Marriage laws vary significantly across the globe, reflecting diverse cultural, legal, and social norms. This answer explores the global landscape of marriage laws, focusing on age requirements, cultural variations, and the legal status of same-sex marriage.
Global Marriage Laws
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Marriage laws differ worldwide, reflecting diverse norms.
Marriage laws around the world are shaped by a combination of legal, cultural, and religious factors. In many countries, marriage is regulated by civil law, which sets the minimum age for marriage and other requirements such as parental consent. For instance, in Germany, [foreign nationals must provide a valid passport or ID to get married](https://howtogermany.com/relationships/marriage/marriage-in-germany/). The legal validity of a marriage is often determined by the "place-of-celebration rule,[" meaning that marriages are valid if they follow the laws of the country where they are performed](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2).
Age Requirements
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Cultural Variations
Cultural norms play a significant role in shaping marriage laws. In many countries, religious laws coexist with civil laws, leading to complex legal frameworks. For example, in some Middle Eastern countries, religious laws influence the minimum age for marriage and other marriage-related regulations. Cultural practices can also impact the acceptance of different forms of marriage, such as polygamy or arranged marriages, which are more common in certain regions. Expand

Same-Sex Marriage
The legal status of same-sex marriage varies widely across the globe. In many Western European countries, such as Germany and France, same-sex marriage is legal. However, in other regions, same-sex marriage is either illegal or not recognized. The legal landscape is continually evolving, with some countries recently legalizing same-sex marriage, while others maintain strict prohibitions. Expand
