To have the capacity to marry, you must have the physical, mental, and legal ability to marry. Physically, you must be able to consummate the marriage. Mentally, you must understand the nature of the ceremony. Legally, you must be 18 years or older and not already married. There are exceptions to the legal age limit. You may marry with your parents' consent if you are under 18 and over 16. Under some circumstances, parental consent may not be necessary if a judge says so. You may marry under the age of 16 if you get a letter from a medical doctor saying that you are the mother of a living child or you are pregnant. There are some particular rules that apply to you if you have a mental handicap. The Marriage Act says that no one shall issue a marriage licence or perform a marriage ceremony if he or she has reason to believe that you are the subject of a guardianship or trusteeship order or a certificate of incapacity under the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act. In that case, your guardian or trustee must be given 14 days notice of your application for a marriage licence or of the marriage ceremony, or you must provide the marriage licence issuer with a letter from a medical doctor stating that you understand what marriage is and the duties and responsibilities involved. Last Reviewed: June 2019