Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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Anyone who is legally an adult is free to get married in the U.S., although many states still restrict marriage to heterosexual couples (this is a fast-moving area of law). But states also have laws mandating how old you must be in order to get married with a parent's consent. Most states allow teenagers as young as 16 to get married with their parent's permission, while some states allow individuals even younger than 16 to get married through a court order in the case of a pregnancy.
Age requirements for marriage are meant to ensure that individuals are adequately mature to make such an important commitment, while also protecting minors from being coerced into marriage.
North Carolina marriage age requirement laws require parties to be 16 to get married with parental consent, while those as young as 14 may obtain license with a court order in the case of pregnancy or childbirth.
Learn about North Carolina's marriage age requirement laws in the following table. See State-by-State Marriage 'Age of Consent' Laws for a comparison.
| Code Section | 51-2, 51-2.1 |
| Minimum Legal Age With Parental Consent | Male: 16; Female: 16 (One or both parents' consent unless minor has certificate of emancipation) |
| Minimum Legal Age Without Parental Consent | Male: 18; Female: 18 |
| Comments | Minors 14-15 may obtain license with court order in case of pregnancy or birth of child. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the enactment of newly signed legislation, the decisions from higher courts, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you also may want to contact a North Carolina family law attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
In order to obtain a marriage license in the state of North Carolina, you will need to complete an application either online (go through the Website of your county court) or at your local Register of Deeds office. The final part of the registration must be completed in person, with some exceptions. When you come in, make sure you bring proof of age, Social Security card, and cash or money order in the amount of $70. If either party is divorced, they must bring proof of the divorce decree.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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