Oklahoma Bans All Marriages Involving Minors

Why this is here: Oklahoma joins 16 other US states in fully banning marriage for anyone under the age of 18, eliminating all prior exceptions to the law.

Oklahoma lawmakers recently passed Senate Bill 504, ending all exceptions for marriage involving anyone under 18. The bill became law Wednesday without Governor Kevin Stitt’s signature and takes effect November 1.

Previously, Oklahoma law permitted minors to marry with parental or guardian consent. Courts could also authorize marriage for children 16 and under.

The new measure passed the Senate unanimously. However, some House Republicans strongly opposed it, and the bill passed that chamber by only one vote. This change follows a 2023 law raising the age of sexual consent to 18, though it includes an exception for relationships where the teens are close in age.

Senator Warren Hamilton stated the bill protects vulnerable minors from coercion. The law closes loopholes that previously allowed underage marriage. Further work remains to address the lasting impacts on those previously married as children.