Marriage is more than a romantic promise between two individuals; it is a legal union. As such, there are legal requirements imposed in every state for two people who wish to get married. Generally, anyone wishing to be legally wed must apply for a license and meet the requirements for a marriage license within the state where he or she lives. Some states have residency requirements ensuring that only those who live within that state can get married within its borders, while all states set a minimum age for marriage or an age at which marriage is permitted with parental consent. Marriage laws and rules, which vary by state, are designed to protect people entering into a lifetime union and reflect the seriousness with which the legal system takes marriage. For more information on the requirements within your state, refer to the articles and answers to frequently asked questions in this section.