How to Officiate a Wedding in Hawaii

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In Hawaii?

Hawaii is welcoming to ordained ministers. You can handle the paperwork here, but there’s one extra step — you need to register with the Hawaii Department of Health. The catch: it costs $110/year and requires annual renewal. That’s the most expensive recurring registration cost in the country. If you’re only officiating once, consider the alternative: since 2023, any individual 18+ can get a civil solemnization license instead.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Register with the Department of Health — Hawaii requires ministers to register with the Department of Health Vital Records division. Cost: $110/year (annual renewal). Processing: up to 2 weeks. Online application available. You’ll receive a state ID number that’s required on the marriage license. Alternatively, since 2023, any adult 18+ can apply for a civil solemnization license.
  3. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  4. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  5. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials, your state ID number, and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Hawaii allows registered ministers to sign the marriage license. You’ll need your state ID number from the Department of Health.

Statute: Hawaii Revised Statutes § 572-12 — ministers, priests, or officers of any religious denomination authorized to solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes (with registration)
Registration required? Yes — Dept. of Health, $110/year, up to 2 weeks
Marriage license cost $60
Waiting period None
License valid for 30 days
Return deadline Promptly after ceremony
Witnesses needed None required

Before the Wedding

  • Register with the Department of Health — $110/year, up to 2 weeks processing. Online application available. You’ll receive a state ID number — bring it to the wedding. Remember: this requires annual renewal. If you’re a one-time officiant, the civil solemnization license (available since 2023 to any adult 18+) may be a better option — ask the Department of Health about it.
  • Call the Department of Health — Tell them you’re an ordained, registered minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply through the Department of Health or a county agent. No waiting period. Valid for 30 days. Cost: $60.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. Black pen. Make sure your state ID number appears on the license. Hawaii doesn’t require witnesses, but having one or two sign doesn’t hurt. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Department of Health promptly. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony.

Hawaii Tips

  • $110/year registration is steep for occasional officiants — consider the civil solemnization license (since 2023) as an alternative
  • Your state ID number MUST appear on the marriage license
  • 30-day license validity is short — coordinate timing with the couple
  • No witnesses required
  • No waiting period
  • Hawaii is a popular destination wedding state — plan registration well in advance
  • Online ordination is widely accepted

County-Specific Info

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: talk to the Department of Health before the ceremony. They do this every day. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with the Hawaii Department of Health.