In the United States, it is legal to marry your cousin in 19 states. Despite it being a controversial topic for some, these states permit first cousins to tie the knot under certain circumstances, which are considered valid reasons.
In some cases, exceptions may arise when a couple has a significant age difference or if one partner is unable to conceive. It is important to note, however, that laws regarding cousin marriage vary from state to state. It is advisable to seek legal counsel before proceeding. Nevertheless, it is legal to marry one’s cousin in the United States, providing an option for certain couples seeking to get married.
Alabama
In Alabama, it is legal for first cousins to marry. However, this only applies if both people are over 19 and both parties obtain a marriage license from a county probate court in the state. In addition, if either person is under 19 years old, they must obtain legal consent from a parent or guardian to marry their cousin.
It is important to note that people related by adoption, half-blood, or marriage are not allowed to marry in Alabama. Therefore, it is essential for couples who intend to marry their cousin to understand the laws before entering into a marriage. Additionally, couples should be aware that marrying a cousin can lead to potential health risks and complications for any children that may arise from the union.
Arizona
In Arizona, marrying a cousin is not illegal. However, it is strongly discouraged due to the increased risk of congenital disabilities for children resulting from the union. In addition, marrying a cousin is considered morally wrong, and societal disapproval can be expected if such a marriage occurs.
Before getting married in Arizona, it’s important to be aware of any legal restrictions that may apply. Depending on the relationship between the couple, a marriage license may not always be necessary. It’s advisable to check with local authorities beforehand to avoid any issues.
California
In California, it is permissible for first cousins to marry according to the law, while other states prohibit such unions. However, if you tie the knot with a first cousin in California and relocate to another state, your marriage could be deemed illegal there.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s marriage laws are lenient towards cousins. First cousins are allowed to marry, live together, and engage in sexual activity. The state’s marriage eligibility extends to first cousins once removed, half-cousins, and cousins through adoption. This opens up exciting possibilities for romantic relationships within cousin kinship.
Florida
Marriage between cousins is allowed in Florida, but there are certain restrictions. For a couple to marry if they are related by blood, they must fall into one of the few exceptions to the law. For example, if both parties are over age 65 or have an inherited genetic condition, then they can marry.
Certain types of marriages between cousins are not allowed due to a relationship being too close. Therefore, checking with the local county court before deciding to marry a cousin in Florida is essential.
Georgia
In Georgia, marrying a cousin is legal; however, restrictions exist. Marriages between first cousins may require approval from the probate court, and couples who are double first cousins may not marry at all.
Idaho
In Idaho, it is legal to marry your first cousin. Though marrying a close relative may seem strange to some, it is perfectly acceptable in Idaho. However, it remains essential to know that although such marriages are allowed, they may still be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions. Both individuals involved should be over 18 years old to acquire a marriage license.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, it is legal to marry your first cousin. However, first-cousin marriages are rare because they are considered a higher risk, for the state requires applicants to obtain a special marriage license before they can wed. Couples must be above 18 years and must submit proof of kinship. They must also provide affidavits and evidence of parental consent if either party is under 18 years old.
Maine
In Maine, marrying one’s cousin is legal in exceptional cases. Generally speaking, first cousins can marry if they are both over 65 or if one cannot reproduce. The state also allows marriage between double cousins, provided both first cousins are at least 55.
For these marriages to be legal, proof of age will need to be provided, and further documentation may be required from a medical doctor stating that the couple cannot reproduce. It remains essential to understand that while these marriages are allowed, they still carry a social stigma and may not be accepted by family and friends.
Maryland
Marrying your cousin in Maryland is possible but with certain restrictions. To marry a first cousin, a person must obtain a license from the local court system in the state where one of them resides. The applicant must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or driver’s license, and a statement outlining the relationship between the two people.
Both applicants must be over 18 years. Even if the marriage is approved, children born due to the union may be considered illegitimate. Therefore, ensure you weigh all of these factors before deciding.
Massachusetts
Marrying a cousin in Massachusetts is generally legal, but certain restrictions exist. By state law, first cousins may not marry each other if they are under 18 or permanently mentally incapacitated.
Suppose both parties are 18 or older, and neither is mentally incapacitated. In that case, they can obtain a document granting permission for a legal union between two individuals from the local clerk’s office, the city or town where one lives. Both parties must appear before the clerk together and present proof of their age and identity.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, it is illegal to marry your first cousin. This is due to the state’s laws concerning marriage between close relatives, which are in place to prevent bearing children with genetic or hereditary disorders and discourage incestuous relationships.
Even if both parties have obtained court orders permitting them to marry, the State of North Carolina will not recognize these orders. Additionally, marriage between double first cousins is not allowed.
Ohio
In Ohio, marriage between first cousins is generally legal and requires a license from the county probate court. However, marriages between certain relatives, including first cousins, are prohibited unless the couple obtains a court order from the probate court stating that an exception has been made.
To obtain this order, the couple must provide medical evidence demonstrating that they are unrelated in a manner that would increase the risk of severe physical or mental health defects for any children produced from the marriage.
While it is possible to marry a first cousin in Ohio, it can be an involved and time-consuming process. Therefore, consulting a qualified legal professional is advisable to fully understand and comply with all laws and regulations related to marrying a cousin in Ohio.
Rhode Island
Marrying your cousin in Rhode Island is not illegal as long as both parties are at least 18 years old. First cousins may marry in Rhode Island, but any closer family relationship, such as parent and child or siblings, is not allowed.
To get married to a cousin in Rhode Island, both parties must provide a valid birth certificate that lists their parents’ names and an affidavit to the state of Rhode Island declaring they have no relation in any way that would make the marriage illegal. Both parties must also obtain a marriage license from the Rhode Island City or Town Clerk’s office.
After the marriage ceremony, an authorized individual must sign and return the license to the clerk’s office for filing. Once everything is complete, both parties will have a legally binding marriage in Rhode Island.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, it is legal to marry your first cousin, although it is highly discouraged. This is because marrying a relative can lead to genetic problems and affect the couple’s social standing in their community. Note that laws may vary from state to state and that marriage between close relatives is illegal in many other states.
It remains crucial to seek the advice of a qualified attorney or family law expert before entering into such a union. South Carolina does not require any special permission to marry your cousin. However, there are other considerations if you consider such a union. Therefore, you should consult with your family and the applicable laws in your area before making any decisions.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, there are certain restrictions on marrying a cousin. While it is not illegal to marry your first cousin in Tennessee, it is not recommended. It might lead to congenital disabilities or genetic abnormalities for children born from this union.
Vermont
In Vermont, it is legal to marry a cousin. However, certain restrictions can apply depending on the specific relationship between the two parties. According to the Vermont Statutes, first cousins may marry if they are at least 55.
If either of them is under 55, a court order is necessary for a marriage to be allowed. Additionally, double cousins, or the children of two siblings who marry each other, may not marry in Vermont.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, it is possible to marry a cousin. According to section 48-7 of the West Virginia Code, “an individual can marry a first cousin or an individual of the third degree of consanguinity” provided they are over eighteen years old and both parties make an affidavit. Nonetheless, there are several conditions to this allowance.
If either party has any mental disorder or is affected by the effects of substances such as drugs or alcohol during the marriage, the marriage is invalid. In addition, if either party is aware of any family relationship before marriage, the marriage is null, and criminal penalties may apply. Therefore, it is ultimately important to be mindful of these rules before entering this kind of union in West Virginia.
American cities with the most divorced people
There was a time in American society when marriage was essentially final—intractable, incapable of being dissolved. It wasn’t until New York state’s Married Women’s Property Act of 1848 that women even began to be seen as “legal entities,” to say nothing of equals to men, at least in the eyes of the law. Through the end of the 19th century, divorce retained a distasteful patina; it was a source of failure, shame, or wrongdoing.
American cities with the most divorced people
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