Marriageable Age - By Country - North America

North America

• Canada: * Varies by province, but generally 18 years old, 16 years with parental consent, 15 years with judicial consent.
• Mexico: 18 (legal age); 16 for males, 15 for females.
• Puerto Rico: 21 (younger parties may obtain license in case of pregnancy or birth of child), 18 with parental consent.
• United States: 18 (two exceptions: 19 in Nebraska and 21 in Mississippi). Most states, however, allow minors below 18 to marry (generally they have to be at least 16 but sometimes lower) with parental and/or judicial consent, and some states allow female minors below 18 to marry without parental or judicial consent if she is pregnant.
• Alabama:

Under 18 applicants 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. If one or both parents are deceased, proper evidence of such must be provided.

• Alaska:

Under 18 applicants 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:

Under 18 applicants need a notarized parental consent form or parents accompany them, present the proper identification, and sign the parental consent form in front of the clerk issuing the license. 16 - 17 year olds need identification and one of the following documents showing proof of age:

• certified copy of birth certificate
• current driver's license
• state or military I.D. card
• or current passport

Those 15 or under, need also a court order.

• Arkansas:

Under 18 applicants need a consent of both parents.

• 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:

A 16 or 17 year old needs the consent of both parents (or parent having legal custody), or guardian, or seek judicial approval. Those under 16 need a court order along with parental consent.

• Connecticut:

If applicant is under the age of 18 written consent of the parent or guardian is required and under the age of 16 the Judge of probate must endorse with written consent on the license.

• Delaware:

Both applicants must be over the age of 18 years old. Both applicants must be present to apply. Both applicants must present a valid driver's license or birth certificate when applying.

• District of Columbia:

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 notorized letter.

• 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 parent has sole custody or the other parent is dead, the permission of one parent is sufficient.If a person is under the age of 16, the marriage license has to be issued by a county judge, with or without parental permission. 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. A county court judge may at his/her discretion issue or not issue a license for them to marry. Pre-Marital Course Providers will be charged a one time fee of $4.00.

• Georgia:

Applicants who are 16 or 17 may apply for a license with consent of the parents or guardians, who must accompany the minor applying for the marriage license and must have proper identification, such as a valid driver's license. Guardians must present proper guardianship papers. Underage female applicants who are pregnant may apply without parental consent. A letter from a doctor must be presented at the time of the application. The doctor's letter must state that the female is pregnant, how far along she is and her estimated due date. This letter must be on the doctor's letterhead with his/her original signature, not a stamped signature. If underage applicants already have a child, they should present a certified copy of the birth certificate for the child at the time of application. If parental consent is not required, the court will notify parents or guardians that you have been issued a marriage license. All applicants need to take a premarital blood test. The blood test results must be printed on the mandatory state form #3411. Blood tests results must be signed and dated by the physician and must be less than thirty (30) days old when you apply for the license.

• Hawaii:

To marry, males and females must be at least 16 years of age. Males and females under 18 must have written consent from both parents, legal guardians or family court. Males and females at age 15 may marry with the written consent of both parents or legal guardian and the written approval of the judge of the family court.

• Idaho:

Applicant under 16 years of age needs a court order 16 through 17: Applicants must present one of the following: Original Birth Certificate or Certified Copy Current Driver's License Passport State-issued Identification Card Parental consent from either parent or legal guardian Must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian Affidavit of Consent to Marriage of Minor Both parties age 18 or older—no consent requirements

• Illinois:

Applicants between the ages of 16 and 17 may obtain a marriage license by presenting the following information: Sworn consent from each parent, each legal guardian or a judge - in person - before the county clerk at the time of application. Those giving consent must provide proper identification, including a:

• valid driver's license valid state identification card
• valid Illinois Department of Public Aid card
• valid passport.

(If the legal guardian is giving consent, a certified copy of the guardianship papers must be provided.)

• 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. The cost for filing this petition is $120.00 even if the Judge refuses to allow the couple to marry. IC 31-11-2

• 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. (K.S.A. 23-106)

• Kentucky:

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have the consent of your parents or legal guardian. Custody papers are required if your parents are divorced. The form that you need to have completed is the Consent to Marriage Form (84-FCC-501). It has to be witnessed by two witnesses who are at least 18 years old, signed by your parent or legal guardian, and sworn by the deputy clerk. If you are a pregnant minor you may apply to a district court judge for permission to marry without parental consent. If you are under 16, you must get approval to marry from the District Court. Minors cannot get married in Kentucky if parents or guardians are not residents of Kentucky.

• 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 judgement 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 18 without written parental consent. 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:

Massachusetts resident may marry if he or she is 18 years of age or older. A birth certificate may be required to show proof of age. If 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 18 years of age may marry without parental consent. Applicants 16 years of age may marry with parental or legal guardian written consent. Parents must appear with their identification with 16 or 17 year old applicants. Custodial Parents must appear and bring proof of custody. The requirement for premarital counseling for individuals applying for a Marriage License has been eliminated. Applicants will be provided with written educational material by the County Clerk regarding prenatal care and the transmission and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

• Minnesota:

Applicants 18 years of age may obtain a license. It is necessary to provide proof of age. Applicants between the ages of 15 and 18 must have the consent of a parent, guardian or the judge of juvenile court. Applicants under the age of 15 needs the written consent of a parent or 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. A 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. Proof of age must be in the form of a certified copy of your birth certificate. 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. Then judicial consent signed by a district court judge must be given for the Clerk of court's office to issue a marriage license. No one 15 years of age or younger may marry in Montana.

• Nebraska:

Applicants must be 19 years old to marry without parental consent. Both applicants must be at least 17 years of age. You cannot marry in Nebraska if you are under 17. Parental consent required for applicants who are 17 or 18 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:

Applicants who has reached the age of 18 can marry without parental consent. 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 (See Waiver). A female below the age of 13 and a male below the age of 14 are not allowed to marry under any conditions. The above regulations on age apply to New Hampshire residents or to a non-resident who desires to marry a resident. If both parties are non-residents and are below the age of 18 they cannot be married in N.H. under any conditions. Waivers: When "good and special cause" is shown waivers may be obtained which can alter certain requirements. Age: When either of the applicants is not yet 18 years of age but meets the minimum age requirements (See Age) whether a resident or marrying a resident of this state, when joined in the request by their parents or guardian, he/she may request and obtain permission to marry by applying to a justice of the superior court or to the judge of probate where one of the parties resides within N.H. Waiting period: This requirement can be waived on application to a justice of the superior court or judge of probate within the county where the marriage is to take place.

• New Jersey:

Applicants must both be at least 18 years old, with one exception. Applicants under 18 can marry if both parents consent to the marriage. The consent must be given under oath in front of two witnesses. Male: 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. Female: 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:

Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying. Male or female under 16 years of age may not apply except with a court order. Proof of Age Required: State original or certified copy of birth or baptismal certificate (hospital certificate is not acceptable). Male or female: 16 years through 17 years of age may apply only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian, or with a court order. Proof of age Required: State Original or certified copy of birth certificate, baptismal certificate or passport (hospital certificate is not acceptable). Consent: Must be in person or in the form of a notarized and or witnessed statement in which person giving consent indicates that he/she is parent/guardian. Male or female: 18 years through 20 years of age. Proof of Age required. State Original or certified copy of birth certificate, baptismal certificate or military I.D. (Drivers license are only acceptable as proof of age for those 21 or older). Male or female: 21 through 25. Drivers license or other picture I.D.

• New York:

If either applicant is under 15 years of age, a marriage license cannot be issued. If either applicant is 15 or 16 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents and a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the Family Court having jurisdiction over the town or city in which the application is made. If either applicant is 16 or 17 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents. If both applicants are 18 years of age or older, no consents are required.

• North Carolina:

Applicants 18 years of age or above may use 1 of the following I.D.'s: Driver's license (may not be expired). State-issued I.D. Card (may not be expired). Passport (may not be expired). Military I.D. (may not be expired). Applicants 16 or 17 years of age must have certified copies of their birth certificate in order to acquire a license and a written parental consent by a parent having full or joint legal custody of the underage party; or by a person, agency, or institiution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party. Parental consent form. Applicants over age 15 and under 16 must attain a Court Order by District Court Judge authorizing the marriage. Applicants under age 15 is unlawful to marry. Both bride and groom must provide their Social Security numbers and verification of the number. Applicants may present a Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with the number as verification. Note: An alien admitted to the United States for permanent residence or to engage in employment must be issued a Social Security number. Applicants who are not eligible for a Social Security number may obtain a marriage license by signing an affidavit attesting to this fact. The affidavit is available in the Register of Deeds office or can be printed out here (affidavit). In addition, such applicants must provide proof of citizenship in the form of a duly stamped passport or green card.

• 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:

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. Parent and guardian consent forms are available from the County Recording Office. If you are seventeen and have resided within Washington County for at least six months, and no parent or guardian resides in the State of Oregon, you may be married if you have an affidavit signed by someone other than the bride or groom stating these facts. Affidavit forms are available from the County Recording Office.

• Pennsylvania:

Legal age for marriage in the State of Pennsylvania for both bride and groom is 18. 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. If Under 16 years of age with the approval of a Judge of the Orphans Court, as well as parent or guardian.

• Rhode Island:

A Minor's Permit to marry (VS 10) 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. If this is not possible, contact the State Office of Vital Records for instructions. A 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. Applicants must be 18 or older to obtain a marriage license.

• 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 15 and it is 16 for a male.

• South Dakota:

If you are 18 or older: Both the bride and groom need to be here at the same time to sign in our presence. Proof of age must be determined by showing a driver's license, certified copy of a birth certificate or any photographic identification which includes the applicant's name and date of birth. Please bring with you one of these forms of identification. The application is only good for 20 days, therefore, you may get your license on a Friday and get married the next day or that very same day if you wish. However, you cannot get your license in July and then get married in September. A license may be purchased in any county in the State and the marriage solemnized in any county in the State. You must keep the license in the State to get married. The cost of the license is $40.00. The preferred method of payment is cash. If you are between the ages of 16 and 18: You must have a parent or guardian's written notarized consent. The parent can either come with the bride and the groom upon getting the license or a Parental Consent Marriage Form. This form would need to be filled out and signed by the parent or guardian of the under-age bride or groom in front of a Notary Public. Once it is filled out and signed, please bring it along with you to get your license.

• Tennessee:

To obtain a marriage license in Tennessee, both parties must appear for the issuance of the license. A Social Security number is required for both parties. The age requirement for marriage in the State of Tennessee is as follows: Over 21- picture ID From 18 to 21, a birth certificate. From 16 to 18, you must have both parents accompany you, and sigh the approval affidavit and you must bring your birth certificate. There is a 3-day waiting period. If either party is under the age of 16, a waiver must be issued from Juvenile Court.

• Texas:

Both parties must be 18 years or older, 17 years and under require parental consent.

• Utah:

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. The court may require premarital counseling where and when appropriate.

• Vermont:

If you are at least 16, but under 18, you will need the consent of a parent or guardian. Anyone under guardianship may not marry without the guardian's written consent. Vermont also does not allow marriage between most close relatives. You cannot marry in Vermont to evade the laws of the state where you live. You cannot marry if either of you is currently married to someone else. The law also requires that both parties be of sound mind.

• Virginia:

The minimum age for marriage in the State of Virginia is sixteen years for both bride and groom; however, if either party is under eighteen, consent to the marriage must be given by the father, mother, or legal guardian. This may be done personally by the parent or legal guardian before the person issuing the license, or by a written consent properly sworn to before a notary public. Special provisions are made in Virginia law to allow marriage for underage parties when the female is pregnant and for situations in which underage applicants have no parent or legal guardian.

• Washington:

The bride and groom must be 18 years of age or older in order to apply for a license without parental or guardian consent. If the bride and/or groom are 17 years of age, they must have parental and/or legal guardian consent to apply for a marriage license. Parents/Legal Guardians may come in with the couple and be sworn in with them before signing the consent form on the back of the marriage application or they may sign a notarized statement of consent. All persons under the age of 17 must have parent and/or guardian consent and must present a court order obtained from Family Court and signed by a District Court judge with a court seal on it. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. Emancipated juveniles are still required to obtain a court order and/or parental consent—whichever applies. All persons answering "yes" to the question "Are you under the control of a legal guardian?" MUST have their guardian's consent.

• West Virginia: 18, 16 with parental or guardian consent. Special provisions allow marriage for underage parties when the female is pregnant and for situations in which underage applicants have no parent or legal guardian.

• Wisconsin: 18, 16 with parental or guardian consent.

• Wyoming: 18, 16 with parental or guardian consent, under 16 with permission of a Court Judge.