Previously people (children) could get married at 16 to 17 as long as they had parental consent.
This new law applies to regulated marriages as well as unregulated ceremonies that are not registered with the local council.
The penalty for adults who facilitate the marriage of an under 18 includes up to 7 years imprisonment and a fine. The penalties do not apply to any children involved.
Significantly the rules are to apply to marriages abroad so will include adults who take children out of this country to facilitate a marriage.
The bill has sailed through Parliament with little opposition and will receive Royal Assent later this week.
The new legislation will not affect the validity of any marriages or civil partnerships that took place prior to the new law coming into force.
This change is not UK wide, in Northern Ireland and Scotland the minimum age for marriage remains at 16, in Northern Ireland you still need parental consent but in Scotland it is not required.
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