What’s the Youngest Age You Can Get Married in Georgia?

Understanding the legal age of consent for marriage is essential, especially in a state like Georgia where the laws may differ from other states.

So, what’s the youngest age you can get married in Georgia? The answer is 17 years old, but there are specific conditions and requirements attached to this, which we will delve into further in this post.

Let’s take a look.

Can a 17-Year Old Get Married in Georgia?

Yes, a 17-year old can get married in Georgia. However, it’s not as straightforward as simply deciding to get married.

There are legal requisites that must be met, including obtaining an emancipation order from the court. We’ll cover these specifics more below in our section on ‘how to get married at 17 in Georgia’.

Can You Get Married at 17 in Georgia with Parental Consent?

In Georgia, if you’re 17 years old and wish to get married, parental consent does not count.

You must be legally emancipated and be only four years or less younger than the person you want to marry.

If you are not legally emancipated, then you must wait until you turn 18 to get married – even if your parents consent.

Can You Get Married at 16 in Georgia?

The answer is no, you cannot get married at 16 in Georgia. The youngest possible age, as of the law update in 2019, to marry in Georgia is 17 years old.

Can You Get Married at 16 in Georgia with Parental Consent?

Even if you have parental consent, you cannot be married at 16 years old.

Also, if you are emancipated as a 16 year old, you still have to wait until you are 17 years old to marry, according to Georgia law.

What Age Can You Get Married in Georgia with Parental Consent?

Parental consent does not matter in terms of the age you marry. If you want to marry and you are emancipated, you must be at least 17 years old.

Otherwise, you must wait until you reach the age of 18 in order to marry – regardless of whether your parents consent or not.

Legal Age for Marriage with Consent in Georgia

Assuming this ‘consent’ refers to parental consent, the answer is the same as above – parental consent does not matter in Georgia.

You must be 18 years old or older to marry in Georgia. The only younger age to be able to marry is 17 – and you must be emancipated to do so.

How to Get Married at 17 in Georgia

To get married at 17 in Georgia, you must first obtain documentation proving that you are emancipated. This could be because you obtained a court order in juvenile court granting your emancipation, or because you are on active duty with the United States armed forces.

Also, at least 15 days need to have passed since you were emancipated.

Then, you have to make sure the person you are marrying is no more than four years older than you, and you must attend premarital education and take your certificate of completion with you.

After you’ve checked all these boxes and gathered your documents, you can now head to the county probate court to apply for a marriage license. You’ll need to bring identification and pay a fee.

Do You Need a Witness to Get Married in Georgia?

Interestingly, Georgia does not require a witness for a marriage ceremony.

Once you’ve obtained your marriage license, you can get married immediately without a waiting period or witnesses.

Final Thoughts

Understanding these laws can help navigate the process of getting married in Georgia, especially if you’re under 18.

Always consult with a local family law attorney to ensure you fully understand the legal implications and requirements.