Recent headlines have focused on the marriage of Venezuela Fury, the 16-year-old daughter of Tyson Fury. Venezuela married Noah Price on the Isle of Man in May 2026, sparking widespread discussion about the legal age of marriage in different parts of the British Isles.
The story has prompted many people to ask important family law questions: How old do you have to be to get married? Can a teenager get divorced? And at what age can someone enter into a prenuptial agreement?
How old do you have to be to get married?
The answer depends on where the marriage takes place.
In England and Wales, the minimum legal age for marriage and civil partnership is 18. Since February 2023, it has been unlawful for anyone under 18 to marry, even with parental consent.
However, Venezuela Fury’s wedding took place on the Isle of Man, where the law is different. There, individuals aged 16 or 17 may marry with parental consent. This distinction explains how her marriage was legally possible despite her age.
How old do you have to be to get divorced?
There is no separate minimum age requirement to apply for a divorce.
You cannot apply for divorce until at least a year after the date of marriage and the marriage must be legal. Therefore, if a person lawfully marries at 16 in a jurisdiction that permits it, they may also apply for a divorce before reaching 18 if the marriage breaks down.
In practice, divorces involving minors are extremely uncommon, but the law generally follows the principle that if a marriage is legally valid, the parties have access to the legal remedies available to married couples.
Can a 16-Year-Old sign a Prenuptial Agreement?
Prenuptial agreements (often called “pre-nups”) are more complicated.
In England and Wales, prenuptial agreements are not automatically binding, but courts will often give them significant weight if they have been entered into freely, with full financial disclosure and independent legal advice.
Age can create additional challenges. Generally, contracts entered into by minors (those under 18) may not be fully enforceable in the same way as contracts entered into by adults. As a result, a prenuptial agreement signed by a 16- or 17-year-old could face greater scrutiny if later challenged.
For that reason, anyone considering a pre-nup before the age of 18 should obtain specialist legal advice. The court’s primary concern will remain fairness at the time of any future divorce.
Why Venezuela Fury’s marriage has generated debate
Venezuela Fury was reported to be 16 years old when she married Noah Price on the Isle of Man. The marriage attracted considerable public attention because the minimum marriage age in England and Wales is now 18, leading many people to assume the wedding would not have been lawful. In reality, different jurisdictions within the British Isles continue to have different rules regarding marriage age.
The case highlights an important point for families: marriage laws can vary significantly depending on where the ceremony takes place, and anyone considering marriage at a young age should understand not only the rules on marriage itself, but also the potential legal implications relating to finances, prenuptial agreements and, if necessary, divorce.
Need advice?
Whether you are considering marriage, a prenuptial agreement or divorce, obtaining early legal advice can help you understand your rights and obligations and avoid costly disputes in the future. Our family law solicitors can provide guidance tailored to your individual circumstances and the jurisdiction in which you live or intend to marry.
