California Says You Must Be 18 to Marry

Starting Jan. 1, you must be 18 to get married in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the rule, AB 1267, on Sept. 30, 2026. Before, there was no lowest age — children could marry if a parent said yes and a judge agreed. Newsom called it a "long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors."