Requirements for Minors

NOTICE: This is only a list of the ADDED requirements for minors. All other laws, rules, and requirements for marriage license still apply.

Female 16 or 17

• Both Parents must be present (and have a US Government Photo ID) to take the oath, and sign the application, giving their written consent. **
• US Government Issued Photo ID. If a driver's license is not obtainable, then the bride must have a State ID or birth certificate.

Female 15 or Younger and Male 17 or Younger

• ALL OF THE ABOVE
• For minors of this age, consent must also be granted by the Shelby County Juvenile Court. Typically, this is not granted unless the female is pregnant. This does NOT take the place of parental consent. Proof of pregnancy must be presented, or if the child has already been born, a copy of the child’s birth certificate must be presented.
• After the marriage application has been processed in Probate Court, involving a female 15 or younger and male 17 or younger, all parties will then proceed to the Clerk’s Office for Juvenile Court. There, a Juvenile Marriage Consent form will be completed in their presence and will be set for hearing at the Court’s earliest convenience. All parties must be present for this hearing. If Juvenile Court grants consent, a copy of the Order will be provided to the Probate Court. The marriage license will then be issued by the Probate Court to the parties.

 

** Notes Regarding Parental Consent

• If parents are divorced - only the parent with custody has to come in and provide consent. He / she has to bring the order/entry proving custody.

• If one parent is deceased - then the other parent needs to provide a death certificate.

• If both parents are deceased - then the person(s) who has legal guardianship must sign, and show the guardianship papers.