Alexandra Agraz, Law Commentary
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law banning marriage for anyone under 18, ending a system that allowed minors to marry with parental consent and court approval.
Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1267 on Wednesday, September 30, making California the 18th state to prohibit child marriage without exceptions. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and also sets 18 as the minimum age to enter a domestic partnership.
California had been one of only three states with no statutory minimum marriage age. Existing law allowed minors to obtain a marriage license with the written consent of at least one parent or guardian and approval from a judge.
Beginning January 1, 2027, marriage licenses and domestic partnerships in California will be limited to people 18 and older.
“This is a long overdue measure to protect young Californians and minors,” Newsom said in announcing the signing. “Today, California kids are safer than ever before.”
Earlier attempts to set an absolute minimum marriage age in California stalled over concerns about how a blanket ban would affect minors, including pregnant and parenting teenagers.
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, a Santa Cruz Democrat, authored AB 1267. The measure ultimately reached Newsom without a vote in opposition.
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