By 2026 Vermont has closed the loophole that once let minors marry – the state no longer permits child marriage under any circumstance. In 2021 Vermont raised the minimum marriage age to 18 and eliminated all exceptions, making it the first New England state to ban child marriage outright. The change followed a wave of national scrutiny after 2020 data showed that more than 1,200 U.S. minors were married each year, often to adults, prompting legislators to act. Today, any wedding ceremony involving a person under 18 is automatically void in Vermont, and the law carries civil penalties for non‑compliant parties.
Current Legal Status
Vermont’s marriage statutes now read that “a marriage is void if either party is under the age of eighteen.” The provision was codified in Title 13, Chapter 220, Section 2, and took effect on July 1 2022. The law also imposes a $500 fine on individuals who knowingly facilitate an illegal marriage, and it obligates the clerk of the respective municipality to report violations to the Attorney General’s Office. Because there are no parental‑consent or judicial‑waiver exceptions, the state’s marriage registry cannot record a union involving a minor.
Legislative History
The reform originated in the 2021 legislative session, driven by advocacy groups such as the ACLU of Vermont and the National Coalition for Women’s Equality. Senate Bill 122, passed with bipartisan support, responded to a 2020 investigative report revealing that Vermont had recorded 22 child marriages between 2015 and 2019. Opponents argued that the law might interfere with cultural or religious practices, but the bill survived a filibuster and was signed by Governor Phil Scott on May 13 2021. Subsequent amendments in 2023 clarified enforcement mechanisms and added mandatory training for marriage license officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal age of marriage in Vermont as of 2026?
The legal age is strictly 18 years. Any marriage involving a person younger than 18 is void ab initio, regardless of parental consent, judicial approval, or religious ceremony.
Were there any exceptions for pregnancy or emancipation before the ban?
Prior to the 2022 amendment, Vermont allowed a minor who was pregnant or already emancipated to marry with parental consent and a court order. Those exceptions were repealed, and the law now treats all minors the same.
How are existing child marriages handled after the ban?
Marriages entered into before the law took effect remain valid unless a party seeks an annulment. However, any new attempt to register a marriage for a minor after July 1 2022 will be denied by the clerk’s office.
What penalties exist for officials who issue a marriage license to a minor?
Clerks who knowingly issue a license to a person under 18 face a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation and may be subject to disciplinary action, including removal from office.
How does Vermont’s ban compare to other states?
As of 2026, 21 states have set the minimum marriage age at 18 with no exceptions, while others retain limited loopholes. Vermont was among the early adopters in New England, and its strict stance aligns it with the most progressive jurisdictions nationwide