography. They include everything couples ask for most: ceremony, photography, permits, and planning support, with no stress and no juggling a dozen vendors. More info here.
What if we’re already married but want a ceremony anyway?
Absolutely, and this is more common than you might think. Many couples had a big wedding that never felt quite personal, or got married quickly at a courthouse and always wanted something more meaningful. A ceremony in Maui just for the two of you is a beautiful way to do that. It can be treated exactly like a wedding or a vow renewal, fully customized to reflect who you are as a couple. No one needs to know the difference, and honestly, it doesn’t matter.
What is your Signature & Submission Only service?
Sometimes couples just want the legal part handled without any ceremony attached, and that’s completely valid. My Signature & Submission Only service is exactly what it sounds like: we meet in Kihei, everyone signs the marriage license, and I submit it to the State of Hawaii. Done.
People use this service for all kinds of reasons. Some are planning a big destination wedding overseas where getting legally married abroad is complicated, so they take care of it quietly here first. Some just don’t want a fuss but want to be legally married. Some had a celebration with friends but skipped the legal paperwork. And yes, occasionally a couple had a full wedding with a friend presiding who then never actually submitted the license. It happens more than you’d think, and I can help fix it.
Full details and booking here.
Do I need to meet with you before the ceremony?
Not necessarily. I offer a getting-to-know-you call when couples first reach out, and I’ll always do a call if you want one. But it’s surprising how many couples book without it because the website gives them a good sense of who I am and how I work. For Simple ceremonies, I send a short questionnaire about 4-6 weeks before your date covering the key choices: religious or non-religious, lei exchange, personal vows, and ring vow style. For Custom ceremonies the process is more involved, with a detailed questionnaire and one or sometimes two Zoom calls to make sure I get it just right.
Jump to: Getting Married in Hawaii | Beach & Location Tips | Booking & Services | About My Ceremonies
About My Ceremonies
About how long do your weddings/vow renewals last?
On average they are about 10-15 minutes. More rituals, music, personal vows, etc. will lengthen a ceremony. I have a 5-minute ceremony for those who want something super short and sweet.
Do you perform religious or non-religious ceremonies?
Both.
What kind of wedding ceremonies do you perform?
I have done all sorts of wedding ceremonies that honor the traditions of my couples including Christian, secular, Buddhist, Jewish, humanist, Catholic, Pagan, Wiccan, agnostic, atheist, earth-based, traditional, and of course, Hawaiian inspired. I’m also familiar with wedding traditions of many cultures such as Filipino, Mexican, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Creole, and more. If I’m not familiar with something, I’m happy to learn more and include it in a respectful way.
Do you perform other types of ceremonies?
Yes, I perform all kinds of ceremonies and can even create one for a special occasion. More information on memorials or blessing ceremonies.
Do you officiate same-sex wedding ceremonies?
Does the pope wear a funny hat? Heck yes, I do! 🌈 I’ve been an activist for marriage equality and pray that we maintain equally wed status forever. Hawaii was the second state to legalize same-sex marriage.
Do you help couples write their personal vows?
For Custom ceremonies, yes. I offer guidance and review your vows beforehand to help with length and balance. For example, if one partner mentions a child or a shared memory, it usually feels more cohesive if the other does too. It doesn’t need to be perfectly matched, just thoughtfully considered. I’m there to help you think it through.
Can you involve family or children in ceremonies?
Yes! I’m happy to do this and will work with you to create something special to involve children and celebrate the family.
How long have you been a wedding officiant?
Over 30 years! College friends asked me to perform their wedding and then over time I kept getting asked to do more weddings. In 2008 I was living in the Bay Area and same sex marriage was in peril of being made illegal so I did a crazy amount of weddings as many folks were rushing to the altar. After a four year effort of activism the right to marry was re-instated in California.
Can you recommend a photographer?
Yes, I’m happy to share my list of favorite vendors that include photo, make up, flowers and more.
Do you have any videos of your ceremonies?
I do! Many of the videos that I get are for the produced versions which are a montage of the day but you should get a pretty good idea of my vibe by watching some of them here. I have a few full ceremonies that are not available to the public but I can share with you directly upon request.
Do you have a back-up plan in case you have an emergency and can’t make our ceremony?
On the astronomically low chance that I have an emergency, I will reach out to my large network of wonderful colleagues to step in for me and they will get a copy of your customized ceremony. I take your wedding very seriously.
Jump to: Getting Married in Hawaii | Beach & Location Tips | Booking & Services | About My Ceremonies
Rev Julienne 