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This
list is in response to questions from several readers. BTW,
When I was a teen, you could be married at age sixteen (around
1976), ... some things do change. |
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This is not intended to encourage teenage marriages;
just to serve as a guide of the current state laws.
Alabama:
If either of you are under 18, you will need a certified copy
of your birth certificate. Both parents must be present with
identification, or if you have a legal guardian they must be
present with a court order and identification. If one or both
parents are deceased, proper evidence of such must be provided.
Individuals under the age of 14 may not marry.
Alaska:
If either of you are under 18, you will need certified copy
of birth certificate, both parents must be present with identification,
or if you have a legal guardian they must be present with a
court order and identification.
Arizona:
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have the notarized consent
of your parents or legal guardian. If you are under 16, you
must have the notarized consent of your parents or legal guardian
as well as a court order.
Arkansas:
Under 18 requires consent of both sets of parents.
Bahamas:
If you are under 18, you will need parental consent.
California:
If either the bride or groom is under 18, at least one of the
minor's parents, or legal guardian, must appear with the couple.
Certified copies of birth certificates are required. The couple
must also schedule an appointment with a counselor and then
appear before a superior court judge.
Colorado:
If you are 16 or 17, you will need consent of both parents (or
parent having legal custody), or guardian, or seek judicial
approval. If you are under 16, a Judicial Court Order along
with parental consent is necessary.
Connecticut:
If under sixteen years of age, the written consent of the judge
of probate for the district where the minor resides must be
obtained. Written parental consent is needed if under 18 years
of age.
Delaware:
You will need signed parental consent forms provided by the
Clerk of the Peace office if you are under 18 years of age.
District
of Columbia: You will need signed parental or guardian consent
forms if you are under 18 years of age. If you are under 16
years of age, you cannot marry in the District of Columbia.
Florida:
If an individual is under 18 years of age, but older than 16
years of age, a marriage license can be obtained with parental
consent. If a minor's parents are both deceased and there is
not an appointed guardian, he/she may apply for a marriage license.
A minor who has been previously married may also apply for a
license. A minor who swears that they have a child or are expecting
a baby, can apply for a license if the pregnancy has been verified
by a written statement from a licensed physician.
Georgia:
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may apply if accompanied
by both parents who have given written consent. If the bride
is pregnant, no parental consent is required if you submit a
statement from a licensed physician certifying that the bride
is pregnant.
Hawaii:
If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you must have the written
consent of both of your parents, legal guardian, or the family
court. If you are 15 years old, you will not only need the written
consent of both of your parents or legal guardian, but also
the written approval of a judge of the family court. You can
obtain the necessary consent forms from a marriage license agent.
Idaho:
If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you will need to have a certified
copy or your original birth certificate, or a passport, or a
driver's license or state ID card. You must be accompanied by
one of your parents or your legal guardian and have written
parental consent on the Affidavit of Consent to Marriage of
Minor. If you are under 16 years of age, you will also need
a court order.
Illinois:
If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you will have to provide a
copy of your birth certificate along with some other sort of
identification showing your date of birth. You will also need
to have the sworn consent from each parent, each legal guardian
or a judge - in person - before the county clerk at the time
of application. If your parent is deceased, you will need to
show a death certificate or proof of guardianship, or a court
order waiving consent. A legal guardian will also need to show
a certified copy of the guardianship papers. If you are under
16 years of age, you cannot get married.
Indiana:
A certified copy of your birth certificate is required. If you
are 17 years old you must apply for the license with both parents
(or the person with legal custody). They will need to sign the
consent portion of the application. If you are 16 or 15 years
old, you must petition the Circuit Court via a "Permission to
Marry" form.
Iowa:
Under 18 applicants (16 or 17 years of age) need to have parental
consent.
Kansas:
Any applicant who is under age 18 must have either: - Notarized,
written consent of all then living parents and legal guardians,
or notarized, written consent of one parent or legal guardian
and consent of a district court judge.
Kentucky:
The age is 18 or above, if you are 16 or 17 years old, you must
have the consent of your parents or legal guardian.
Louisiana:
If either party to the marriage is between the ages of 16 and
18, the presence and signatures of both parents are required.
If a parent has legal custody in a divorce, a certified copy
of the judgment must be presented. If either party is under
the age of 16, a court order is required in order to obtain
a license.
Maine:
Applicants must be over 18 years old. A license shall not be
issued to anyone under the age of 16 without written parental
consent and the written consent of a judge.
Maryland:
Parental consent is needed if under 18 years of age. If you
are between 16-18 years of age, one of your parents or guardian
must be with you and provide written consent. If you are under
16 years of age, you will need both the written consent of your
custodial parent or guardian and the written approval of a judge
of the Orphans' Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas.
If you are under 18, pregnant or have a child, and show a certificate
from a licensed physician stating you are pregnant or have had
a child, the parental consent requirement may be waived.
Massachusetts:
Age 18 years or older. A birth certificate may be required to
show proof of age. ²If either party is under 18, a court order
from a probate or district court where the minor resides must
be obtained before the marriage intentions can be filed.
Michigan:
Applicants 16 years of age may marry with parental or legal
guardian written consent. Applicants under the age of 15 with
parental consent and probate court permission. 'Marriage of
a Minor': The legal marriage of a minor “shall release
such minor from parental control.”
Minnesota:
Applicants between the ages of 15 and 18 must have the consent
of a parent, guardian or the judge of juvenile court. ²Applicants
younger than 15 needs the written consent of a parent of guardian
and the consent of a juvenile court judge.
Mississippi:
Parental consent is needed if under 21 years of age. If parents
or guardians do not give consent at time of application, they
will be notified via certified mail. The marriage application
will be held for three (3) days. Marriage licenses cannot be
issued to males under 17, or females under 15 years of age.
If the clerk receives a signed authorization from the parents,
this minimum age requirement can be waived.
Missouri:
A person under age 18 cannot marry without the consent of the
custodial parent or guardian. DzA person under age 15 cannot
marry without approval of a judge in the county where the marriage
license is sought. The statute states that the judge should
grant approval only upon a showing of "good cause" and that
unusual conditions make the marriage "advisable." Persons lacking
mental capacity to consent to marriage cannot marry without
court approval.
Montana:
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have the consent of
both parents unless only one parent has legal custody of you.
Both of you, as a couple, will also have to attend at least
two counseling sessions that are at least 10 days apart. This
has to be done with a designated counselor who will then have
to provide a letter that states the names of the couple, their
ages, the dates of the counseling sessions, and what the counselor
thinks about their possible marriage.
Nebraska:
Under 19 -- A notarized consent form must be signed by the person's
legal guardian giving consent to the marriage of the minor.
Nebraska will not issue a marriage license if either applicant
is under 17 years of age.
Nevada:
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have one parent or legal
guardian present. A notarized written permission is also acceptable.
It must be written in English and needs to state the name, birth
date, age of the minor child, along with the relationship of
the person giving consent. The notary must note that the parent
or guardian personally appeared before or was subscribed and
sworn to. If you are under 16, marriage can be authorized only
by court order when the request has been filed by either parent
or legal guardian.
New Hampshire:
A female between the age of 13 and 17 years and a male between
the age of 14 and 17 years can be married only with the permission
of their parent (guardian) and a waiver. A female below the
age of 13 and a male below the age of 14 are not allowed to
marry under any conditions. If both parties are nonresidents
of NH and are below the age of 18 they cannot be married in
NH under any conditions.
New Jersey:
Applicants under 18 can marry if both parents consent to the
marriage. The consent must be given under oath in front of two
witnesses. Males: 16 or younger parties may marry with
parental consent and/or permission of judge. Younger parties
may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child. Females:
16 or younger parties may marry with parental consent and/or
permission of judge. Younger parties may obtain license in case
of pregnancy or birth of child.
New Mexico:
Parental consent if 16 or 17 years of age. Court order if 15
years of age. (There is no waiting period as in most states
and marriage licenses are issued and valid immediately and do
not expire.
New
York: If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you will need to
have a completed parental consent form filled out by both parents.
If you are either 14 or 15 years of age, you will need to show
the written consent of both parents and a justice of the Supreme
Court or a judge of the local Family Court. Applicants under
14 years of age cannot marry. Only one parent's consent will
be accepted if one parent is deceased or has been missing for
over a year, or if one parent has full custody from a divorce
proceeding. Your parents or guardians must give their consent
in person before the town or city clerk or some other authorized
official. If they are out of state, a notarized affidavit is
acceptable but has to be accompanied by a certificate of authentication
when the consent is filed in New York State.
North
Carolina: Applicants 18 to 20 must present a certified copy
of their birth certificate. Applicants 16 and 17 must present
a consent form signed by the parent, individual, agency or institution
having legal custody or serving as the legal guardian of the
underage party. (birth certificate is also required). The consent
form must be notarized. Applicants 14 and 15 must provide a
certified copy of the court order authorizing the marriage.
A certified copy of the birth certificate is also required.
A marriage license may not be issued to applicants under 14
years of age.
North
Dakota: If a person is between sixteen and eighteen years
of age, a marriage license may not be issued without the consent
of the parents or guardian. This requires a notarized statement.
Ohio:
If you are 18 to 21 years of age, you will need to show your
birth certificate. Persons aged 16-17 must have consent to marry
from parents or legal guardians and may have to contact the
Probate Court. Additionally, the Judge may require the minors
to state that they have received marriage counseling that is
satisfactory to the court. Section 3101.05 also mentions how
the court will deal with a pregnant minor.
Oklahoma:
If you are under 18, your parents must appear at the courthouse
with you to sign a consent form. Minors must wait three days
before the marriage license is valid.
Oregon:
Under 18: Anyone not yet 17 years of age cannot be legally married
in the State of Oregon. A seventeen year old can be married
if they have the parent's or guardian's consent (State Consent
form needed).
Pennsylvania:
If under 18 years of age applicants may marry with consent of
a parent or guardian. Applicants must present Birth Certificate
plus an additional $5.00. Okay, if under 16 years of age with
the approval of a Judge of the Orphans Court, as well as parent
or guardian.
Rhode
Island: Under 18: A Minor's Permit to marry must be completed
if a female applicant is 16 or 17 years of age. The permit must
be signed and notarized in the presence of the City or Town
Clerk or any clerk employed in that office. ²A female under
age 16 and a male under age 18 cannot secure a marriage license
in the State of Rhode Island without the approval of the Family
Court.
South
Carolina: If you are under 18, you will need a certified
copy of your birth certificate and a notarized statement of
parental consent. The minimum age for a female is 14 and it
is 16 for a male.
South
Dakota: Applicants 16 and 17 must have parental consent.
South Dakota law does not permit marriage of those under 16.
Texas:
The age is 18 without from a parent or your legal guardian.
If under the age of 16, the law requires that the couple receives
a court order before being allowed to marry.
Tennessee:
If either party is under the age of 18, they must be accompanied
by parents. If under the age of 16, Tennessee law requires that
the couple receives a court order before being allowed to marry.
Utah:
The law states that marriage at the age of 18 years and above
does not require parental consent. For those aged 16-17, parental
consent is necessary. For those 15 years old, the following
requirements must be met: Parental consent must be obtained.
Approval from Juvenile Court is necessary. The court must conclude
that the marriage is voluntary and in the best interests of
the minor.
Vermont:
If you are at least 16, but under 18, you will need the consent
of a parent or guardian.
Virginia:
If either of you are under 18 years of age, you must have written,
notarized consent from a parent or your legal guardian.
Washington:
If under the age of 18, proof of age is required (birth certificate
or driver's license). Additionally, the parent or guardian must
be present to sign the application form. If under 17, written
permission from the family court must be obtained.
Washington
DC: Both
applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage
license. With parental consent, the male must be at least 16
years old and the female must be at least 16 years old. Parental
consent must be provided either in person or by notarized letter.
West
Virginia: If either of you are under 18 years of age, you
must have the consent (in person or written) of a parent or
guardian. If written, the consent must be notarized. There may
be special provisions for an underage bride who is pregnant.
Wisconsin:
If either the bride or groom is under 18, you must have written,
notarized consent from his or her parents or guardian. There
is a Consent form available to be signed by parents or guardian
before a County Clerk.
Wyoming:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old or with written parental
consent. Applicants under 16 years of age only with court order.
Other
situations - Pregnant Teens: Delaware, Florida, Georgia,
Kentucky, Maryland and Oklahoma allow pregnant teens or teens
who have already had a child to get married without parental
consent. In Florida, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, the young couple
must have authorization from a court. Maryland requires that
the minor be at least 16. Even
with parental approval, many states will require court approval
when a person is 16 years of age or less.
The laws
in Canada, the UK, Puerto Rico and Mexico are similar, but will
vary by province. Call
your local town hall or court house for answers to questions
you might have.
For blood
tests requirements, and to see if your state has a waiting
period, go to part II...
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