Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in Maryland?
In Maryland, marrying your first cousin is not illegal. Maryland is one of the states in the U.S. that allows first cousins to marry, making it a destination for couples from other states where such marriages are prohibited. However, there are strict prohibitions against marrying closer relatives, such as siblings, parents, children, or grandparents.
Legal Framework
Maryland’s laws regarding marriage are outlined in the Maryland Code, Family Law. Specifically, Section 2-202 prohibits marriages within certain degrees of relationship, including:
-
Direct Lineal Consanguinity: Grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren.
-
Collateral Consanguinity: Siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
-
Affinity: Stepparents, stepchildren, and certain in-laws.
However, first cousins are not included in these prohibitions, making their marriages legal in the state.
Requirements for Marriage in Maryland
To get married in Maryland, couples must comply with the state’s marriage laws, which include:
-
Age Requirement: Individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Those under 17 cannot marry under any circumstances, and 17-year-olds need parental consent or a court order.
-
Residency: There are no residency requirements for getting married in Maryland, making it accessible to out-of-state couples.
-
Same-Sex Marriage: Same-sex marriages are legal in Maryland, provided the individuals are not otherwise prohibited from marrying due to familial relationships.
Cousin Marriages in Practice
While first cousin marriages are legal in Maryland, they are not common. However, the state’s lenient laws attract couples from neighboring states where such marriages are illegal. For instance, Allegany County issues a few marriage licenses to cousins each year, mostly to out-of-state couples.
Genetic Considerations
Some states require genetic counseling for first cousin marriages due to the increased risk of genetic disorders in offspring. However, Maryland does not have such a requirement.
Marrying your first cousin is legal in Maryland, but it is essential to understand the broader legal context and potential implications. While the state allows these marriages, they are subject to the same legal requirements as any other marriage in Maryland.
Sources:
- https://cnsmaryland.org/1999/12/03/marylands-lax-marriage-law-lures-kissing-cousins-looking-to-go-legit/
- https://getordained.org/state-marriage-laws/maryland
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.peoples-law.org/who-may-marry-maryland
- https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/cousin-marriage-laws.html
