Marriage Act · 2013 Revised Edition · Part I · Preliminary
7. Consent requisite in case of minor
Official textFrom Attorney General's Chambers, unchanged
If any party to an intended marriage is a minor, the marriage shall not be solemnised unless such minor first obtains —
marriage
“marriage” means a marriage as understood by English law, that is, the voluntary union for life or until the marriage is dissolved by a court of competent jurisdiction of one man with one woman to the exclusion of all others;
the consent of the father of such minor;
if the father be dead, or if his consent is not reasonably obtainable, the consent of the guardian of such minor; or
failing such guardian, the consent of the mother (if living) of such minor.
If the person whose consent is required is of unsound mind, or withholds the requisite consent, the High Court, if satisfied that the consent is unreasonably withheld, may issue an order of consent, in lieu of the consent required by subsection (1).
Where there is no one living who is capable of giving a valid consent, the marriage may in the discretion of the minister or registrar proceed without such consent.
No marriage solemnised without the consent or order of the High
Court as required by subsection (1) or (2) respectively, shall be void by reason only of the absence of such consent or order, but the minister or registrar solemnising the marriage shall be liable to the penalties prescribed in section 30.
Marriage
Terms defined in s 2
marriage
Defined · s 2“marriage” means a marriage as understood by English law, that is, the voluntary union for life or until the marriage is dissolved by a court of competent jurisdiction of one man with one woman to the exclusion of all others;
minor
Defined · s 2“minor” means a person who, not being a widow or widower, is under the age of 18 years;
Part II
Religious Marriages
Part III
Civil Marriages
Part IV
Offences and Penalties
Part V