Can you get married under 18 in England and Wales?
No. Since a change in the law, the minimum age to marry in England and Wales is 18, with no exceptions — parental consent can no longer make marriage at 16 or 17 lawful. Anyone under 18 cannot legally give notice or marry, regardless of consent from a parent or guardian.
The current legal position
England and Wales previously allowed marriage from age 16 with parental consent. That route was closed, and the minimum age is now 18 for everyone, without exception. A register office will not accept notice from anyone under 18.
Why the rule changed
The change was intended to protect young people from being pressured or coerced into marriage before they are legally recognised as adults. It applies regardless of family wishes, religious ceremony, or where the couple plans to live afterwards.
If you are close to 18
You can start planning ahead of your 18th birthday, but you cannot give notice of marriage until you have actually turned 18. Notice must reflect your true date of birth and your age on the day you attend the appointment.
What this means for you
- There is no parental consent route that allows marriage below 18 in England and Wales.
- You cannot give notice before your 18th birthday, even if the ceremony is planned for afterwards.
- This rule applies to civil and religious ceremonies alike within England and Wales.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 17 August 2026 · Next review due 17 November 2026
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Simply Married is an independent planning service, not a register office or government department. Confirm current requirements and fees with your own register office and on GOV.UK.