Maybe it all starts over the state line in Times Square. Or maybe you first lock eyes at a swanky Fourth of July gathering in New Canaan. A courtship ensues and soon there's talk of marriage. But if you’re wondering if you can really make it happen, you’re probably also wondering how old you actually have to be to get married in Connecticut. The quick answer depends on your age and whether your parents have given you permission to get hitched in the first place. State law can vary on this issue, so this article is a quick summary of the marriage age requirements in Connecticut.
Partners who reach the age of majority (18 and above in most states) may marry with relatively few restrictions. However, state marriage age requirement laws apply to minors. Some state age limit laws will allow partners with a child (or expecting a child) to get married and a few states have no statutory age limits. Marriage age requirement laws in Connecticut restrict marriage to those 16 and older with parental consent (18 or older without).
The following box includes the code section and highlights of Connecticut's Family Law codes, Chapter 815(e) where you can find the marriage age requirements.
| Code Section | 46b-20a |
| Minimum Legal Age With Parental Consent | 16 (also requires consent from a judge) |
| Minimum Legal Age Without Parental Consent | 18 |
| Comments | Since 2017, minors under 16 may not marry. |
Be aware that your fairy tale wedding might never become a reality if you don’t take care of a few technical marriage requirements and get an actual marriage license. Connecticut residents must apply for a marriage license in the county in which one of you resides while out-of-state residents can apply in the county where the marriage will take place. Each of you must provide photo identification and some other documentation.
If either of you were previously married, you may have to provide the date of the divorce (be aware that some counties may require a copy of the divorce decree). It is best to check with your local county clerk, as some require the fees to be paid in cash.
Connecticut’s marriage statutes may differ from other state laws on marriage and are subject to change. If you would like more legal assistance, you can contact a Connecticut family law attorney in your area. You can also visit FindLaw's section on Getting Married for additional articles and resources.
