Marriage Age Raised From 14 to 18 in New York

You'll have to wait until you're 18 to get married in New York state.  Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation raising the age of consent to marry from 14-years-old to 18-years-old.

"This administration has worked tirelessly to defend exploited and disadvantaged New Yorkers, provide minors with the rights and protections that they deserve, and ensure that women are empowered to have control over their own lives, and with this legislation, we continue to help protect those who cannot protect themselves," Governor Cuomo said. "This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect children and prevent forced marriages, and I am proud to sign this legislation that puts an end to child marriage in New York once and for all."

Since 1929 children as young as 14-years-old could get married with parental permission and written consent provided by a judge. More than 3,800 minors were married in New York between 2000 and 2010.

Research shows young women who marry before 19 are 50% more likely than their unmarried peers to drop out of high school, and four times less likely to graduate from college.

BONUS VIDEO