Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. A void marriage is a type of marriage which is on its face unlawful under the laws of the jurisdiction where it is entered, or potentially where the persons who contracted the marriage normally reside. Such a marriage is void, meaning legally it has no effect, if the marriage violates certain legal requirements. A void marriage is "one that is void and invalid from its beginning. It is as though the marriage never existed and it requires no formality to terminate." A marriage, however, which can be canceled at the option of one of the parties is merely voidable, meaning it is subject to cancellation if contested in court. The requirements for a marriage to be void (as opposed to voidable) include:One or both of the parties are below the legal age to marry even with parental consent.