{"id":3136,"name":"Hilo","state_id":18,"county_id":917,"created_at":"2019-08-20T10:32:12.464-07:00","updated_at":"2026-07-27T11:34:48.702-07:00","meta_description":"learn how to legally officiate and plan wedding ceremonies in Hilo, on Hawaii's Big Island from officiant registration to license requirements, plan you wedding ceremony ","head_tag":"A guide for officiating weddings and planning ceremonies in Hilo, on Hawaii's Big Island","tagline":"Big Island Vibes!","intro_section":"\u003cp\u003eWhether you want to \u003cstrong\u003eelope in Hilo, Hawaii, \u003c/strong\u003eor you\u0026#39;ve been asked to\u0026nbsp;officiate a Big Island wedding ceremony for friends,\u0026nbsp;this guide is for you!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, we\u0026#39;ll show you how to \u003cstrong\u003ebecome a wedding officiant in Hilo\u003c/strong\u003e (and surrounding towns on the Island), including tips on how to register as a local Hawaii Marriage Performer.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThen, we\u0026#39;ll show you how to apply for a \u003cstrong\u003emarriage license in Hilo\u003c/strong\u003e, popular \u003cstrong\u003eBig Island wedding venues and elopement spots near Hilo,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eand tips on getting to your destination from Kona International Airport (if you\u0026#39;re coming from the mainland) or\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eHilo International Airport \u003c/strong\u003e(if you\u0026#39;re arriving on an inter-island flight).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Happy couple on the wedding day in Hilo\" src=\"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/amm-prod/app/public/ckeditor_assets/pictures/5746/content_elope-big-island-wedding-hilo-hawaii.jpg?1784646694\" style=\"width:90%;max-width:90% !important;\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eEloping in Hilo, or planning a big wedding on the Big Island? Scroll down for venue recommendations, advice for your wedding officiant, and much more!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile fewer tourists visit the Big Island of Hawaii than Maui or \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/hawaii/cities/honolulu\"\u003eOahu\u003c/a\u003e, this diverse paradise is celebrated by locals and Mainlanders alike for its\u0026nbsp;authentic vibe that low-key couples appreciate. But don\u0026rsquo;t confuse its mellow nature for boring. Locals say that each one of the Hawaiian Islands has a different energy. The Big Island embodies newness and life as the youngest and most volcanically active of all its sister islands.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is so much to see here, from the smooth, golden beaches, to the colorful mist of the countless waterfalls, to the lush rainforests in the south, to the Boiling Pots of basalt-lava in the east. This is an island that you\u0026rsquo;ll want to spend more than a few days on in order to truly soak in and experience what it\u0026rsquo;s all about.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re planning a destination wedding, you may be feeling overwhelmed with all the different elements that you will need to organize (and tourist stops you want to hit while you\u0026rsquo;re there!) Don\u0026rsquo;t worry, our guide is the perfect way to get started in planning your wedding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eLet\u0026rsquo;s start with the hardest part: the legal to-do\u0026rsquo;s.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"margin-left: 40px;\"\u003eRelated:\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2-a-wedding-officiant-s-guide-to-performing-destination-and-cruise-ship-weddings\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;A Wedding Officiant\u0026#39;s Guide to Performing Destination and Cruise Ship Weddings\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","officiant_section":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTEP 1: Get ordained online with American Marriage Ministries\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo perform weddings in Hilo (and anywhere in the State of Hawaii), you must meet certain requirements \u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/hawaii/210\"\u003e(\u0026sect; 572-12)\u003c/a\u003e, such\u0026nbsp;as being a judge or justice, applying for a\u0026nbsp;civil license, or \u003cstrong\u003eby become an ordained minister\u003c/strong\u003e. Many first-time officiants find this third option is the easiest and most affordable choice, by getting ordained online free with American Marriage Ministries (AMM):\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/hawaii/get-ordained\"\u003eGET ORDAINED IN HAWAII\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAMM\u0026#39;s online ordinations are recognized throughout the State of Hawaii, and it only takes a minute to complete the online application.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTEP 2:\u0026nbsp;Register as a \u0026#39;marriage performer\u0026#39; with the Hawaii Department of Health\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnce you\u0026rsquo;re ordained with AMM,\u003c/strong\u003e you\u0026rsquo;ll need to complete the \u003ca href=\"https://portal.ehawaii.gov/home/online-services/performer-registration/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMarriage Performer License Registration\u003c/a\u003e form online, provided by the State of Hawaii and the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH).\u0026nbsp;The state also provides\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/files/2013/05/performer.pdf\"\u003edetailed instructions\u003c/a\u003e to walk you through the process. These steps need to be completed three weeks prior to the actual ceremony.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn more about registering as a\u0026nbsp;wedding officiant in Hilo here:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/hawaii/officiant-registration-requirements\"\u003eWhat are the Wedding Officiant Registration Requirements in Hawaii?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou\u0026rsquo;ll receive two e-mails after completing the online \u0026quot;marriage performer license\u0026nbsp;registration\u0026quot; form described above:\u0026nbsp;The first email is a receipt for your registration fee; the second email is your \u0026ldquo;Performer Approval\u0026quot; letter, which includes\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003ea link to your official officiant license number, and your\u0026nbsp;username and password to the\u003ca href=\"https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/home.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e electronic registration system for marriage.\u003c/a\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePrint this important\u0026nbsp;information for your records.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTEP 3: Prepare for the Wedding\u0026nbsp;on the Big Island\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow for\u0026nbsp;the fun part: writing a\u0026nbsp;wedding ceremony script and preparing for the big day! We can help you with this part. Start with our\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewedding officiant training pages\u003c/a\u003e, which will help get the creative juices flowing as you start to outline your first ceremony. Then, dig into our comprehensive collection of resources linked below\u0026nbsp;to customize the ceremony!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/ceremony-scripts\"\u003eAMM\u0026#39;s Wedding Ceremony Script Library\u003c/a\u003e (100s of sample wedding officiant scripts)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training\"\u003eWedding Officiant Training\u003c/a\u003e (Free training guides)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/blog\"\u003eAMM\u0026#39;s American Weddings Blog \u003c/a\u003e(thousands of articles on officiating, wedding planning, and more)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2848-the-ultimate-guide-to-wedding-unity-ceremony-ideas-all-in-one-resource\"\u003eThe Ultimate Guide to Wedding Unity Ceremony Ideas: All-In-One Resource\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/asked-to-officiate\"\u003eAsked To Officiate: Your Complete Guide to a Perfect Ceremony \u003c/a\u003e(wedding officiant guide book)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/store/products/the-book-of-wedding-vows-and-ceremonies\"\u003eThe Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies \u003c/a\u003e(printed collection of ceremony scripts)\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTEP 4: Officiate the Wedding and Complete the Marriage License\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt\u0026rsquo;s the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibility to obtain their marriage license from a registered license agent, but just be sure to double check that they have done so before you perform their ceremony.\u0026nbsp; Ask about any special instructions they may have received from the license agent during the application process, and follow these carefully.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the marriage ceremony, you\u0026#39;ll complete and file the marriage license using the\u0026nbsp;Hawaii Electronic Marriage and Civil Union Registration System.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor detailed instructions, check out:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2884-how-to-fill-out-a-hawaii-marriage-license-faqs\"\u003eHow to Fill out a Hawaii Marriage License \u0026amp; FAQs\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/officiant-training/how-to-fill-out-a-marriage-license\"\u003eHow To Fill Out A Marriage License As An Officiant\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe marriage license must be registered electronically within 3 business days of the ceremony, \u003c/strong\u003eas directed by state law. Read more about your duty to return the license here: State of Hawaii \u003ca href=\"https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/performer-guidelines.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDOH Marriage Performer Guidelines.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eRegistering the marriage\u0026nbsp;with the state confirms that you performed the couple\u0026rsquo;s ceremony,\u0026nbsp;so they will be able to access their marriage certificate. You\u0026rsquo;re all done! A\u0026lsquo;o ia!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Hawaii marriage performer conducts an elopement outdoors in Hilo\" src=\"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/amm-prod/app/public/ckeditor_assets/pictures/5747/content_wedding-officiant-hawaii-hilo.jpg?1784648529\" style=\"width:90%;max-width:90% !important;\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eWant to perform marriage ceremonies on the Big Island of Hawaii? Wedding officiants must register as a \u0026quot;marriage performer\u0026quot; with the HDOH and pay a small fee\u0026nbsp;before officiating their first ceremony. Once you\u0026#39;re registered, you can perform weddings anywhere in the state. Click the links above to learn more and start the registration process.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr /\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","couple_section":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow let\u0026rsquo;s turn our attention to the couple\u0026rsquo;s responsibilities. \u003c/strong\u003eWhether you want to elope in Hilo, or you\u0026#39;re dreaming of a lush, luxurious wedding in one of the city\u0026#39;s resort hotels, you\u0026#39;ll need to follow a few simple steps. Follow these instructions and you\u0026#39;ll be walking down the aisle in no time.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe\u0026#39;ll assume you\u0026#39;ve already\u0026nbsp;chosen your wedding officiant, and that they\u0026#39;ve registered their credentials online following the steps outlined above.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNext, you\u0026rsquo;re ready to start the marriage license application online, using the \u003ca href=\"https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/home.html;jsessionid=46C4856886F53EDA9CD717954D70753C.app8\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHawaii Electronic Marriage and Civil Union Registration System\u003c/a\u003e. Once you read through the information for Couples, click the button at the bottom of the screen marked \u0026quot;Start Application.\u0026quot; The application will ask for\u0026nbsp;basic information about you, your partner, and your wedding officiant. Easy-peasy!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you\u0026rsquo;re done with this part of the process, you\u0026#39;ll need to meet with a registered marriage license agent. The agent will confirm your identity and ask you to sign the license worksheet. You can visit a license agent at the Department of Health\u0026rsquo;s office, or make an appointment with a private\u0026nbsp;\u003ca href=\"http://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses/license-agents/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003emarriage license agent\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBOTH you and your partner must be present in order to obtain it. And when you go, remember to bring your IDs, like a passport or driver\u0026rsquo;s license. It\u0026#39;s recommended that you pay the $65 marriage license fee online before meeting with your license agent, however you should bring this payment with you if you have not already paid.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlso note that your ceremony must be performed within 30 days of your appointment with your agent. Again, remember to bring identification with you for this part. During this appointment, you will be given a marriage license worksheet that your officiant will help you fill out on the big day.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the wedding, the ball is back in the officiant\u0026rsquo;s court. They will register your ceremony through the same EMRS\u0026nbsp;website.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThen, within three to five business days of confirmation, you will be able to go online to request your marriage certificate through the website by using the dropdown menu to select \u0026ldquo;Couples\u0026rdquo; and clicking \u0026ldquo;Check Status.\u0026rdquo; There, you will be able to access a temporary PDF certificate while you wait for your official certificate to be mailed to the address that you provide. (It will ask you for your locator ID, which is also known as your authorization code.)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eHoʻomaikaʻi! Congratulations, you\u0026rsquo;re officially married!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","wedding_tips":"\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Basics: Getting Married in Hilo!\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow that we\u0026rsquo;ve taken care of the legal to-do\u0026rsquo;s, let\u0026rsquo;s talk about the fun stuff: the features of the island and planning your wedding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you\u0026rsquo;re flying in from the mainland, you\u0026#39;ll land\u0026nbsp;in Kailua-Kona (at Kona International Airport),\u0026nbsp;located on the west side of Hawaii Island. Short\u0026nbsp;flights from Oahu and Maui may land in Hilo International Airport, located in Hilo, on the east side of the island. Wherever your plane lands,\u0026nbsp;you\u0026#39;ve arrived in paradise!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Hawaii marriage license can be used anywhere in the state, \u003c/strong\u003eso you\u0026#39;re free to choose a venue anywhere on the island. While researching venues, however, remember that Hawaii Island is divided into two major weather types:\u0026nbsp;the \u0026ldquo;sunny\u0026rdquo; west side where Kona is, and the \u0026ldquo;rainy\u0026rdquo; east side, where Hilo is. While the areas around Waikoloa, between Waimea and Kona, the summits of the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes, and the most southern tip of the island also stay pretty dry, the\u0026nbsp;rainest pockets to the east\u0026nbsp;can get\u0026nbsp;between 10 and 40 times as much rain! The time of year should also factor into your decision: the wettest months are between November and March, but showers can come up out of nowhere. Rain is\u0026nbsp;just a part of life on the island!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRO TIP: \u003c/strong\u003eConsider a morning wedding to avoid afternoon rain showers. Mornings offer beautiful light for wedding photos, too!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"happy couple eloping in hilo, hawaii on the beach! \" src=\"https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/amm-prod/app/public/ckeditor_assets/pictures/5748/content_hilo-hawaii-elope-big-island-wedding-officiant.jpg?1784655802\" style=\"width:90%;max-width:90% !important;\" /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Photo:\u0026nbsp;Rawpixel / iStock)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWedding Venues in Hilo, Hawaii (and Nearby Areas)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow, let\u0026rsquo;s talk locations! If you Google search weddings on the Big Island, you\u0026rsquo;ll be inundated with ads from the most popular wedding venues, which are great wedding locations, but don\u0026rsquo;t give you a full scope of your options across the east side of the island. Below are just a few beautiful spots for a full wedding or small elopement in the Hilo area.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Note: AMM is not affiliated with these venues; we\u0026#39;ve just heard good things from couples and want to pass them on.)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.liliuokalanigardens.org/faqs\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLili\u0026#39;uokalani Gardens on Hilo:\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/strong\u003eKnown as the crown jewel of Hilo, this\u0026nbsp;large, 24-acre park is one of our favorite spots on the Big Island to get married. The park overlooks\u0026nbsp;Hilo Bay, and is nothing short of magical. It\u0026#39;s a great choice for small\u0026nbsp;family weddings, and since dogs are allowed on\u0026nbsp;a leash, you can even have your furry friend walk you down the aisle here!\u0026nbsp;To get married at\u0026nbsp;Lili\u0026#39;uokalani Gardens, you must apply for a \u003cstrong\u003especial event / pavillion permit through the County of Hawaii\u0026nbsp;Parks \u0026amp; Recreation\u003c/strong\u003e (call\u0026nbsp;(808) 961-8311)\u0026nbsp;and pay a small fee.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.grandnaniloahilo.com/weddings.htm\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003eThis luxury resort in Hilo offers a variety of wedding packages, a scenic gazebo, and stunning views of Hilo Bay. Large weddings with up to\u0026nbsp;365 guests are accomodated in the The Crown Room, while smaller groups fit comfortably in the stylish\u0026nbsp;Ho\u0026rsquo;omalimali Room,\u0026nbsp;Palm Room, or\u0026nbsp;Sandalwood Rooms. The spaces are airy, light, and surrounded by natural accents.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://houseofthepalms.com/about-us/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHouse of the Palms (Casa de Las Palmas):\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e This small, family-owned private estate is perfect for a romantic elopement or small wedding, surrounded by lush, tropical plants and the quiet hum of island life. Pose for wedding photos on\u0026nbsp;picturesque lava-rock paths, take your vows beside\u0026nbsp;waterfalls, and share a sweet kiss as newlyweds in this unique\u0026nbsp;private retreat.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/hawaii/wailuku-river-state-park/\"\u003eWailuku River State Park\u003c/a\u003e: \u003c/strong\u003eIf you love hiking, tropical jungle views, and epic waterfalls, consider eloping in this one of a kind state park! Home to the epic 80-foot Rainbow Falls, this park is just a short drive from lodging and restaurants in downtown Hilo.\u0026nbsp;The viewing area for Rainbow Falls\u0026nbsp;is wheelchair accessible, making it a convenient choice for wheelchair and mobility aid users (and for anyone walking in wedding heels!). To get married in Wailuki River State Park, you\u0026#39;ll need a \u003ca href=\"https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/state-parks-special-use-permit/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003especial use permit from the Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks\u003c/a\u003e. Apply at least 45 days before your wedding date to ensure the permit processes in time.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.waterfall.net/groups\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Inn at Kulaniapia Falls: \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003ePlanning an\u003cstrong\u003e eco friendly wedding\u003c/strong\u003e? This 45-acre off-grid eco-lodge is located just\u0026nbsp;15 minutes from downtown Hilo. They offer intimate weddings and elopement packages for up to 10 guests, micro wedding packages for 20-40 overnight guests, and midsize packages for 50-60 day-of guests. The view of the falls is gorgeous and completely unforgettable!\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.hilohawaiian.com/gather/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWSW The Steakhouse (at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham):\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/a\u003e For couples who want to combine their vows and reception during a festive restaurant wedding, The WSW Steakhouse Restaurant could be just right! This 5,600 square foot venue is available for private luncheons (serving casual \u0026quot;I do\u0026quot;s), or full-venue buyouts for big bruch weddings and reception dinners.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003eYou may also want to contact \u003cstrong\u003eHawaii Forest and Trails\u003c/strong\u003e, a little company that offers waterfall tours in North Kohala that can help you arrange for waterfall weddings in North Kohala or Hilo -- they know all the best spots and provide supplies like tents and catering. Their contact information is available on their \u003ca href=\"https://www.hawaii-forest.com/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransportation: Getting to Your Big Island Wedding Venue \u0026amp; Lodging\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere\u0026rsquo;s no getting around it: the easiest and fastest way to navigate Hawaii Island (and Hilo\u0026#39;s rain showers) is to rent a car. You can easily do this when you arrive at Hilo or Kona International Airports.\u0026nbsp;It\u0026rsquo;s a good idea to reserve a car before you arrive, but if you forget, there are plenty of car rental agencies around that will be able to hook you up when you get there - you just might not get the car of your choice.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you prefer not to rent a car or can\u0026#39;t drive,\u003ca href=\"https://airports.hawaii.gov/koa/getting-to-from/ground-transportation/taxicab/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e taxis\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://airports.hawaii.gov/koa/getting-to-from/ground-transportation/speedishuttle/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eshuttles\u003c/a\u003e, and public transportation are also available.\u0026nbsp;Keep in mind that the island\u0026#39;s mass-transit\u003ca href=\"https://www.heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov/home-transit\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e Hele-On Bus Service\u003c/a\u003e offers very limited routes across the island, with departure times only once or twice a day. All Hele-On buses and some shuttles are wheelchair / ADA accessible.\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRO TIP: \u003c/strong\u003eMake sure to fill up your rental car gas tank before you leave Kona for the east side of the island. You\u0026rsquo;ll have to take Saddle Road across the island, and there are no gas stations on the way. The most direct route from Kona to Hilo is about 78 miles (125 km) and takes a little over 90 minutes to drive.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore More Hilo, Hawaii Wedding Ideas from American Marriage Ministries\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h3\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/1935-how-much-does-it-cost-to-get-ordained-online-in-hawaii-to-officiate-a-wedding\"\u003eHow Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained Online in Hawaii to Officiate a Wedding?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/weddings-by-state/hawaii/important-officiant-registration-facts\"\u003e10 Important Hawaii Officiant Registration Facts\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/2343-how-to-plan-a-beach-wedding-for-any-time-of-year\"\u003eHow to Plan a Beach Wedding for Any Time of Year\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\t\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://theamm.org/articles/1247-5-seaside-unity-ceremony-ideas-for-your-beach-wedding-or-vow-renewal\"\u003e5 Seaside Unity Ceremony Ideas for Your Beach Wedding or Vow Renewal\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\r\n\u003c/ul\u003e\r\n","faq":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre AMM ministers recognized inHawaii?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, they are! But you do have to register with the state of Hawaii to enter their system of officiants before you can perform your first wedding.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the marriage license expire?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it requires 30 days from the date that the license agent issues it, so don\u0026rsquo;t apply for a marriage license until a few weeks before you wedding date.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long do we have to wait before we can use our marriage license?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn some states there is a waiting period that you must abide by before you can hold your ceremony, but in Hawaii, as soon as the license is issued to you, you\u0026rsquo;re free to use it the same day!\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do we get our official marriage certificate?\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/h4\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the wedding, your officiant needs to go online and \u0026ldquo;confirm\u0026rdquo; that the ceremony was completed but completing the online process within 3 business days. Then, after a few days, your temporary marriage certificate will become available to you online as a printable PDF. You can also request to have the Department of Health send you an official copy via mail.\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","content_live":true,"marriage_licensing_info":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssuance Office:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nState Office Building\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nHawaii District Health Office\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n75 Aupuni Suite #201\u003cbr /\u003e\r\nHilo, Hawaii\u0026nbsp;96720\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFee:\u003c/strong\u003e $65\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eWaiting Period:\u003c/strong\u003e None\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpiration:\u003c/strong\u003e 30 Days\u003cbr /\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eReturn:\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;3 Business Days (Officiant Confirms Online)\u003c/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\r\n","meta_description_esp":null,"head_tag_esp":null,"tagline_esp":null,"intro_section_esp":"","officiant_section_esp":"","couple_section_esp":"","wedding_tips_esp":"","faq_esp":"","content_live_esp":false,"marriage_licensing_info_esp":""}