What is the youngest Singapore marriage age allowed?
The Registrar of Marriages may issue a marriage license if:
- Both parties are above the age of 21; or
- In the event that one party is above 18 but below 21, consent is given by the parents of the party.
See: Section 17 of the Women’s Charter (Singapore)
In the event that one party is below the age of 18, the Minister has the discretion to grant a special marriage license under Section 21 of the Women’s Charter Singapore.
Without a valid marriage license, the marriage is void.
Child marriages
Recently, a 10-year-old girl in Sydney contacted Kids Helpline to discuss her parents’ plans to marry her to a 31-year-old man. Her parents had allegedly told her that she was going to the Middle East to marry the older man. The little girl told the counsellor about her fears of having sex.
Kids Helpline worked with the New South Wales Police to try to identify the girl after she provided the name of her school. However, the little girl has not been located and police are still investigating.
See: Riley Morgan, “Terrified Sydney girl, 10, calls Kids Helpline worried about ‘sex with a stranger’ before being sent to the Middle East to marry a 31-year-old man”, Daily Mail Australia, 1 June 2017
The Singapore marriage age
While you can get married at the age of 18 in Singapore (or younger if the Minister exercises his/ her discretion in your favour), it may not be wise to get married at such a young age if you are not ready.
Marriage brings with it great responsibilities – to your spouse, your (future) children and your family. The responsibilities can be overwhelming for a young person.
Talk to us today if you have more concerns on the Singapore marriage age.
You may also be interested to read more about:
2. Annulment (Nullity) of Marriage
5. Maintenance Issues (Alimony)
