Marrying your cousin in Tennessee is now illegal. The state passed a law in 2024 explicitly banning marriages between first cousins, bringing Tennessee in line with a growing number of states that prohibit this practice.
What the Law Says
1. Ban on First Cousin Marriage
First cousins cannot get married in Tennessee. A bill that bans marriage between first cousins passed the Tennessee legislature with overwhelming support and was signed into law in 2024.
This means that any marriage between first cousins conducted in Tennessee after the law took effect is not legally recognized by the state.
2. Who is Affected?
The ban applies to biological first cousins. Marriages between more distant cousins, such as second cousins or “first cousins once removed,” are NOT specifically prohibited under Tennessee law. The main restriction applies to first cousins only.
Adopted or step-cousins may not be covered by the statute, but anyone considering marriage should check with local authorities.
3. Criminal and Civil Penalties
Why Was the Law Changed?
Health Concerns: Lawmakers cited scientific studies indicating a higher risk of birth defects among children of closely related couples.
Alignment with National Trends: Most U.S. states now prohibit first cousin marriage, and Tennessee legislators wanted to harmonize their state with these standards.
Public Policy: The bill received broad bipartisan support as a means to protect public health and reflect modern cultural norms.
Can You Marry Your Cousin Elsewhere?
Some states and countries still allow first cousins to marry. However, Tennessee may not recognize cousin marriages performed in a state where it is legal if either party is a Tennessee resident at the time of the marriage.
Marriages between second cousins and more distant relatives continue to be permitted both within Tennessee and most of the U.S..
Key Takeaways
First cousin marriage is illegal in Tennessee as of 2024.
Second cousins are allowed to marry.
Violating the ban may have legal consequences, and any such marriage is not recognized by Tennessee.
Those considering marrying a cousin should always verify current laws, as statutes may continue to evolve.
As of 2024, Tennessee prohibits marriage between first cousins. This change reflects the latest legislative actions and current legal landscape in the state. Always check official sources or consult a legal expert for recent updates if your situation is complex or unusual.
Sources
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/us/tennessee-first-cousin-marriage-bill
[2] https://ifstudies.org/blog/why-every-state-should-ban-first-cousin-marriage
[3] https://americanreformer.org/2025/03/a-protestant-approach-to-first-cousin-marriage-bans/
[4] https://www.progress.org.uk/bill-introduced-to-ban-cousin-marriage/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
