Did you know that the Senate is composed of 100 Members — two from each state, no matter how big or small the population — elected by the people in accordance with the 17th Amendment to the Constitution? Senators have to be at least 30-years-old, have been a citizen of the U.S. for nine years, and live in the state for which they’re chosen as at the time of their election. Once elected, they serve six years, and one-third of the total membership is elected every second year.
Considering just how selective the process is and how much vetting is done, it’s pretty amazing that there are some legislators who are elected that think it’s a good idea to create a legal statute that makes it illegal to get married on a dare.
That’s right. Law research shows that there’s a legal statute in Delaware that does just that. And with Valentine’s Day coming up next month, why not do some legislative history research on some of the other, weirder marriage laws out there?
Phoning in a Marriage
According to Montana’s state statutes, couples can get married, even if neither one of them is there for it. They can do this with a “double proxy” ceremony. This method is particularly popular amongst soldiers who are deployed overseas and want to get married, but can’t go home on leave.
No Mystic Officiants
It might be a pretty cool wedding idea to have a palm reader, fortune teller, mystic healer, or some other such magical person act as your officiant, but don’t bother if you live in New Orleans, where it’s illegal to do just that.
Don’t Ask If You Don’t Mean It
If you’re over the age of 16 and you live in South Carolina, you’d better not ask an unmarried woman to wed you if you don’t intend to do so. Otherwise, you’re guilty of a misdemeanor under the state’s Offenses Against Morality and Decency.
Keep these legal statutes in mind come February 14. Don’t get married on a dare in Delaware; don’t get a mystic to officiate your wedding in New Orleans; and don’t ask an unmarried woman to get hitched if you don’t actually plan on doing so in South Carolina. If you do, you may find yourself in a whole heap of legal trouble.
If you know of any other weird laws, feel free to share them in the comments.