Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in South Carolina? Here’s What the Law Says

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Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in South Carolina? Here's What the Law Says

If you’re considering marrying your cousin in South Carolina, you may be wondering about the legality of such a union. It is legal to marry your cousin in South Carolina.

The state’s laws do not prohibit marriage between first cousins, which makes it one of the states where first cousin marriages are allowed without restrictions.

South Carolina Marriage Laws

According to South Carolina Code of Laws Section 20-1-10, marriage between first cousins is not prohibited. The law does, however, prohibit marriages between closer family members, such as:

Siblings

Parents and children

Uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews

However, first cousin marriages are not included in the banned categories, meaning they are legal and permitted under current state law. There are no additional legal requirements, such as age limits or genetic counseling, for those wishing to marry a first cousin in South Carolina.

Key Takeaways

First cousin marriage is legal in South Carolina.

No special conditions or restrictions are required for cousins to marry.

Prohibited relationships for marriage include siblings, parents/children, and uncles/aunts/nieces/nephews.

In summary, if you’re in South Carolina and considering marriage to your first cousin, the state law allows it without any restrictions or extra requirements.

[1] https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/legally-marry-cousin-sc-law-100000048.html
[2] https://www.findlaw.com/state/south-carolina-law/south-carolina-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States

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