Code of Alabama
Ala. Code § 30-1-4 (2026)
Minimum Age for Contracting Marriage.
✓ official Alabama Legislature (ALISON) text, current July 2026
A person under the age of 16 years is incapable of contracting marriage.
(Code 1852, §1944; Code 1867, §2333; Code 1876, §2672; Code 1886, §2309; Code 1896, §2839; Code 1907, §4879; Code 1923, §8993; Code 1940, T. 34, §4; Act 2003-150, p. 454, §1.)
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 10
cases, 1995–2018 · leading case: Pruitt v. State, 272 So. 3d 732 (Ala. Crim. App. 2018).
Pruitt v. State, 272 So. 3d 732 (Ala. Crim. App. 2018). “Code 1975-the law establishing the minimum age of 16 for contracting for marriage-for the proposition that the State of Alabama "mandated that those sixteen and older are mature enough to choose sexual partners, and establish boundaries to their sexual activities." (Pruitt's…”
E.H.G. v. E.R.G., 73 So. 3d 634 (Ala. 2011). “(7) Age-based restrictions apply to the ability to contract to marriage: the minimum age at which a person may contract to marriage is 16 years, see § 30-1-4, Ala.Code 1975, and the consent of the parents or a guardian is required for individuals at least 16 years of age and…”
Benefield Ex Rel. Benefield v. Bd. of Trs. of the Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham, 214 F. Supp. 2d 1212 (N.D. Ala. 2002). “” Additionally, the court notes that the Alabama Legislature believes a 14 year old is mature enough to marry (with parental consent if a first marriage) in the State of Alabama.”
J.L.N. v. State, 894 So. 2d 738 (Ala. Crim. App. 2002). “Section 30-1-4, Ala.Code 1975, provides that a person 14 years of age or older is capable of contracting for marriage.”
Pruitt v. State, 272 So. 3d 732 (Ala. Crim. App. 2018). “Code 1975-the law establishing the minimum age of 16 for contracting for marriage-for the proposition that the State of Alabama "mandated that those sixteen and older are mature enough to choose sexual partners, and establish boundaries to their sexual activities." (Pruitt's…”
State v. Solomon, 274 So. 3d 1017 (Ala. Crim. App. 2018). “) We are not persuaded, however, that by enacting § 30-1-4 the Legislature intended to make such a sweeping 'mandate' as Pruitt suggests.”
State v. Solomon, 274 So. 3d 1017 (Ala. Crim. App. 2018). “) We are not persuaded, however, that by enacting § 30-1-4 the Legislature intended to make such a sweeping 'mandate' as Pruitt suggests.”
Gg v. Rsg, 668 So. 2d 828 (Ala. Civ. App. 1995). “Code 1975, § 13A-13-1, which prohibits bigamy; § 13A-13-2, which prohibits adultery; and § 13A-13-3, which prohibits incest). The constitution requires more than that a statute possibly promote unspecified important state interests; rather, a statute restricting a fundamental…”
JLN v. State, 894 So. 2d 738 (Ala. Crim. App. 2003). “[6] Section 30-1-4, Ala.Code 1975, provides that a person 14 years of age or older is capable of contracting for marriage.”
Ex Parte Erg, 73 So. 3d 634 (Ala. 2011). “(7) Age-based restrictions apply to the ability to contract to marriage: the minimum age at which a person may contract to marriage is 16 years, see § 30-1-4, Ala.Code 1975, and the consent of the parents or a guardian is required for individuals at least 16 years of age and…”
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