Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Minnesota, provided no prohibited relationships exist under state statutes. The state permits first-cousin unions but imposes restrictions on closer familial ties, aligning with Minnesota Statutes §518.01. Local county registrars enforce these rules, and no 2026 compliance shifts alter the current framework.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Minnesota
- First-cousin unions are permitted under Minnesota Statutes §518.01, which prohibits only marriages between lineal ancestors/descendants, siblings, or half-siblings. No additional state-level restrictions apply to first cousins.
- County-level enforcement requires applicants to certify no prohibited relationships via sworn affidavits, with registrars verifying compliance before issuing licenses. Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, for example, cross-reference birth records to confirm eligibility.
- No genetic counseling mandates exist for cousin marriages, unlike states with eugenics-era laws. However, Minnesota’s Department of Health provides voluntary preconception counseling resources for couples considering consanguineous unions.