Until 1971, approximately 80% of states had a general marriage age of 18 for women, while for men the general marriage age was 21 in approximately 85% of states. In recent years, the trend has been to adjust the general marriage age downward and to raise the age for women to that of men. The general marriage age is commonly the age of majority, though in Alabama the general marriage age is 18 while the age of majority is 19. The general marriage age (lacking authorization for an exception) is 18 years of age in all states except Nebraska, where the general marriage age is 19, and Mississippi, where the general marriage age is 21.
This age is set by each state and territory, either by statute or where the common law applies. The marriage age in the United States is the minimum age at which a person can marry in the United States as a right, or with parental consent or other authorization.