It is legal to marry your first cousin in Maryland. The state does not prohibit marriage between first cousins, making it one of the minority of U.S. states where such unions are permitted.
Maryland’s marriage laws specifically ban marriages between close relatives such as siblings, parents and children, aunts and uncles, but cousins are not included in these prohibitions.
Out-of-State Marriages
Because Maryland allows first cousin marriage, it has become a destination for couples from neighboring states where such marriages are not permitted. Circuit clerks in western Maryland counties report that a notable number of cousin marriage licenses are issued to out-of-state residents who come to Maryland for this reason.
Are There Any Restrictions?
- No special requirements: There are no additional requirements or genetic counseling mandates for cousins wishing to marry in Maryland.
- Other prohibitions: Maryland law does prohibit marriage between other close relatives, including siblings, parents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Legislative Attempts
While there have been legislative efforts in the past to ban cousin marriages in Maryland, such as a bill passed by the Maryland House of Delegates in 2000, these efforts have not become law, and cousin marriage remains legal.
Marrying your first cousin is legal in Maryland. There are no special restrictions or requirements for cousin couples, and Maryland is known as one of the states where such marriages are recognized and permitted by law.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-marry-cousin-tennessee-ban-1889727
- https://www.peoples-law.org/who-may-marry-maryland
- https://cnsmaryland.org/1999/12/03/marylands-lax-marriage-law-lures-kissing-cousins-looking-to-go-legit/