Bans Marriage Under 18 in Oklahoma

Official: Marriage; imposing age restriction on eligibility to marry; removing exceptions. Effective date.

IntroducedJanuary 11, 2025

Why This Matters

This bill sets 18 as Oklahoma's minimum marriage age and removes the prior exceptions in state law that allowed minors to marry with parental consent or court approval.

Starting November 1, 2026, no one under 18 can legally marry in Oklahoma. The prior parental-consent and court-order pathways for minors are both repealed.

Affects: Anyone in Oklahoma under 18 who would have been eligible to marry under prior law, parents and guardians of minors, court clerks who issue marriage licenses, and judges who previously approved underage marriages.

What changes is this bill making?

1. Sets 18 as the minimum age to marry in Oklahoma, with no exceptions. 2. Repeals the prior exception that allowed 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with parental or guardian consent. 3. Repeals the prior exception that allowed people under 16 to marry with a court order in cases of pregnancy or paternity. 4. Senate passed 45-0 on March 25, 2026 (3 excused). House passed 51-36 on May 6, 2026 (12 excused, 2 vacant seats). 5. Became law on May 13, 2026 after Governor Stitt declined to sign or veto. Takes effect November 1, 2026.

Who is affected?

Anyone in Oklahoma under 18 who would have been eligible to marry under prior law, parents and guardians of minors, court clerks who issue marriage licenses, and judges who previously approved underage marriages.