Marriage Laws in the USA

Marriage laws in the United States vary from one state to another, but a marriage between a man and a woman that is supported with a valid marriage license is recognized by all 50 states. To get married in America, a man and a woman must obtain a license from a court clerk, and they both must be at least 18 years old or older to get married.

All states, with the exception of Mississippi and Nebraska, allow marriage at the minimum age of 18. In Mississippi, you have to be at least 21 years old to get married, and in Nebraska you have be at least 21 years old to get married without parental consent. Couples aged 16 or 17 can also get married, but they need parental consent to get married in most states. Some states give exception to this law in case of teen pregnancy (e.g. Arkansas and Florida).

A legal marriage requires both the partners to have sufficient mental capacity to understand the sanctity of the union, meaning that they must understand the judge's or other marriage official's statements during the marriage ceremony. This mental capacity will be deemed sufficient or not by the official. The couple also needs at least one witness to certify the ceremony in most states.

One of the most controversial issues in America is same-sex marriage. There have been countless debates and arguments in the country on this issue. As homosexuality is legally recognized in the country, many gay rights activists have been demanding the right to get legally married under the federal law. But there are large parts of the population in many states that are against such unions. So far, three states have legalized same-sex marriages: Connecticut, Massachusetts and California, though the situation is so volatile that California has already reversed itself by a referendum that doesn't allow same-sex marriage. Rhode Island recognizes same-sex marriages which were performed in other states. States like Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and New Jersey allow "civil unions" for same sex couples, which give them spousal rights in the state.

More information on marriage laws in America can be found at usmarriagelaws.com.