Marriage is a legal process. As such, Indiana has specific rules about who can and cannot get married within the state. Before you start planning your nuptials, you should make sure that you are legal to get married. This will help you to avoid any awkwardness when you show up for the ceremony and learn you are unable to tie the knot.
The Indiana Judicial Branch explains there are a few different criteria you must meet to marry in the state. You will find out if you can legally marry when you apply for your marriage license. You must have a license to get married.
You must both be present for a clerk to issue the license. You also must both be of clear and sound mind. This means neither of you can be under the influence of any substance nor can you have any court ruling that you are not of sound mind.
Age is also important. You must be over the age of 18 in most cases. If you have parental permission and your parents are present when you get the marriage license, you qualify if you are at least 17 years old. If you are under the age of 17, you need a court order to allow for the marriage.
It is also important to note that you cannot marry someone who is closely related to you. This includes siblings and first cousins. The law does provide an exemption if you are first cousins and you both are at least 65 years old. This information is for education only and does not constitute legal advice.
