Minimum marriage age rises to 18 in England

A new law has increased the legal age of marriage to 18 in England and Wales, previously people could get married ta 16 or 17 years old if they had parental consent.

The new legislation also covers non-legally binding ceremonies, the government said the changes would help protect vulnerable children from being forced into marriage.

The changes do not apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the minimum age for marriage will remain 16.

In Northern Ireland parental consent is required for those under 18 but not in Scotland.