Subscribe to our Consumer Legal'zine. There is wide variation in the laws of each state as to who can marry and what grounds, if any, are necessary to obtain a divorce. While there are variations from state to state, ordinarily, a couple must obtain a license from the Clerk of a municipal court or government office to get married. Close relatives may not marry each other, although in some states first cousins may marry. A. Ordinarily, anyone aged 18 or older can enter into a valid marriage.
Many states require parental consent for the marriage of younger individuals.
A. Marriages can be performed by ordained ministers, notary publics, a judge or a county clerk, depending on the laws of the state where the marriage is performed. A religious ceremony is not necessary for a valid marriage. Ordinarily, one or more witnesses must sign the marriage certificate. In those states which recognize common-law marriages, it is necessary for the couple to clearly represent themselves as being married to the general public, as by introducing themselves as husband and wife, sharing a last name, signing documents as husband and wife and the like. A valid common-law marriage can be ended only by death or divorce.