In Colorado, you can generally get married once you reach the age of 18. This is the minimum legal age for marriage for both men and women, allowing individuals to marry without any special consent.
However, Colorado law also provides specific provisions for individuals who are 16 or 17 years old.
Age Requirements for Marriage in Colorado
The legal age requirements for marriage in Colorado are straightforward:
- Age 18 and Older: If you are 18 years old or older, you can marry in Colorado without needing parental consent or judicial approval. You are considered a legal adult and have the full capacity to enter into a marriage contract.
- Ages 16 and 17: Individuals who are 16 or 17 years old can also get married in Colorado, but only with judicial approval. This means a judge must grant permission for the marriage to proceed. In such cases, a guardian-ad-litem is typically appointed. A guardian-ad-litem is an individual, usually an attorney, appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the minor during the legal proceedings.
Here’s a summary of the age requirements:
| Age Group | Requirement for Marriage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18 and Up | No special consent or approval | Considered a legal adult. |
| 16 or 17 | Judicial approval required | A guardian-ad-litem is appointed to protect the minor's interests. |
Understanding Judicial Approval
For minors aged 16 or 17, the process of obtaining judicial approval involves a court review. This is designed to ensure that the marriage is in the best interest of the minor, considering factors such as maturity, capacity to understand the responsibilities of marriage, and freedom from coercion. The appointment of a guardian-ad-litem provides an additional layer of protection for the minor's rights and welfare throughout this process.
For more detailed information on Colorado's marriage laws, you can refer to resources like FindLaw's Colorado Marriage Age Requirements Laws.
