North Carolina Marriage Laws and Minors

North Carolina marriage laws place limits on who can marry based on the person's age and blood relationship to their prospective spouse. A minor between the ages of 16-18 years of age may marry only if he or she receives the written consent of his or her parent having full or joint legal custody, or of the person, agency or institution having legal custody of the minor, or of a person serving as guardian of the minor.

Minors between the ages of 14-16 may lawfully marry if the prospective wife is pregnant, or has given birth, and intends to marry the father of her child. The marriage of minors between the ages of 14-16 must also be authorized by a district court. The court can authorize an underage marriage if the court determines that the minor is capable of assuming the responsibilities of marriage and that the marriage will be in the minor's best interests. If the minor's parents oppose his or her marriage, then it is presumed that it would not be in the minor's best interests to marry.

Marriage laws in NC hold that it is unlawful for any person under the age of 14 to marry.

In regard to the blood relationship between the prospective spouses, North Carolina marriage laws forbid the marriage of persons who are in the same family. First cousins may marry, but persons who are closer kin than first cousins may not marry.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of family or domestic law please contact Attorney Courtney Hull for assistance.