Become Ordained in Hawaii: Your Guide to Legally, Spiritually, and Academically Preparing for Wedding Officiant Ministry and More

Becoming ordained in Hawaii to officiate weddings is a unique opportunity to serve your community while celebrating one of life’s most sacred moments. Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse culture make weddings in this state truly special. With specific requirements for wedding officiants, the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) provides study-based credentials to ensure you meet these standards and excel in this important role.

Understanding Hawaii’s Wedding Officiant Laws

In Hawaii, the authority to solemnize marriages is governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 572-12. The law specifies that the following individuals are authorized to officiate weddings:

  • Religious Officials: Ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy members who are ordained by a recognized religious organization.
  • Judicial Officials: Judges and other authorized court officers.

Religious officiants must be ordained by a recognized organization or denomination and are required to register with the Hawaii Department of Health before performing any marriage ceremonies. Once registered, officiants receive a license to perform marriages in the state.

After officiating a wedding, the officiant must complete and submit the marriage license to the Department of Health for official recording.

How the Christian Leaders Alliance Meets Hawaii’s Requirements

The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) ordination program is specifically designed to meet Hawaii’s legal requirements for officiants while equipping you with the spiritual foundation and practical skills needed to thrive in this role.

1. Recognized Ordination

CLA ordination is provided by a globally respected, biblically grounded religious organization. Your credentials meet Hawaii’s legal requirements for religious officiants authorized to solemnize marriages.

2. Proof of Ordination

Upon completing the program, CLA provides official documentation of your ordination, ensuring you have the necessary credentials to officiate weddings legally in Hawaii.

3. Study-Based Training

The CLA program emphasizes preparation through Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). This study-based approach ensures you gain practical knowledge, including:

  • Understanding Hawaii marriage laws.
  • Designing meaningful and personalized wedding ceremonies.
  • Managing legal responsibilities, including registering and completing marriage licenses.

Celebrating Hawaii’s Unique Wedding Traditions

Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage offers unique opportunities for officiants to create ceremonies that honor both God and the couple’s chosen traditions. From beachfront nuptials under a tropical sunset to incorporating Hawaiian customs like lei exchanges and Hawaiian prayers, CLA’s training equips you to design ceremonies that reflect Hawaii’s beauty and spiritual significance.

Equipping You for Ministry Beyond Weddings

While CLA ensures you meet Hawaii’s legal requirements, the program also prepares you for a broader ministry journey.

Confidence in Your Calling

The CLA program equips you with the spiritual and practical tools to serve with excellence. You’ll learn:

  • Biblical Foundations: Understand marriage as a sacred covenant established by God.
  • Ceremony Design: Create personalized ceremonies that reflect the couple’s unique story and honor God’s purpose.
  • Effective Communication: Develop skills to deliver inspiring and heartfelt wedding messages.

Credibility Through Study-Based Credentials

Unlike quick online ordination services, CLA emphasizes comprehensive study and mentorship. This ensures you are well-prepared to officiate weddings that honor God and bless couples while building your credibility as a ministry leader.

Expanding Your Ministry Beyond Weddings

Becoming ordained in Hawaii is not just about officiating weddings—it’s a gateway to a broader ministry calling. Through Christian Leaders Institute, you’ll gain access to over 200 courses in areas such as pastoral care, leadership, and biblical studies. Whether you feel called to serve as a pastor, chaplain, or community leader, CLA provides the foundation for lifelong ministry.

Romans 12:11 (WEB): “Not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” This verse reminds us to pursue ministry with passion and excellence, serving as vessels for God’s work.

Start Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in Hawaii is about more than earning a credential—it’s an opportunity to serve others, share God’s love, and embark on a transformative ministry journey. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll gain study-based credentials, resources, and spiritual support to officiate weddings confidently and honorably.

Whether you officiate one wedding or feel called to explore additional ministry roles, your ordination equips you to make a lasting impact. Take the first step today and become ordained in Hawaii with Christian Leaders Alliance, prepared to serve God and others with excellence and purpose.

Becoming ordained in Hawaii to officiate weddings is a unique opportunity to serve your community while celebrating one of life’s most sacred moments. Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse culture make weddings in this state truly special. With specific requirements for wedding officiants, the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) provides study-based credentials to ensure you meet these standards and excel in this important role.

Understanding Hawaii’s Wedding Officiant Laws

In Hawaii, the authority to solemnize marriages is governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 572-12. The law specifies that the following individuals are authorized to officiate weddings:

  • Religious Officials: Ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy members who are ordained by a recognized religious organization.
  • Judicial Officials: Judges and other authorized court officers.

Religious officiants must be ordained by a recognized organization or denomination and are required to register with the Hawaii Department of Health before performing any marriage ceremonies. Once registered, officiants receive a license to perform marriages in the state.

After officiating a wedding, the officiant must complete and submit the marriage license to the Department of Health for official recording.

How the Christian Leaders Alliance Meets Hawaii’s Requirements

The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) ordination program is specifically designed to meet Hawaii’s legal requirements for officiants while equipping you with the spiritual foundation and practical skills needed to thrive in this role.

1. Recognized Ordination

CLA ordination is provided by a globally respected, biblically grounded religious organization. Your credentials meet Hawaii’s legal requirements for religious officiants authorized to solemnize marriages.

2. Proof of Ordination

Upon completing the program, CLA provides official documentation of your ordination, ensuring you have the necessary credentials to officiate weddings legally in Hawaii.

3. Study-Based Training

The CLA program emphasizes preparation through Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). This study-based approach ensures you gain practical knowledge, including:

  • Understanding Hawaii marriage laws.
  • Designing meaningful and personalized wedding ceremonies.
  • Managing legal responsibilities, including registering and completing marriage licenses.

Celebrating Hawaii’s Unique Wedding Traditions

Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage offers unique opportunities for officiants to create ceremonies that honor both God and the couple’s chosen traditions. From beachfront nuptials under a tropical sunset to incorporating Hawaiian customs like lei exchanges and Hawaiian prayers, CLA’s training equips you to design ceremonies that reflect Hawaii’s beauty and spiritual significance.

Equipping You for Ministry Beyond Weddings

While CLA ensures you meet Hawaii’s legal requirements, the program also prepares you for a broader ministry journey.

Confidence in Your Calling

The CLA program equips you with the spiritual and practical tools to serve with excellence. You’ll learn:

  • Biblical Foundations: Understand marriage as a sacred covenant established by God.
  • Ceremony Design: Create personalized ceremonies that reflect the couple’s unique story and honor God’s purpose.
  • Effective Communication: Develop skills to deliver inspiring and heartfelt wedding messages.

Credibility Through Study-Based Credentials

Unlike quick online ordination services, CLA emphasizes comprehensive study and mentorship. This ensures you are well-prepared to officiate weddings that honor God and bless couples while building your credibility as a ministry leader.

Expanding Your Ministry Beyond Weddings

Becoming ordained in Hawaii is not just about officiating weddings—it’s a gateway to a broader ministry calling. Through Christian Leaders Institute, you’ll gain access to over 200 courses in areas such as pastoral care, leadership, and biblical studies. Whether you feel called to serve as a pastor, chaplain, or community leader, CLA provides the foundation for lifelong ministry.

Romans 12:11 (WEB): “Not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” This verse reminds us to pursue ministry with passion and excellence, serving as vessels for God’s work.

Start Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in Hawaii is about more than earning a credential—it’s an opportunity to serve others, share God’s love, and embark on a transformative ministry journey. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll gain study-based credentials, resources, and spiritual support to officiate weddings confidently and honorably.

Whether you officiate one wedding or feel called to explore additional ministry roles, your ordination equips you to make a lasting impact. Take the first step today and become ordained in Hawaii with Christian Leaders Alliance, prepared to serve God and others with excellence and purpose.

Watch a Video Introducing the Wedding Officiant Class by Professor Henry Reyenga

Suggested Links: 

Compare Christian Leaders Alliance with Instant Online Ordination – Click Here

Check out the Accreditation Status of the Christian Leaders InstituteClick Here

Learn more about the Christian Leaders Alliance – Click Here

See the Christian Leaders Alliance Minister Directory – Click Here

Learn more about Soul Centers a place to register your Wedding Officiant ministry- Click Here

Study-Based Hawaii Testimony

Aloha! My name is Amanda Odish. I am a Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. In addition to my counseling work, I am a Certified Therapeutic Harp Practitioner, harp/ukulele/voice teacher, and craftswoman. Over the past decade, I have served by playing therapeutic harp and music in hospice for the actively dying, in memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and in assisted living facilities.

My Journey to Walking with Christ

How I came to walk with Christ may seem unconventional, but it happened nonetheless. As a practicing Buddhist for nearly two decades, I never imagined I would come to follow Jesus. Although I was baptized Lutheran as a baby because of my Catholic father, I was not raised in the Christian faith. My father, who fled Iraq as a child during wartime, carried a deep Christian heritage, with priests and a long lineage of faith in our family. After fleeing to Lebanon, he attended Catholic school and once dreamed of becoming a priest. However, realizing that priesthood would mean being separated from his family, he chose another path.

My mother, a Christian and clairvoyant, raised me with a different spiritual focus. I grew up attending psychic fairs, working at crystal booths, and meditating by the age of eight. My childhood was filled with exploring eastern religions, spiritual growth, and self-help books. This environment nurtured my curiosity and gave me a strong foundation in mindfulness and compassion.

Professional Journey and Life in Hawaii

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, a Certification in Herbal Medicine, and a Certification as a Therapeutic Harp Practitioner, I moved to Oahu, Hawaii, with my mother and grandmother. There, I earned my Master’s degree, specializing in geriatric psychology during my internship. I led support groups on topics like existential and positive psychology and worked under a chaplain at Pohai Nani, a Good Samaritan Society facility on Oahu.

Eventually, I purchased property on the Big Island of Hawaii, where I worked as an intensive in-home therapist and transitional family home therapist at Hawaii Behavioral Health. My work exposed me to the harsh realities of homelessness, poverty, and addiction. Despite the challenges, the progress I witnessed in therapy sessions and the joy on children’s faces reminded me of the impact one person can have.

Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Christ

A series of medical injuries and personal losses led me to rock bottom. Terrified, unemployed, and isolated, I found myself in my darkest hour. It was during this time that I had an unexpected and life-changing encounter with Jesus.

At my lowest point, I felt abandoned by God and questioned my worth. One evening, as the sun set, I experienced what can only be described as a miracle. A bright, pure white light appeared in my room, forming the unmistakable silhouette of Jesus. His presence radiated love and peace. He extended His hand and said, “I can take this pain away if you ask.”

This encounter transformed me. Jesus revealed to me that my pain was not just my own but part of a greater purpose—to help process and cleanse the emotional pain of the world. I felt an overwhelming sense of compassion and chose to continue serving in this way, despite its challenges, because of my love for humanity and the planet.

A New Path in Faith

Since that encounter, my life has been filled with small and large miracles. My physical health began to improve, I found the right medical care, and my faith deepened. Sharing my testimony has brought others closer to Christ, and many in my community have reached out, inspired by my journey.

I now feel called to ministry and am pursuing certification through the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). I am eager to see where God’s will leads me and how I can serve Him and others.

My Message of Hope

To anyone reading this, I hope my story encourages you to keep an open mind and heart. No matter where you are in life, God’s love and purpose can transform you. My journey has shown me that even in the darkest moments, Christ’s light shines brightest.

Scripture That Guides Me

  • Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Thank you for reading my testimony. May it bring you hope, faith, and encouragement. God bless!

Warmest Aloha,
Amanda Odish

From Weddings to More Ministry: Becoming Ordained in Hawaii

Becoming ordained in Hawaii to officiate weddings is a deeply meaningful opportunity to begin a rewarding ministry journey. With its stunning landscapes and rich cultural traditions, Hawaii offers a unique setting to help couples celebrate their commitment in a way that reflects God’s purpose for marriage. Ministry in Hawaii is about guiding people, celebrating significant moments, and pointing them toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

Becoming a Wedding Officiant in Hawaii

Serving as a wedding officiant in Hawaii requires preparation, dedication, and a servant’s heart. The process involves working with couples to design personalized ceremonies that honor both the legal and spiritual aspects of their union. Rehearsals ensure everyone feels confident and ready for the big day. The ceremony often incorporates elements of worship, such as prayer, Scripture readings, and a heartfelt message about the sacred covenant of marriage.

By becoming ordained through the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), you gain access to study-based training from the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). This program equips you with the skills, credentials, and spiritual foundation needed to officiate weddings while preparing you for a broader ministry calling.

How Christian Leaders Institute Enhances Your Ministry

Christian Leaders Institute is not just an educational platform—it’s a ministry-focused organization providing free, biblically grounded, high-quality training. Whether you’re preparing to officiate weddings or pursuing a broader calling, CLI ensures you’re fully equipped to serve effectively.

Courses for Ministry Growth

CLI offers over 200 courses that cover topics such as:

  • Wedding Officiant Skills: Learn the essentials of officiating weddings, from designing ceremonies to managing legal responsibilities and delivering meaningful messages.
  • Pastoral Care: Build skills in counseling and supporting individuals and families through life’s pivotal moments.
  • Biblical Studies: Deepen your understanding of Scripture to strengthen your personal faith and ministry.
  • Leadership Development: Enhance your ability to inspire and lead in church or community settings.

Flexible and Accessible Learning

CLI’s curriculum is designed for busy individuals, allowing you to study at your own pace. This accessibility ensures you can receive robust ministry training without financial barriers, enabling you to focus on your calling.

A Ministry Grounded in God’s Word

One of the most rewarding aspects of officiating weddings is crafting the wedding message. Like delivering a sermon, your message provides encouragement, inspiration, and spiritual guidance for the couple and their guests. By drawing from Scripture, you can highlight the beauty and significance of marriage as a sacred covenant designed by God.

For many officiants, this role becomes the first step in a more expansive ministry journey. With CLI’s resources and CLA’s ordination credentials, you’ll be prepared to grow in your calling.

The Christian Leaders Alliance Ordination Program

Since 2014, the Christian Leaders Alliance has empowered individuals to confidently step into ministry roles. The CLA ordination program offers:

  • Comprehensive Training: Gain the knowledge and skills needed to officiate weddings and serve in other ministry capacities.
  • Spiritual Preparation: Deepen your understanding of God’s Word and learn how to apply it in ministry.
  • Recognized Credentials: Receive ordination through a biblically grounded organization that meets Hawaii’s requirements for wedding officiants.

Thousands have embraced this opportunity, becoming ordained as wedding officiants, pastors, and ministry leaders. The program is flexible, accessible, and designed for anyone passionate about serving God and others.

Expanding Your Ministry Beyond Weddings

Officiating weddings in Hawaii is a deeply meaningful ministry, but it can also serve as a gateway to broader service opportunities. Whether you feel called to pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, or teaching, becoming ordained in Hawaii can be the first step in fulfilling your greater calling.

CLI’s extensive curriculum allows you to grow in your faith, expand your biblical knowledge, and prepare for a lifetime of impactful ministry. Weddings can serve as the foundation for building relationships and sharing God’s love in powerful ways.

A Call to Serve: Matthew 5:16

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) reminds us: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” By stepping into this role, you are answering His call to share the light of Christ and serve others in His name.

Begin Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in Hawaii is about more than earning a credential—it’s an opportunity to serve others, share God’s love, and embark on a transformative ministry journey. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll gain study-based training, resources, and spiritual support to officiate weddings confidently and honorably.

Whether you officiate one wedding or pursue additional ministry roles, your ordination equips you to make a lasting impact. Take the first step today and become ordained in Hawaii with Christian Leaders Alliance, ready to serve God and others with excellence and purpose.

Officiant Ordination Roles


Minister Ordination Roles

Henry Reyenga
Author: Henry Reyenga

Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.