California Statutory Marriage

California Statutory Marriage

In California, two unmarried persons 18 years of age or older, who are not otherwise disqualified, are capable of consenting to and consummating marriage.  An unmarried person under 18 years of age may consent to and consummate a marriage upon a court order supported by the written consent of at least one parent or guardian.  If a person under the 18 years of age has no parent or guardian, a judge has discretion to make an order consenting the issuance of a marriage license.

Consent must be followed by the issuance of a license and solemnization that requires those married to sign and endorse a form identifying the couple has married, the time and place of entering into the marriage, and the signature of two witnesses to the ceremony.

Out of allegations and concern of coercive marriages of minors to adult, California is considering raising the minimum age to marry to 18, written consent of at least one parent or the guardian notwithstanding.