Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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States have age restrictions on marriage for a number of reasons, but generally they are meant to ensure that the parties getting married have the maturity to make such an important decision. While anyone who has reached the age of majority and is thus an adult may get married without consent, state marriage age laws require minors (often as young as 15 or 16) to obtain their parent's permission first.
Some states even have different age limits for different genders. But in certain situations, such as an unplanned pregnancy with a committed partner, most state courts will grant a marriage license to younger minors or those lacking parental consent.
The state of Alaska allows children as young as 16 to get married with parental consent. But under certain circumstances -- such as a pregnancy -- the judge may allow children as young as 14 get married. If parental consent is not possible, perhaps because the parent is absent or otherwise unfit to decide the matter, the court may grant a marriage license to minors.
Additional information about Alaska's marriage age laws is listed below. See FindLaw's Getting Married section for related articles and resources.
| Code Section | 25.05.171 |
| Minimum Legal Age With Parental Consent | Male: 16; Female: 16 |
| Minimum Legal Age Without Parental Consent | Male: 18; Female: 18 |
| Judicial Exceptions to Marriage Age Limit |
Superior court judge may grant permission for person over 14 at hearing with consenting parents and minor, if sufficient evidence to support granting a marriage license exists. The judge also may grant permission without parental consent (if there is sufficient evidence to support the minor's request) if the parents are:
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Note: State laws may change at any time through the enactment of newly signed legislation, actions of higher courts, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you also may want to contact an Alaska family law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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