In Maine as of 2025, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin, but there are specific legal requirements and restrictions you must follow to make such a marriage valid.
What the Law Says in Maine
Maine law allows first cousins to marry, but the couple must first obtain a physician’s certificate confirming they’ve received genetic counseling.
This stipulation is outlined in Title 19-A §701 of Maine’s statutes. This means the marriage is only legal if both people take part in genetic counseling with a qualified medical provider who will then provide documentation to submit as part of the marriage application.
Genetic counseling is required because children born to first cousins have a slightly higher risk of certain genetic conditions. The state aims to ensure couples understand any potential health risks for future children before proceeding.
Who Cannot Marry in Maine
While cousin marriage is possible with the proper certification, Maine prohibits marriage between much closer relatives. It is always illegal to marry:
Parents and children
Siblings
Grandparents and grandchildren
Aunts or uncles with nephews or nieces
Recent Changes to Minimum Marriage Age
As of May 2025, Maine banned marriage for anyone under the age of 18, with no exceptions. Previously, 17-year-olds could marry with parental and/or judicial consent, but that loophole has now closed after new legislation passed the state legislature and went into effect. No person in Maine, including cousins, can get married before turning 18.
How Maine Compares to Other States
Rules on cousin marriage in the United States vary widely. Some states ban it outright, while others (like Maine) allow it with conditions. In New England, Maine is distinctive: it allows first cousin marriage, but only with genetic counseling. All other New England states except New Hampshire allow cousin marriage with fewer restrictions; New Hampshire bans it entirely.
Enforcement, Recognition, and Potential Issues
If you complete the genetic counseling and receive the required certificate, Maine will recognize your marriage to your cousin. However, if you try to avoid this requirement by marrying elsewhere, Maine may refuse to recognize the union or could impose civil penalties if state laws are circumvented.
Key Takeaways for 2025
First cousin marriage is legal if both parties have received genetic counseling and have a physician’s certificate.
No one under 18 may marry in Maine, for any reason, including parental consent.
Marriage between closer relatives (siblings, parent/child, aunt/uncle and niece/nephew) is forbidden.
Complying with the genetic counseling rule is essential for the marriage to be legally recognized.
Maine’s laws reflect both a respect for personal choice and an emphasis on making informed decisions about genetic and health risks. If you’re considering marrying your cousin in Maine, consult the local county clerk or a family law attorney to ensure you satisfy all official requirements before applying for a marriage license.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/03/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-maine-heres-what-the-law-says/
[2] https://wjbq.com/maine-first-cousin-marriage-legal/
[3] https://shellesimonlaw.com/first-cousin-marriage-under-us-immigration-law/
[4] https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2025-04-15/maine-house-advances-a-bill-increasing-the-legal-age-to-marry
[5] https://humantraffickingsearch.org/resource/maine-becomes-14th-us-state-to-ban-child-marriage/
