Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed August 14, 2020
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Nearly all states have age limits for minors who want to get married, typically with parental consent requirements as well as exceptions for pregnant minors. Anyone above the age of majority (18 in most states), of course, may make the decision to get married on their own, without a parent's consent. Such restrictions on minors are meant to discourage marriage through coercion (child brides, for instance), while helping to ensure that individuals have the maturity required to make such an important lifetime decision.
Anyone 18 and older may get married if they are otherwise eligible to do so (see Arkansas Annulment and Prohibited Marriage Laws to learn more). But people as young as 17 may get married with parental consent. However, the parent's consent may be voided by court order if clear and convincing evidence shows that the parent is not fit to make such decisions and the marriage is contrary to the child's best interests.
Marriage is not permitted for anyone younger than 17 ever since the state's law was updated in 2019.
See FindLaw's Getting Married section for related articles and resources.
| Code Section | 9-11-102 to 105 |
| Minimum Legal Age With Parental Consent | 17 |
| Minimum Legal Age Without Parental Consent | 18 |
| Comments | Marriage for children under the age of 17 is not permitted. |
Note: State laws are not etched in stone and may change at any time, usually through the enactment of new legislation or decisions by higher courts (including federal courts in some instances). Make sure you contact an Arkansas family law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Eligible couples who wish to get married in Arkansas will have to appear in person at their local county clerk's office, with a valid ID (drivers license, state-issued ID, passport, military ID, Indian card, or original birth certificate). The cost for a marriage license is $60.00 (cash or credit accepted). Additionally, couples may choose to apply for a covenant marriage license, in which the couple agrees to obtain pre-marital counseling and limited grounds for a future divorce.
In order to get a valid marriage license, Arkansans under the age of 17 must get parental permission or in some cases a judicial order. If your marriage faces one of these special circumstances, you probably will want professional legal help. Get started today by reaching out to an Arkansas family law attorney near you.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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