Marriage Laws: The Weird, Crazy And Surprising Laws On Marriage That Still Exist In America

Getting married in America soon? It might do good to brush up on some marriage laws first. In certain states there are a few weird, crazy and surprising laws on marriage, which you could end up breaking if you're not aware.

For instance, did you know that Virginia allowed girls as young as 12 to get married? Fortunately, that law has been amended as recent as July 1, per a previous Parent Herald report. Virginia has already changed the marriage age limit to 18 and above, in the hopes of curbing child marriage abuses.

Below are other bizarre marriage laws in the United States. Some of these are actually still in effect.

South Carolina

In South Carolina, it is forbidden for a man above 16 to seduce a woman to bed by promising marriage. But the burden of proof relies on the women, who should convince the court she wasn't being "lewd and unchaste," when she was being seduced, per the South Carolina State House. If proven, prison time is one year.

Delaware

It is easy to get an annulment in Delaware especially if the marriage was done on a dare. This is underscored and supported in the state's Domestic Relations Act.

New Orleans

Fortune tellers, palm and Tarot card readers thrive in New Orleans. However, they are not allowed to officiate a wedding according to the law, per Woman's Day.

Montana

A marriage can take place in Montana even if the bride or the groom are not in the ceremony. According to Mental Floss, this is called "double proxy," which many soldiers take advantage of when they are out of the country. Through the couple's lawyers, the proxies can get "married" before the judge on behalf of the real bride and groom.

Utah

First cousins can marry in Utah provided they are above 55. They are not allowed by state laws to have kids, though, which shouldn't be possible at this age.

Do you know of any other weird marriage laws in your area? Let us hear about it in the comments!