California Bans Child Marriage, Setting Minimum Age at 18

California has adopted a new law banning child marriage, in a move described as a long-awaited step to protect minors.

The legislation sets 18 as the minimum age for marriage in the state, establishing adulthood as the legal threshold.

The new requirement will take effect on January 1, 2027. That date marks the start of the ban, rather than an immediate change to marriage rules.

The measure places the protection of under-18s at the centre of the Golden State’s new approach to marriage eligibility.