California’s Child Marriage Ban Awaits Signature on Gov. Newsom’s Desk

Tl;dr: A bipartisan bill that would ban child marriages in California has passed the state’s House and Senate with near-unanimous support from legislators. Governor Newsom is expected to sign the bill into law before September 30, 2026, and the new restrictions would become effective on January 1, 2027.

After several years of effort, legislators have successfully passed a bill to ban child marriages in California, without exceptions. Once the bill is signed into law by Governor Newsom, all applicants will be required to prove they are at least 18 years old to purchase a marriage license in the state.

Currently, there is no minimum age limit to get married in California. Children of any age can be married with judicial approval or a parent’s permission, as long as certain guidelines are followed (such as premarital counseling, interviews with Family Court Services, etc.)

Although Legislators tightened the requirements for minors getting married in recent years, attempts to eliminate these marriages entirely have failed – including CA SB575 in 2024, which would have banned marrying all children except emancipated minors.

This year, CA Assembly Bill 1267 received overwhelming support from legislators on both sides of the aisle. As amended, the bill would repeal several existing laws that create conditions for children to marry, and explicitly limit marriage and domestic partnership to applicants who are at least 18 years old. If an applicant isn’t 18, they won’t be able to purchase a marriage license – no exceptions.

Governor Newsom has received the bill and is expected to sign it into law before September 30th, 2026. If passed, it will become effective January 1, 2027.

Related: How Common is Child Marriage in California? A Count is Coming

What’s changed? Support for CA AB1267, California's Child Marriage Ban

The shift in public support in California mirrors a growing movement to outlaw underage marriages across the United States. Until a few years ago, children could be married anywhere in the country, and there were no restrictions on how old the spouses of children could be.

Advocates increasingly speak to the dangers of child marriage. Studies show that underage marriage comes with risks of higher poverty rates, fewer educational achievements, limited access to healthcare, poor mental health, and limited future prospects. And despite discussion of "teen marriages," the data shows that the majority of underage marriages involve adult men marrying young girls. 

As public concern for the welfare of children grows, more than a dozen states have passed greater legal restrictions and safeguards. These include age-difference restrictions – where a spouse must not be more than a set number of years older than their underage partner – as well as requiring court orders, private interviews, legal emancipation, or fully banning the practice.

Still, as of 2026, the majority of U.S. states allow children to marry. If California’s ban passes, it will become only the 22nd U.S. jurisdiction to prohibit under age marriages. Missouri was the most recent state to do so, passing its ban in July of 2025. Legislators in Wisconsin considered similar legislation earlier this year, but that bill failed to pass (WI SB634). 

Other U.S. states and territories with child marriage bans at the time of writing are:

Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington – as well as American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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How would this law affect AMM Ministers who officiate weddings in California? 

Raising the minimum marriage age in California will not impact the role of AMM Ministers who solemnize marriage there. Because marriage licenses are issued by the clerk’s office, it will be the clerk’s responsibility to confirm that each person is old enough to get married when they issue the license. 

However, all ministers who perform marriage ceremonies should confirm the names of the people they’re marrying before the wedding. This can be done by comparing a person’s government-issued ID or photo ID card to the name printed on their marriage license. 

To become a wedding officiant in California, click the links below! 

• How to Become a Wedding Officiant in California
• Get Ordained In California
• How To Officiate A Wedding In California: Guide to Registration
• How to Officiate a Wedding in Los Angeles, California
• See all California City Guides for Wedding Officiants