Scotland Marriage Age: Law May Change in 2025

The debate on the Scotland marriage age continues to gain momentum as the Scottish Government prepares to consult on raising the legal age for marriage to 18. Currently, Scotland allows 16- and 17-year-olds to marry without parental consent, and therefore the rule stands apart from England and Wales. Looking ahead, with reform expected in 2025, families, young couples, and legal professionals must understand the implications.

Key areas explored in this article

Current Law on Scotland Marriage Age.
Why Scotland May Raise the Marriage Age.
Impact of Scotland’s Marriage Age Reform on Custody and Divorce.
Criminal Law Considerations of Scotland Marriage Age Reform.
What Families Should Know About Scotland Marriage Age Changes.
How Dawn Solicitors Can Help.
Conclusion.
FAQ’s.

Current Law on Scotland Marriage Age

In Scotland, the law sets the legal marriage age at 16, and therefore couples do not need parental consent. By contrast, England and Wales raised the minimum marriage age to 18 in 2022. Historically, places like Gretna Green attracted young couples as a popular marriage destination, yet today under-18 marriages occur rarely. In fact, records show only 18 such marriages in 2022, whereas thousands took place during the 1970s.

Why Scotland May Raise the Marriage Age

The Scottish Government will launch a consultation in 2025, and it will consider aligning Scotland with the rest of the UK by setting the minimum marriage age at 18. Firstly, child protection concerns drive this proposal, as the reform aims to safeguard minors from coercion or forced marriages. Secondly, human rights standards influence the change, since international organisations, including UNICEF, recommend 18 as the minimum marriage age. Finally, social change supports the reform, because teenage marriages have become far less common, making the proposal both timely and proportionate.

Impact of Scotland's Marriage Age Reform on Custody and Divorce

Reforming the marriage age in Scotland carries more than symbolic weight, and it actively reshapes family law. Firstly, teen marriages often lead to early parenthood, which creates complex custody and parental responsibility issues when couples separate. Secondly, divorce proceedings become harder to resolve, since courts must address financial remedies, property rights, and spousal maintenance when one or both parties are under 18. Finally, courts play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals entering marriage fully understand the legal and financial consequences.

Criminal Law Considerations of Scotland Marriage Age Reform

Lawmakers are currently reviewing a proposal to criminalise causing under-18 marriages, even when consent is given. Furthermore, this change represents a significant cultural and legal shift. As a result, it sends a strong message that child marriage has no place in modern Scotland.

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What Families Should Know About Scotland Marriage Age Changes

Families should note that the Scotland marriage age remains under active review, and reform will likely arrive by late 2025. Moreover, young couples will soon face the same minimum age requirement as in England and Wales.

Therefore, anyone considering marriage under 18 or families dealing with custody or financial disputes linked to underage marriage must seek legal advice without delay.

How Dawn Solicitors Can Help

At Dawn Solicitors, we actively guide families through changes in family law, and therefore we remove uncertainty and answer difficult questions.

Our experienced family law team advises on marriage law, and moreover we help couples and families understand how the marriage age reform affects them.
We support custody matters, and in addition we provide clear guidance on parental responsibility and child arrangements when underage marriage or young parenthood is involved.
Our team assists in divorce and financial settlements, and consequently we work to ensure fair outcomes when young couples separate.
We also protect your rights, and furthermore we deliver tailored advice on consent, capacity, and safeguarding issues in family law.
Ultimately, we give families the confidence and clarity they need, and as a result we help them navigate these important changes with certainty.

To contact a solicitor from our firm, simply call us at +44 1753 530 111 or send us an email on info@dawnsolicitors.com

Conclusion

The Scottish Government proposes reforming the Scotland marriage age, and this step directly strengthens child protection while also aligning Scotland with international standards. Moreover, the change creates significant implications for custody, divorce, and family law as a whole. Therefore, families and practitioners must stay alert to the consultation in autumn 2025, since it will ultimately shape the future of marriage law in Scotland.

At Dawn Solicitors, we actively keep our clients informed about every development in family law. Furthermore, if you have questions about marriage, custody, or divorce, our dedicated team provides clear and practical guidance.

FAQ’s

Q.1 What is the current marriage age in Scotland?

At present, the legal marriage age in Scotland is 16, and no parental consent is required.

Q.2 When will the marriage age in Scotland change to 18?

The Scottish Government plans to consult on this reform in autumn 2025. If approved, legislation could follow shortly after.