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How can a 17-year-old couple get married in Indiana?

How can a 17-year-old couple get married in Indiana?

Q: Can I get married at 17 in Indiana?

Yes, you can get married at 17 in Indiana, but you will need parental consent or consent from a legal guardian. The consent must be signed and verified in front of the clerk of the circuit court. Without this consent, individuals under 18 cannot legally marry in the state.

Q: How many witnesses do you need to get married in Indiana?

In Indiana, you need at least one witness to be present during the marriage ceremony. There is no maximum number of witnesses required, but having at least one is essential for the marriage to be valid.

Q: Do you have to be ordained to marry someone in Indiana?

Yes, in Indiana, you generally need to be ordained or legally authorized to officiate a wedding. This includes ordained ministers, priests, and judges. However, a friend or family member can also officiate if they obtain a one-time officiant license from the state.

Q: Can you marry someone without being ordained?

In Indiana, you cannot legally marry someone without being ordained or authorized to officiate a wedding. However, a friend or family member can perform the ceremony if they obtain a one-time officiant license from the state. This allows them to officiate your wedding legally.

Full question:

I am a 17-year-old resident of Indiana. I have a girlfriend who of the same age. We want to get married. How do we go about doing that?

Category: Minors
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Indiana

Answer:

In Indiana, individuals under eighteen years old need consent to marry (Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 31-11-2-1). This consent must be signed and verified in the presence of the clerk of the circuit court. The following individuals can provide consent:

Both natural or adoptive parents of the minor
The legally appointed guardian
One parent if legal custody has been awarded to them
One parent if the other parent is deceased, has abandoned the minor, is physically or mentally incompetent, or is missing

If you can obtain the necessary consent as outlined in Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 31-11-2-2, you may proceed with your marriage in Indiana.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Who can legally officiate a wedding in Indiana?

In Indiana, weddings can be officiated by various individuals, including ordained ministers, priests, and rabbis. Additionally, judges and certain public officials can perform marriage ceremonies. A friend or family member can also officiate if they are authorized by the state to do so, which may require them to obtain a one-time officiant license. It's important to ensure that the officiant meets the legal requirements to make the marriage valid.

Can I get married at 17 in Indiana?

How many witnesses do you need to get married in Indiana?

What are the legal requirements for marriage in Indiana?

To marry in Indiana, both parties must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent if under 18. You must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk, and there is no waiting period. Additionally, both individuals must provide valid identification and may need to disclose prior marriages. It's also necessary to have a ceremony officiated by an authorized individual.