A while ago, the Government as for my opinion about lowering the age of getting married without parental consent. Perhaps against the gist of their enquiry, I suggested a minimum age of 21.
Why? Because I believe that emotional and spiritual maturity is a better indicator of the probability of a God-honouring and, therefore, a successful marriage, than merely age alone. The probability of such maturity is greater at age 21 than at age (for example) 16.
Parents, we have got intentionally develop our children’s spiritual and emotional maturity. Spiritual maturity is becoming more like Christ (Philippians 3:12-14). Becoming more like Christ includes emotional maturity, Jesus loved, wept, showed compassion, was angry, upset and accused of being too joyful etc. At the same time, emotional maturity is needed to become more like Christ as we set aside pride, develop empathy, learn how to manage anger etc.
Two ways to do this? (1) Always honour your marriage vows–let them show and (2) be the example that you want your children to follow–pointing them to Christ in all things.