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Can one get a marriage certificate at the age of 18？
Time:2025-08-28 Views:621
Whether an 18-year-old citizen can obtain a marriage certificate varies in different ethnic regions.
In China, it is generally not allowed to obtain a marriage certificate at the age of 18.
So far, the legal age for marriage in our country is no earlier than 22 years old for men and no earlier than 20 years old for women. That is to say, to register for marriage and obtain a marriage certificate, the male must be at least 22 years old and the female at least 20 years old. Marriages that have not reached the legal age for marriage cannot be registered and a marriage certificate obtained. Even if they are registered, they fall within the category of invalid marriages and are not protected by Chinese law.
At the age of 18 in China, one is considered an adult and becomes a person with full capacity for civil conduct. However, in general, 18-year-old citizens still cannot obtain a marriage certificate. At the very least, they must reach the legal age for marriage before they can apply for a marriage certificate.
In some ethnic minority areas, people can obtain a marriage certificate at the age of 18.
The statement that "men should not be older than 22 years old and women should not be older than 20 years old" applies to the majority of cases. However, for some ethnic minority areas in China, due to differences in living environments, the issue of marriage age cannot be generalized. Therefore, the issue of marriage age for some ethnic minorities in China should be implemented in accordance with the specific local regulations on marriage. Among them, in some ethnic minorities, there are regulations stipulating that one can obtain a marriage certificate at the age of 18, such as the ethnic minorities in Inner Mongolia.
According to the local marriage implementation regulations, if one can register for marriage at the age of 18, then a marriage certificate can be obtained at the age of 18.
Reaching the legal age for marriage is one of the essential conditions for a marriage to be valid. Only when all the requirements for marriage are met can a marriage have legal effect and be protected by Chinese law.
Iii. Essential Requirements for a Valid Marriage
1. The genuine and voluntary nature of both parties' marriage.
When registering for marriage, if one party got married under duress or threat, the marriage is considered revocable. Within the corresponding reasonable period, the party who was coerced may file a lawsuit with the people's court to revoke the existence of the marriage.
2. Reach the legal age for marriage.
If one party falsely reports their age for marriage registration, either party or both parties in the marriage may apply to the court for the marriage to be declared invalid before the party who has not reached the legal age of marriage reaches it.
3. Non-direct blood relatives and collateral blood relatives within three generations.
Where direct blood relatives or collateral relatives get married within three generations, the parties involved in the marriage may claim to the people's court that the marriage is invalid.
4. Conform to monogamy.
If one party does not conform to the principle of monogamy in our country, they may be convicted of bigamy and bear criminal responsibility.
5. There are no diseases that are medically recognized as unsuitable for marriage.
There are no specific regulations on this at present. In practical operation, it should be handled in accordance with medical regulations.
The final reminder from the editor of Faneng Law Firm:
According to the specific regulations of different ethnic groups, in most cases, people at the age of 18 are not allowed to obtain a marriage certificate. However, if one is from a minority ethnic group and can get married in accordance with the local marriage implementation regulations, they can also obtain a marriage certificate at the age of 18.
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