Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Maryland, provided the parties are not closer than first cousins. The state permits marriages between second cousins and more distant relatives, aligning with the Uniform Marriage and Age Act. Local clerks in each county (e.g., Baltimore City Circuit Court) enforce these rules, and no additional permits are required beyond standard marriage licenses.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Maryland
- Prohibition on First Cousins: Maryland Code, Family Law § 2-202 explicitly bars marriages between first cousins, citing genetic and public health considerations. Violations invalidate the union.
- Age and Consent Requirements: Parties must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with parental/judicial consent) under § 2-301. No exceptions exist for cousin marriages.
- No Special Licensing: Unlike some states, Maryland does not impose extra scrutiny for cousin marriages. Applicants follow the same process as unrelated couples, submitting to the county clerk’s office.
Local jurisdictions, such as Montgomery County Circuit Court, have not issued supplemental guidance, but clerks may flag applications for verification if relationships are unclear. The Maryland Department of Health’s Vital Records Division monitors compliance during license issuance. No 2026 regulatory shifts are pending, though legislative proposals occasionally emerge to tighten restrictions.