Obscure Marriage Laws in the United States
Although nowadays these laws are probably not enforced, there are some interesting marriage laws that are still on the books in the US.
Arkansas
Briefly, for a few months of 2007 to 2008, ANYONE under the age of 18 could get married with parental consent no matter their age. Originally the law was meant for teenagers who became pregnant to get married if they had their parent's approval, however, lawmakers forgot to put in the age minimum. In April of 2008, the law was corrected making the minimum age 17 for boys and 16 for girls.
Connecticut
Although most likely not enforced but still on the books in Hartford, Connecticut a man cannot kiss his wife on a Sunday.
Delaware
Have you ever been dared to get married? In Delaware, it happens enough that its an option for why the couple is getting an annulment. Other options for reasons for annulment are marrying "without the capacity to consent" or "under duress".
Kansas
It is a common theme among many married couples how they don't get along with their in-laws. Apparently, in Wichita, Kansas a man's mistreatment of his mother-in-law is not a legal grounds for divorce.
Kentucky
It is said that the third time is the charm, and apparently in Kentucky, they believe this be so true to the point that you cannot remarry the same person more than three times!
Louisiana
There are many people that can officiate weddings from religious figures, judges to a friend who got ordained online. However, in New Orleans, it is illegal for palm readers, fortune tellers, mystics and the like to officiate weddings.
Massachusetts
Many of these laws make you wonder what happened that required a law to be created in the first place? Take for example in Massachusetts married couples aren't allowed to sleep in the nude in a rented room. In a weird feat of manliness, before a groom is allowed to get married he must prove his manliness by hunting and killing either six blackbirds or three crows.
Montana
Can't or don't want to show up for your wedding? Well in 4 states including California, Colorado, Texas, and Montana you don't have to! In Montana, marriage by proxy exists where if either of the couple can't be present for their wedding, they don't have to but the person standing in for them has to be a member of the U.S Armed Forces. Of the previously mentioned 4 states, Montana is the only one that has a double proxy, so neither have to show up for the wedding!
South Carolina
Under Title 16, Chapter 15 of the Offenses Against Morality and Decency Act, a male over the age of 16 years old cannot propose to a woman unless he means it.
Posted In: Family Law -