Can Your Knowledge Pass the Canon Law Marriage Test?

Marriage Requirements and Restrictions

• A man can enter into a valid marriage at the age of 16.

Diriment Impediments to Marriage

• Insanity is NOT a specific diriment impediment to marriage.

Consanguinity in Marriage

• The maximum degree of consanguinity allowed for a valid marriage in the collateral line is up to the fourth degree (i.e., first cousins).

Prohibited Marriages

• The following persons cannot contract a valid marriage together:
  • Close blood relatives (e.g., parent-child, siblings)
  • Adopted child and adoptive parent
  • Step-parent and step-child
  • In-laws (e.g., brother-in-law and sister-in-law)

Public Propriety and Marriage

• Public propriety does not render a marriage invalid, but a marriage that violates public propriety may be considered invalid.

Ineligible Parties to Marriage

• The following persons cannot validly attempt marriage:
  • Minors (under 16 for girls and under 16 for boys)
  • Insane or mentally incompetent individuals
  • Persons already married (polygamy)
  • Persons related by adoption or affinity

Impotence and Marriage

• Antecedent and perpetual impotence (i.e., from birth or permanent impotence) renders a marriage invalid.