Raising the minimum age for marriage and civil partnerships

The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 will raise the minimum age for marriage and civil partnerships in England and Wales from 16 to 18, when it comes into force on a date to be determined by the Secretary of State. The number of child marriages that take place each year, is very small and civil partnerships involving children are even more unusual, so why was it considered necessary to change the law ? This article examines the law prior to the new legislation, the reasons for raising the minimum age for marriage and civil partnerships, including a discussion of the UK’s responsibilities under international treaties, and the impact that the legislation will have. The paper concludes that the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 constitutes an important step in the protection of children from harmful relationships. It sends a clear message that child marriage and forced marriage are not tolerated in England and Wales