Questions about the legality of cousin marriage often arise due to varying laws across the United States. In Georgia, the answer is clear: it is legal to marry your cousin. This report explains the relevant statutes, lists prohibited relationships, and addresses common concerns and misconceptions.
Georgia’s Marriage Laws: The Essentials
Georgia law specifies which familial relationships are prohibited from marrying. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A. § 19-3-3), the following relationships are not allowed:
Parent and child (including stepparent and stepchild)
Siblings (whole or half blood)
Grandparent and grandchild
Aunt and nephew
Uncle and niece
Notably, first cousins are not included in this list. This means that both first cousins and more distant cousins can legally marry in Georgia.
Legal Reference
The relevant statute, O.C.G.A. § 19-3-3, states:
“No marriage shall be contracted between persons of the following relationships by blood: father and daughter or stepdaughter; mother and son or stepson; brother and sister of the whole blood or of the half blood; grandparent and grandchild; aunt and nephew; or uncle and niece.”
Since cousins are not mentioned, the law does not prohibit their marriage.
Table: Who Can and Cannot Marry in Georgia
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in Georgia? |
|---|---|
| Father/Daughter | No |
| Mother/Son | No |
| Brother/Sister | No |
| Grandparent/Grandchild | No |
| Aunt/Nephew | No |
| Uncle/Niece | No |
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Second/Third Cousin | Yes |
Additional Considerations
Other Marriage Requirements: All standard requirements for marriage in Georgia still apply, such as minimum age, consent, and not being married to someone else.
Annulment: Marriage between first cousins in Georgia cannot be annulled on the basis of the relationship alone.
Recognition in Other States: While Georgia recognizes cousin marriages, some states do not. If you move, check the laws of your new state regarding recognition of your marriage.
Common Questions
Why Do Some States Ban Cousin Marriage?
Some states restrict cousin marriage due to historical concerns about genetics or social norms. However, Georgia does not have such restrictions and recognizes the autonomy of individuals to marry their cousins if they choose.
Is There a Difference Between First and Other Cousins?
Georgia law makes no distinction between first cousins and more distant cousins. All are legally permitted to marry.
What About Health Concerns?
While there are some genetic risks associated with cousin marriage, these are typically small for first cousins and decrease with more distant relationships. Couples concerned about genetics can seek counseling or testing.
Marrying your cousin is legal in Georgia. The state’s marriage laws clearly outline prohibited relationships, and cousins are not among them. As long as all other legal requirements are met, first cousins and more distant cousins are free to marry in Georgia.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.allfamilylaw.com/blog/2016/09/can-you-marry-your-cousin-in-georgia/
[3] https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2020/title-19/chapter-3/article-1/section-19-3-3/
[4] https://www.findlaw.com/state/georgia-law/georgia-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/coolguides/comments/wg6h3q/a_map_of_where_it_is_legal_to_marry_your_first/
