What are the statutory requirements for a legal marriage in Illinois?

The statutory requirements for a legal marriage in Illinois indeed stipulate that parties must be at least 18 years old and not closely related. This is essential for ensuring that individuals entering into marriage are of legal age to consent to the union and that marriages do not occur between close relatives, which is prohibited to prevent genetic issues and social concerns.

In detail, Illinois law specifies that individuals must be 18 years of age or older to marry without parental consent. If one of the parties is between the ages of 16 and 17, they may marry with parental consent and judicial approval, but this option does not apply to those under 16. Furthermore, the prohibition against marrying close relatives—including direct descendants, siblings, and certain other familial relationships—protects the integrity of family structures and public health.

The other options include requirements that do not align with the current Illinois marriage laws. For instance, there is no minimum age requirement of 21 years or a residency requirement of 6 months to marry in Illinois, and no blood tests are mandated as part of the marriage process under current statute. Therefore, the correct answer encompasses both the age requirement and the restriction against marrying close relatives, reflecting the essential legal framework for marriage in the state.