Colorado Bill to Raise Marriage Age to 18 Faces Opposition

Republicans and abortion rights groups voice concerns over proposed legislation

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:52am

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A Colorado bill that would raise the legal marriage age to 18 and eliminate the ability for 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with a judge's approval is facing opposition from both Republican lawmakers and reproductive rights organizations. The bill's sponsor, Democratic state Sen. Janice Marchman, argues the change would better protect children, but critics raise concerns about unintended consequences, particularly for pregnant teens.

Why it matters

The debate over the marriage age bill highlights the complex and sometimes conflicting priorities around protecting minors, respecting personal autonomy, and supporting families. The outcome could set an important precedent for other states considering similar legislation.

The details

Senate Bill 26-048 would change Colorado law to no longer allow 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to marry with a judge's approval. Currently, Colorado is one of the few states that permits minors to marry under certain circumstances. The bill cleared a committee this week on a 3-2 vote, with the two Republican members voting against it.

  • The bill was introduced in the Colorado legislature in February 2026.

The players

Janice Marchman

Democratic state senator and sponsor of the bill to raise the marriage age to 18 in Colorado.

Rod Pelton

Republican state senator who voted against the bill, citing concerns about unintended consequences.

Lynda Zamora Wilson

Republican state senator who opposed the bill, drawing on her personal experience of her mother marrying at age 16.

COLOR

A Latina-led reproductive rights group that asked lawmakers to amend the bill, arguing it conflicted with their values of supporting young people's autonomy.

Cobalt

A reproductive rights group that opposes the bill outright, arguing that "young people deserve protection from harm and respect for their autonomy."

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What they’re saying

“We, in this day and age, should be able to tell children they get the full protection of being a child until they reach the age of maturity.”

— Janice Marchman, State Senator

“If there is a pregnancy, a teen pregnancy, and the couple wants to marry, this would prevent them from marrying, and we know how important both parents are in the life of a child.”

— Lynda Zamora Wilson, State Senator

“Policies should not perpetuate the idea that young people are incapable of making informed decisions about their lives or futures. This is out of step with reproductive justice values that support the agency of young people.”

— Vanessa Martinez, Vice President of Policy, COLOR

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Colorado Senate for further consideration.

The takeaway

The debate over raising the marriage age in Colorado highlights the complex balance between protecting minors and respecting personal autonomy, with both sides arguing their positions based on principles of child welfare, family values, and reproductive justice.