Simple Kona Beach Weddings FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a marriage license before I can get married?

A: Yes. You need to obtain one before you meet for the big day - HERE IN HAWAII.
Note that there is NO waiting time in Hawaii after you obtain your license, so you can literally drive to the wedding location right from the licensing office if you wish. Note that you will need to get a marriage license HERE in HAWAII. You cannot bring a license from your home state. Don't worry, no matter what State you get married in, your marriage certificate is valid across the U.S. (and, if a U.S. citizen, around the world). If you are from a country outside the U.S., check with your home country about any additional paperwork you will need to file for your marriage to be valid at home.

Here is the information you'll need:

Hawaii Marriage License Process Information

*You can apply online for a Hawaii Marriage License HERE:
https://emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/home.html
*It is recommended that you leave the DATE of your marriage and the LOCATION blank on the application. This will make your license good for one year of application, and will allow for any last-minute changes due to weather or whatnot. Also, if you make any mistakes on your license, know that those can be corrected when you meet with the marriage license agent (scroll down for her information).

* Hawaii Department of Health (overall information):
http://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses/

*How to Apply for a Hawaii Marriage License:
http://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses/#howto

NOTE: Normally, you must appear in person, as a couple, to get your marriage license, even if you have applied online already. At this time, due to COVID-19, all "in person" appointments are done via video call. You will still need to make an appointment with the marriage license agent I recommend to do so (see below), and your marriage license will be emailed to you after that call, which you will need to print out and bring with you to your wedding.

To pick up/do your "in person" video call to get your marriage license, make an appointment with Marriage License Agent Andrea Bojorquez, whose office is located near the Kona airport. Please contact her by email or phone about a month or less in advance of needing an appointment:

Andrea Bojorquez, Marriage License Agent:
Phone: (808) 990-1929
[email protected]
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Q: How far in advance can I (and should I) book you?

A: Like many vendors here in Kona, we don't book more than a year in advance, so please contact us no sooner than a year prior to your wedding date, and since we are focusing on custom-created weddings, dates for the year are limited. Note that if you are looking for a special date or a holiday, those will want to be booked sooner rather than later, since those tend to fill up faster, as do popular vacation dates (i.e. spring break, around the holidays, over the summer), but even so, I always encourage you to check, even if it's last minute. You never know!

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Q: With all of this Covid-19 stuff happening, what happens if I book, and then have to postpone or reschedule?

A: Given all of the craziness in the world right now, we do allow our couples whose travel plans are stymied by the pandemic (travel or quarantine restrictions, inability of couple or guests to safely travel, etc.) to postpone and reschedule up to one year from their original wedding date, moving your non-refundable down payment forward with you! As per usual, you may also choose to cancel per our cancellation policy, and although you'd lose your non-refundable down payment, you would be free to reschedule without time or other restrictions, especially if your bigger event becomes a smaller one.

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Q: Are Same-Sex Marriages Legal in the State of Hawaii, and, if so, do you Perform them?

A: Same-sex marriages are now legal throughout the United States, and Yes! I am all about joining couples in love together, in a simple, elegant and meaningful way.

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Q: Are you insured?

A: Yes, Simple Kona Beach Weddings has full liability insurance, and has special coverage as required by certain locations.

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Q: What about professional photography?

A: Professional photography is only included in one of our last-minute Pre-Designed Options, since we have found that most couples have a particular style and budget they are looking for, so we like to let you be free to choose who appeals to you! Certainly, we will provide you with a list of stellar recommendations, but whether you choose to have no photos, choose the small upgrade to have one of our staff members simply snap some photos during the service with your phone or camera (if not included in your package), or whether you choose a professional, we support your choices, and will offer guidance!

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Q: Do you do weddings at private homes or at non-beach locations?

A: Yes! If you are renting a home, or you have some other sort of venue, we will generally be able to accommodate you, bringing our Hawaiian inspired wedding to your location here on the Big Island. Just ask!
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Q: If I am coming from a cruise ship, is there enough time for a wedding or a vow renewal?

A: Yes! We do it all the time. Typically, folks leave the ship around 8:30 or 9am, and get a rental car to take to the location of the service. We usually recommend a service at around 10 or 10:30am to make sure it's not too hot, and so that you can then have ample time for a celebratory lunch and some touring of Kona after the service is through, before you have to return to the ship.

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Q: Can you give me suggestions for what to do and where to eat on the Big Island?

A: Just give Uncle Dude a call! He is THE Big Island resource for real, honest (and fun) advice for what to do and where to dine on the Big Island. He is also my husband, and he CARES that you have a good trip, so give him a call....

Be sure to tell him you were referred through Simple Kona Beach Weddings, and he'll give you some great advice on the house!

Uncle Dude: 1-808-990-9991 (Website coming soon...)

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NOTE: More FAQs and resources will be added soon...