Archive · 1 Oct 2026
California Ends Marriage and Domestic Partnerships for Minors
California has made a new rule about marriage.
People must now be at least 18 to get married in the state.
They must also be at least 18 to enter a domestic partnership.
Parents can no longer give permission for someone younger than 18 to do either.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law called AB 1267.
Courtney Stodden, who married as a teenager, supported the change.
Supporters say children may have trouble recognizing pressure or getting help from adults involved in the relationship.
They want other states to adopt similar protections.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1267 banning marriage for anyone younger than 18.
The law also sets 18 as the minimum age for entering a domestic partnership.
It removes exceptions that previously allowed minors to marry or form domestic partnerships with parental consent.
Courtney Stodden, a child-marriage survivor and advocate, attended the signing and welcomed the measure.
Supporters said minors can face coercion, abuse, and major obstacles when trying to leave such relationships.
- Who
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, with support from Courtney Stodden and advocacy organizations.
- What
- AB 1267 bans marriage and domestic partnerships for anyone younger than 18, eliminating parental-consent exceptions.
- When
- The legislation was signed on Wednesday, according to the governor’s office announcement.
- Where
- California, United States.
- Why
- Supporters said the change protects minors from coercion and abuse and addresses difficulties young people may face when seeking help or leaving relationships.
- Legislation
- AB 1267
- Minimum age
- 18 for marriage and domestic partnerships
- Previous rule
- Minors could enter these arrangements with parental consent
- Signed by
- California Governor Gavin Newsom
- Introduced by
- Democratic Assemblymember Gail Pellerin of Santa Cruz
- Sponsors
- Unchained At Last and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
- National context
- The governor’s office said 17 U.S. states had completely banned child marriage without exception