Young couples might have to wait until they’re 17 years old to get married in Georgia.
A bill introduced in the Georgia House would raise the minimum marriage age from 16 to 17 with parental consent.
If approved, Georgia would join 11 other states where couples have to be 17 or older to marry, according to information from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Most states, including Georgia, allow 16-year-olds to marry if they have permission from their parents.
“Couples that marry early have a higher likelihood of divorce,” said state Rep. Andy Welch, a Republican from McDonough who introduced House Bill 228 on Friday. “I’m concerned about their well-being in making those decisions because it does have a significant impact on their future.”
Those under 18 would have to complete at least six hours of premarital education from a professional, including instruction on conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities and parenting responsibilities. They would also have to be freed from parental control by a judge.
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.
Download the new AJC app. More local news, more breaking news and in-depth journalism. AJC.com. Atlanta. News. Now.
Download the new AJC app. More local news, more breaking news and in-depth journalism. AJC.com. Atlanta. News. Now.
With the largest team in the state, the AJC reports what’s really going on with your tax dollars and your elected officials. Subscribe today. Visit the AJC's Georgia Navigator for the latest in Georgia politics.
Your subscription to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism. Visit the AJC's Georgia Navigator for the latest in Georgia politics.