In North Carolina, marrying your first cousin is legal, with one specific exception: you cannot marry your double first cousin. This distinction makes North Carolina one of the states that permits first cousin marriage, but with a unique limitation not commonly found elsewhere.
Who Counts as a First Cousin?
A first cousin is the child of your parent’s sibling. For example, your mother’s brother’s child is your first cousin. North Carolina law allows marriage between first cousins, provided they are not more closely related.
What Is a Double First Cousin?
A double first cousin occurs when two siblings from one family marry two siblings from another family, and both couples have children. The children from each couple are related through both parents. For example, if two brothers marry two sisters, their children are double first cousins. North Carolina law specifically prohibits marriage between double first cousins due to the increased genetic similarity.
Legal Requirements for Marriage
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old, unless specific requirements for minors are met.
- The couple must not be more closely related than first cousins.
- Double first cousins cannot marry.
- A marriage license must be obtained before the ceremony.
- Residency in North Carolina is not required for marriage in the state.
Why the Distinction?
The prohibition against double first cousin marriage is based on genetic concerns, as double first cousins share more genetic material than regular first cousins. This increases the risk of inherited health conditions in any children from such a union. North Carolina’s law is designed to limit these risks while still allowing first cousin marriages.
Comparison with Other States
Laws on cousin marriage vary widely across the United States:
- 24 states prohibit first cousin marriage.
- 18 states, including North Carolina, allow it.
- 8 states allow it only under specific conditions (such as age or infertility).
- North Carolina’s specific ban on double first cousin marriage is relatively rare.
North Carolina Cousin Marriage Law
| Relationship Type | Legal to Marry in NC? |
|---|---|
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Double First Cousin | No |
| Closer than First Cousin | No |
| Second Cousin | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Marrying your first cousin is legal in North Carolina.
- You cannot marry your double first cousin or anyone more closely related.
- A marriage license is required, and you do not need to be a resident of the state.
If you have more questions about marriage laws or want to know how North Carolina compares to other states, feel free to ask!
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.ncaj.com/for-the-public/marriage-in-north-carolina
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage
- https://www.montylaw.com/divorce-family-law/marriage-laws/
- https://www.ncbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/marriage-in-nc.pdf
