Marrying your first cousin is legal in Maryland under state law. Maryland explicitly permits first-cousin marriages, unlike stricter states, but prohibits closer relations like siblings or parent-child.
State Law Overview
Maryland Family Law § 2-202 voids marriages within certain degrees of consanguinity—specifically, direct lineal relatives (parents, grandparents, children) or first-degree collateral (siblings, aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews). First cousins fall outside these bans, making unions valid statewide.
No genetic counseling is required, despite some outdated claims; the law focuses solely on prohibited degrees. Second cousins and beyond face zero restrictions.
Marriage Process
Obtain a license from any circuit court clerk; both parties must be 18+ (or emancipated minors with consent). Provide ID and affirm no impediments—clerks ask about relations but approve cousins.
Ceremonies follow standard rules; out-of-state cousin couples sometimes wed in Maryland to evade home-state bans. Licenses last six months.
Potential Restrictions
While legal, couples should consider genetic risks—first-cousin offspring have a 4-7% disorder chance vs. 3-4% general, per health experts. Counseling is optional but advised.
Cultural stigma persists, though 150+ cousin marriages occur yearly. No residency minimum applies.
Legal Implications
Spouses gain full rights: inheritance, property, decision-making. Bigamy or fraud voids the marriage, but relation alone doesn’t. Interstate recognition varies—some states won’t honor it.
Penalties for prohibited marriages: fines up to $1,500 or banishment (rarely enforced).
Practical Advice
Consult a family lawyer for specifics. Review MD Courts FAQ or People’s Law Library. For 2026 updates, check mgaleg.maryland.gov—no major changes since 2010.
SOURCES :
- https://amwellstdental.co.uk/is-it-legal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-maryland-legal-marriage-faq/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
