Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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Many of us had the thought growing up: when can I run off and get married? If your relationship is more serious than just a first crush, you may also be wondering how old you have to be to get married in Vermont.
That answer generally depends on whether or not you have your parents’ permission to get married. State law governs, and this article can give you a brief summary of the marriage age requirements in Vermont.
In Vermont, two (2) people who are each at least 18 years old can obtain a civil marriage in Vermont. If you are at least 16, but under 18, you will need the consent of a parent or guardian. Your parent or guardian should go with you to the town clerk’s office to sign an affidavit giving you permission to marry. (The affidavit is on the back of the marriage license and is a legal part of the license.)
By Vermont law, no one under the age of 16 may marry in Vermont unless you get special permission from the Vermont Probate Court. Essentially this means minors (under the age of 18) must obtain parental consent before they may legally tie the knot. Although couples seldom get married before they reach the age of majority, it is made available primarily to allow pregnant minors to marry.
Anyone under guardianship cannot marry without the guardian’s written consent. Vermont also does not allow marriage between most close relatives. You cannot marry a parent, grandparent, sister, brother, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt or uncle.
You cannot marry if either of you is currently married to someone else, or if either of you is joined in a civil union to someone else. The law requires that both parties be of sound mind.
You will need a marriage license, but you do not need blood tests, and there is no waiting period.
Marriage age requirement laws in the following table. See State-by-State Marriage 'Age of Consent' Laws for a comparison.
| Code Section | Tit. 18 §5142 |
| Minimum Age With Parental Consent | Male: 16; Female: 16 |
| Minimum Age Without Parental Consent | Male: 18; Female: 18 |
| Added Requirements for Underage Marriage | If you are under the age of 16, you may not get married without a certificate from a Probate or District Court Judge in your county of residence giving you permission to marry. No one under the age of 14 may marry in Vermont. |
Note: Vermont marriage laws are constantly changing--contact a Vermont family law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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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