What are the age and consent requirements for minors?

Age Requirements

  • If either applicant is under 17 years of age, a marriage license cannot be issued.
  • If either applicant is 17 years of age, such applicant(s) must present the written consent of both parents and a Judge of the Nassau County Supreme Court or a Judge of the Nassau County Family Court.
  • If both applicants are 18 years of age or older, no consents are required.

Consent Requirements

One parent alone may consent to a minor's marriage if:

  • The other parent has been judged incompetent
  • The other parent has been missing for one year preceding the application
  • The other parent is deceased
  • The parents are divorced and the consenting parent was given sole custody of the child when the divorce decree was awarded

Parents, guardians, or other people consenting to the marriage of a minor must personally appear and acknowledge or execute their consent before the town or city clerk or some other authorized official. If the notarized affidavit is made before an official outside of the State of New York, it must be accompanied by a certificate of authentication when the consent is filed in New York State.

Show All Answers

1. Is there a waiting period?
2. How long is the license valid?
3. Is a pre-marital physical exam required?
4. Where can a marriage take place?
5. What about the ceremony?
6. Who can perform a marriage ceremony?
7. Where can I get copies of my records?
8. What are the age and consent requirements for minors?
9. What are the surname options?
10. Where to apply for a one-day marriage officiant License?
11. How old does a one-day marriage officiant need to be?
12. Where can a marriage be performed?
13. Does there need to be a witness for a one-day marriage officiant ceremony?
14. When does the one-day marriage officiant expire?
15. Can an out of state resident perform a ceremony in New York State under the one-day marriage officiant law?