Legal Age
Contents
Persons who have not reached a certain age are prohibited from marrying. An under-age applicant will not be issued a license unless they obtain parental consent. You should check the laws of your state for the age requirement.
Does it matter how old I am if my parents consent to my marriage?
Yes. The minimum age even with parental consent varies from state to state and there is still a minimum age requirement.
Can my 16-year-old daughter get married without my consent?
No. Depending on the state, if 16 is the minimum age with parental consent, your consent is necessary for a marriage license to be issued.
TIP: Often the written consent of both parents is required.
TIP: Parents giving consent must accompany their child when applying for a marriage license.
My 16-year-old daughter has my permission to marry but I have no idea how to get in touch with her father. Is his written consent necessary?
Yes; however, an exception to this rule is sometimes allowed. While laws vary, generally one parent's consent is sufficient if:
- the consenting parent was given sole custody of the child at the time of a divorce;
- the other parent's whereabouts have been unknown for 1 year prior to applying for a marriage license; or
- the other parent is deceased or has been judged incompetent