No, child marriage is no longer legal in Ohio after the 2026 reforms. The legislation that took effect on July 1, 2026 raised the minimum age for a legally binding marriage to 18 years, eliminated judicial waivers for minors, and imposed strict penalties for anyone who attempts to circumvent the new rule. The change followed years of advocacy, with more than 30 states already prohibiting marriage under 18, and a 2025 statewide survey that found 68 % of Ohio residents supported protecting teenagers from coerced unions.
What the 2026 Reforms Changed
The Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 225 in March 2026, amending Ohio Revised Code § 3105.08. Key provisions include:
- Minimum age set at 18 – No exceptions for parental consent, emancipation, or court approval.
- Criminal liability – Any adult who knowingly facilitates a marriage involving a person under 18 faces a misdemeanor of up to 180 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
- Retroactive nullification – Marriages performed before July 1, 2026 that involved a minor are automatically declared void unless the couple was already legally married before the reform.
- Reporting requirement – Clerks of courts must report any attempted under‑age marriage to the Ohio Attorney General within 24 hours.
These changes closed loopholes that previously allowed minors as young as 15 to marry with parental consent and judicial approval, a practice that had contributed to over 150 reported cases of teen marriage in the state between 2010 and 2025.
Current Legal Age for Marriage in Ohio
Effective today, the legal age for marriage in Ohio is 18 years. The law applies uniformly across all counties, and there is no provision for “emancipated minors” or “pregnant teenagers” to bypass the age requirement. The statute aligns Ohio with the majority of U.S. states that have set 18 as the floor for marital consent.
How Enforcement Works
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office created a dedicated Child Marriage Prevention Unit. The unit collaborates with local law‑enforcement agencies, schools, and child‑protective services to investigate reports. Penalties for violations include:
- Misdemeanor conviction, up to 180 days incarceration.
- Fines up to $5,000 per offense.
- Mandatory community service focused on domestic‑violence education.
Violators may also be barred from serving as clergy, notary public, or any official who can solemnize marriages.
Impact on Existing Marriages
Marriages entered into before July 1, 2026 that involved a minor are considered voidable rather than automatically void. Couples may petition the court to affirm the marriage if they can demonstrate that both parties are now over 18 and that the union was entered into without coercion. Courts have been instructed to prioritize the best interests of any children resulting from such unions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 17‑year‑old still marry with parental consent?
No. The 2026 reform eliminated parental consent as a pathway. The only legal avenue for a 17‑year‑old to marry is to wait until they turn 18.
What happens to a marriage that was performed in 2025 when one partner was 16?
Such a marriage is automatically void unless the couple filed a petition after July 1, 2026 to have it ratified. Until ratification, the marriage has no legal effect.
Are there any criminal penalties for clergy who officiate an illegal under‑age marriage?
Yes. Officiants who knowingly solemnize a marriage involving a minor face the same misdemeanor charge and fines as any other adult who facilitates the union.
How does the law protect teens who are already married but under 18?
The law allows a limited grace period for couples already married before the reform to seek court approval for annulment or adoption. Children of those unions are protected under existing child‑welfare statutes.
Does the new law affect common‑law marriages?
Ohio does not recognize common‑law marriage, and the 2026 reforms reinforce that any marital relationship must meet the statutory age threshold of 18, regardless of cohabitation or public acknowledgment.