Legal Definitions - Marriage laws

Marriage laws are the rules and regulations that govern the process of getting married in a particular state or territory. These laws vary from place to place and cover a range of topics, including the minimum age to get married, the requirements for obtaining a marriage license, and the waiting period before a marriage can take place.

For example, in Alabama, the minimum age to get married is 16, but parental consent is required for minors. In California, there are no age limits for getting married, but couples must obtain a marriage license and wait at least 30 days before getting married. In some states, like Georgia and Idaho, common-law marriages that were entered into before a certain date are recognized.

It's important to note that these laws can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check the current laws in your state or territory before getting married.

• In Alaska, couples must wait three days after obtaining a marriage license before getting married.
• In Florida, couples have 60 days to get married after obtaining a marriage license.
• In Massachusetts, the minimum age to get married is 14 for males and 12 for females with parental consent and permission from a judge.

These examples illustrate some of the different requirements and restrictions that can be found in marriage laws across the United States.