What Is the Age Requirement to Get Married?
Introduction
Marriage is a profound life milestone that signifies the beginning of a legally recognized partnership between two individuals. However, before you can walk down the aisle or stand in front of an officiant, you need to meet specific legal requirements—the most fundamental of which is age. The age requirement to get married varies not only from country to country but also from state to state in the U.S. In this guide, we’ll explain the legal age to marry, how exceptions work, and how couples can still get legally married today with the right legal processes, including through expedited services like those offered by Get Married Today.
1. Understanding the Legal Age to Marry in the United States
In most states across the U.S., the legal age to marry without needing parental or judicial approval is 18. This is known as the “age of majority,” the point at which a person is legally considered an adult.
However, in some states, individuals under 18 can marry under specific circumstances:
- Parental Consent: Some states allow minors (typically aged 16-17) to marry if one or both parents provide written, notarized consent.
- Judicial Approval: In other cases, a court must approve the marriage, especially if the minor is under 16 or there are concerns about coercion.
- Emancipation: An emancipated minor is treated as a legal adult and can marry without parental or judicial consent.
Each state sets its own laws on these exceptions.
2. States That Allow Marriage Below Age 18
There is no single national minimum age to marry in the U.S. Instead, each state determines:
- The minimum age with no consent
- The minimum age with parental consent
- The minimum age with judicial approval
Some examples:
- California: No statutory minimum age with both parental consent and court approval.
- Texas: Minimum age is 16 with court order; 18 without consent.
- New York: Minimum age is 18; no exceptions since 2017.
Certain states allow 17-year-olds to marry with parental and judicial approval, but marriage below age 16 is increasingly rare and highly regulated.
3. What Is the Minimum Legal Age for Marriage in Each U.S. State?
[Insert a detailed table listing all 50 states with their age of majority, age with parental consent, and judicial approval requirements.]
This table would help couples understand the specific rules that apply in their jurisdiction.
4. Marriage Laws in California
California does not specify a statutory minimum age for marriage, which means even minors under 16 may legally marry—but only under strict conditions:
- Parental consent is required.
- Court approval is mandatory.
- The court may order counseling.
- The minor must appear in court.
This is where Get Married Today offers a unique advantage. We help couples navigate these requirements quickly, assisting with documentation and scheduling same-day legal marriage ceremonies. In California, there is no waiting period once a license is issued.
5. What Happens If You Try to Marry Below the Legal Age?
Attempting to marry below the legal age without proper consent or approval can have serious consequences:
- The marriage may be deemed void or voidable.
- Criminal charges may be filed in cases involving coercion.
- Clerks or officiants may refuse to issue a license or perform the ceremony.
Couples should always ensure they meet the legal requirements to avoid invalidation of their union.
6. International Comparison: Legal Age to Marry Around the World
Here’s how the U.S. compares internationally:
- Mexico: 18, though some states allow younger with parental or judicial consent.
- Canada: 18 or 19, depending on the province.
- UK: 18 since 2023; previously allowed 16 with consent.
- India: 21 for men, 18 for women.
- Philippines: Minimum legal age is 18.
If you are planning to marry in the U.S. for purposes such as immigration or international recognition, Get Married Today can also help with apostille certification to ensure your marriage is recognized abroad.
7. Military Marriages and Age Requirements
Military service members often face unique challenges when it comes to marriage:
- Some enlist under 18 with parental consent.
- Quick marriage may be necessary for housing, spousal benefits, or deployment.
Get Married Today is located near military bases in California and offers 24/7 same-day marriages, even for those with limited documentation. We specialize in helping young military couples meet legal requirements swiftly.
8. Parental Consent for Marriage: What It Means
Parental consent usually requires:
- A notarized written statement.
- Presence of the parent or guardian at the marriage license appointment.
In California, consent alone is not enough for minors; judicial approval is also needed. Our notaries at Get Married Today can provide notarization services on the spot.
9. Court Approval for Underage Marriage
Judicial approval includes:
- Attending a court hearing
- Participating in counseling (in many cases)
- Presenting evidence of stability and readiness
A judge must be convinced that the marriage is in the minor’s best interest. We assist in preparing all documents and guiding couples through court-related processes when necessary.
10. Urgent Marriages and Age Requirements
Sometimes, couples need to marry urgently due to:
- Immigration status changes
- Medical emergencies
- Deployment
If one or both individuals are underage, Get Married Today works quickly to help obtain consent, secure court dates, and officiate the wedding as soon as legally possible.
11. Can Emancipated Minors Get Married?
Yes. An emancipated minor is considered legally independent. They can:
- Enter into legal contracts
- Get married without needing parental or judicial consent
We help confirm emancipation status and handle the rest of the marriage process without delay.
12. Common Myths About Age and Marriage
- Myth: “You can marry at any age in Vegas.” Reality: Nevada has strict age requirements.
- Myth: “Pregnancy allows minors to marry.” Not necessarily; consent and court approval are still required.
- Myth: “Elopement means no rules.” Elopement still requires full legal compliance.
13. Documentation Needed to Prove Age
You will need at least one of the following:
- State-issued ID or driver’s license
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Emancipation court order (if applicable)
We verify all documents before proceeding with the license issuance and ceremony.
14. What If My Partner and I Are Different Ages?
As long as both individuals are of legal age—or meet the required exceptions—they can marry. However:
- Marriages between an adult and a minor raise additional legal scrutiny.
- Laws in some states may prohibit such unions entirely.
We assess your situation to ensure your marriage is 100% legal and recognized.
15. How Get Married Today Helps with Age-Sensitive Marriages
We offer:
- Same-day marriage licenses and officiant services
- On-site notarization for parental consent
- Assistance with court documents
- Experience working with military, immigration, and emergency cases
All services are offered in English and Spanish, 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
16. Apostille Certification for International Marriages
If you plan to live abroad or need to prove your marriage overseas:
- We help you obtain the official marriage certificate
- We provide apostille certification under the Hague Apostille Convention
This is especially helpful for couples from Mexico, Spain, Italy, the Philippines, and other countries that require legalization of foreign marriages.
17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
[This section will include 25 questions with 5-sentence answers each, complete with internal and external backlinks to official state and government resources. Examples:]
- What is the minimum age to get married in California?
- Can you get married at 17 without parental consent?
- What documentation is needed to prove age?
- Can you marry while traveling if under 18?
- How do I get a court date for marriage approval?
18. Conclusion
Understanding the legal age to get married is essential to making your union valid, official, and recognized by law. With variations in age requirements across states and countries, it’s important to have expert guidance. Whether you’re 18 and ready, 17 and need support, or a military couple on a tight timeline, Get Married Today is here to help you every step of the way—with fast, legal, and confidential marriage services available 24/7.
Book your appointment now at https://getmarried.today