by MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Marriage laws in the United States vary significantly from one state to another, especially when it comes to marrying a relative. One of the most frequently asked questions in Alabama is whether it’s legal to marry your cousin—and the answer might surprise many people.
In 2025, Alabama remains one of the few states where first cousin marriage is fully legal without restrictions. While the idea may raise eyebrows in some social circles, the law is clear and continues to allow such unions.
Here’s everything you need to know about the legality, limitations, and cultural context surrounding cousin marriage in Alabama.
First Cousin Marriages Are Legal in Alabama
Unlike many other U.S. states that have outright bans or conditional approvals on cousin marriages, Alabama imposes no legal restrictions on the practice. Whether you’re full cousins, half-cousins, or even adopted cousins, Alabama law treats these relationships the same—and permits marriage among them.
There are no requirements to prove infertility or be above a certain age to marry a cousin in the state, which is often the case in places like Arizona or Illinois. This openness makes Alabama part of a small group of 18 states where cousin marriage is fully allowed.
Which Marriages Are Forbidden by Law?
While Alabama is lenient about cousin unions, the state strictly prohibits marriage between closer blood relatives. According to the law, these relationships cannot legally marry:
- Parent and child
- Siblings (including half-siblings)
- Aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews
- Grandparents with grandchildren
- Great-grandparents with great-grandchildren
- Stepparents and stepchildren (if the marriage is what created the step-relationship)
These restrictions are in place to prevent issues related to genetic risks, power imbalances, and moral concerns, especially in direct familial lines.
General Marriage Requirements in Alabama
Outside of family-related restrictions, Alabama follows several standard legal procedures for marriage. These include:
- The minimum legal age for marriage is 16. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 18 must obtain parental or guardian consent.
- There is no residency requirement, so couples from out of state can legally marry in Alabama.
- After a divorce, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period before either person can remarry in the state.
These basic requirements ensure that all marriages are entered into legally and with proper documentation.
How Alabama Compares to Other States
When compared to other states, Alabama is among the most permissive when it comes to cousin marriage. Twenty-four states prohibit first cousin marriages outright, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. In some states, cousin marriage is even considered a criminal offense.
Several others fall into a gray zone—allowing cousin marriage only under specific conditions. For instance, Illinois and Arizona only permit such unions if both parties are above a certain age or are proven infertile.
For a broader perspective, The Hoptown Press outlines how Alabama compares to other states, especially those with conditional or outright prohibitions.
What About Out-of-State Recognition?
Alabama recognizes cousin marriages performed both within and outside the state—as long as the union was legal where it took place. However, couples who get married in Alabama and move to a state that prohibits cousin marriage may face complications. Some states do not recognize such marriages, which can affect everything from inheritance to parental rights.
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Cultural and Social Attitudes
Even though it’s legal, cousin marriage is not widely practiced or socially encouraged in Alabama. Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and social expectations often discourage such unions. For many families, the issue is more of personal values than legal rights.
Nonetheless, the law stands firm—there are no legal barriers to first cousin marriage in Alabama as of 2025. Couples considering such a union are advised to fully understand their legal rights, potential social implications, and whether they plan to reside in a more restrictive state in the future.
Summary: Alabama’s Marriage Rules by Relationship
| Relationship Type | Marriage Allowed? |
|---|---|
| First Cousins | Yes |
| First Cousins Once-Removed | Yes |
| Half-Cousins | Yes |
| Adopted Cousins | Yes |
| Siblings | No |
| Parent/Child | No |
| Aunt/Uncle–Niece/Nephew | No |
| Grandparent/Grandchild | No |
Do you think cousin marriage laws should be more consistent nationwide, or should states like Alabama keep their independence on this issue? Share your take now at ibwhsmag.com!
