First-cousin marriage is legal in Maryland. The state is among a minority in the U.S. that explicitly allow marriage between first cousins, making it a destination for couples from neighboring states where such unions are prohibited.
Maryland Marriage Law: Who May Marry
Maryland law prohibits marriage between certain close relatives, including parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. However, first cousins are not included in this list of prohibited relationships. This means that first cousins can legally marry in Maryland without restriction.
No Special Requirements or Restrictions
Unlike some states that impose conditions—such as requiring genetic counseling or limiting cousin marriage to couples above a certain age—Maryland imposes no special requirements on first-cousin marriages. There are no additional forms, medical tests, or age-based conditions specifically for cousins.
Legal Recognition and Out-of-State Couples
Maryland’s permissive stance has led to some out-of-state couples traveling there to marry, especially from states like West Virginia and Pennsylvania, where cousin marriage is not allowed3. Once married in Maryland, such unions are generally recognized in other states, though some states may not acknowledge cousin marriages performed elsewhere.
Table: First-Cousin Marriage in Maryland
| Relationship | Marriage Allowed? | Special Requirements? |
|---|---|---|
| First cousins | Yes | None |
| Siblings | No | — |
| Aunt/Uncle-Niece/Nephew | No | — |
Recent Legislative Efforts
There have been attempts to ban first-cousin marriage in Maryland, but these efforts have not succeeded. For example, a bill to prohibit such unions passed the Maryland House of Delegates in 2000 but did not become law. As of 2025, no such ban exists.
It is legal to marry your first cousin in Maryland, with no special restrictions or requirements. Maryland law only prohibits marriage between closer relatives, and the state’s policy attracts some couples from neighboring states where cousin marriage is banned.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- 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/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage
- https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-marry-cousin-tennessee-ban-1889727