Vermont bans the marriage of minors, effective July 1, 2023

Vermont raises the minimum age to marry in the state to 18 years old

 

 

Yesterday, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed the “Act to Ban Child Marriage" into law, making it illegal for any child under the age of 18 years old to marry in the state, without exceptions. The act goes into effect on July 1, 2023. 

 

Beginning July 1, individuals must be at least 18 years old to get married in Vermont. There are no exceptions for emancipated minors, and adults who are 18 years old or older and under a guardianship must also obtain written permission from their guardian to marry.

 

• See the act's full text here (HB148) 

 

Previously, children as young as 16 years old could marry in the state with the written consent of one of their parents or a legal guardian. 

 

Related: How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Married In Each State?

 

By raising the legal age to marry there, Vermont becomes one of only a few places in the country to fully ban the marriage of minors. This short list of states and territories includes Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

 

Read AMM's previous coverage on the topic here: 

 

• Will Vermont lawmakers ban child marriage in 2023? New bill passed in House, heads to Senate

 

 

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Officiate Weddings in Vermont!

 

Read How to Become a Wedding Officiant in Vermont

 

Conviértete en un Oficiante de Bodas en Vermont

 

Friends and family members can officiate weddings in Vermont if they’ve been ordained. Online ordination is free and easy with American Marriage Ministries. 

 

♡ Get ordained online with AMM here 

 

 

 

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Read Next: 

 

• It’s easier to get a marriage license in Vermont than ever before!

 

• How to Get Married in Vermont - Planning a wedding in The Green Mountain State

 

A step-by-step guide on how to get married in Vermont, including how to find a wedding officiant, choose a wedding venue, and how to apply for a Vermont marriage license. Read the full article here.

 

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AMM Ministers:

 

Stay up to date on marriage laws in your state

 

Lawmakers around the country will be discussing dozens of proposed changes to marriage laws in the coming days and weeks.

 

AMM works hard to keep our ministers informed of important changes to the marriage laws in their states and around the country, to ensure that they have the information they need to officiate weddings and serve their communities well. 

 

To stay informed on what’s new in your state, visit the AMM News Page on the blog and subscribe to AMM’s Monthly Newsletter: 

 

 

• Browse AMM News 

 

• Subscribe to AMM’s Monthly Newsletter

 

 

 

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