Marrying your first cousin is legal in South Carolina, as state law explicitly allows it without restrictions on cousins. The relevant statute lists prohibited relationships like parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles, but omits cousins entirely.
South Carolina’s Marriage Code
South Carolina Code Section 20-1-10 outlines forbidden unions, barring men from marrying mothers, sisters, daughters, and similar close kin, with parallel rules for women. Cousins—first, second, or otherwise—are not mentioned, confirming their legality.
This places South Carolina among about 19 states where first-cousin marriage is fully permitted, unlike the 24 states with outright bans or the seven with conditions like genetic counseling.
No Extra Requirements
Unlike states such as Arizona or Illinois, which allow cousin marriage only if partners are infertile or past childbearing age, South Carolina imposes no such hurdles. Applicants simply need to meet age and consent rules: 18 without parental approval, or 16-17 with notarized consent.
Double first cousins face no special bar here, unlike in North Carolina. The process mirrors standard marriages—apply at a probate court, provide ID, and pay the fee.
Nationwide Context
Cousin marriage laws vary widely across the U.S., reflecting cultural and historical shifts. It’s legal in states like Alabama, California, Florida, and New York, but criminal in places like Texas or Nevada.
South Carolina’s permissive stance aligns with its Southern neighbors, where about half allow it. Federally, no overarching ban exists; it’s purely state-regulated.
Health and Social Factors
While legal, cousin marriages carry genetic risks, as close relatives share more DNA, raising chances of inherited disorders in offspring. Experts recommend premarital genetic counseling, though South Carolina doesn’t mandate it.
Socially, the practice has historical precedent—Charles Darwin and Queen Victoria wed cousins—but modern stigma persists in some circles. Still, it’s culturally accepted in parts of the U.S. and common globally.
Practical Steps to Marry
To wed your cousin in South Carolina:
- Visit your county probate court together.
- Bring IDs, Social Security numbers, and proof of age.
- Pay $30-$50 fee; no blood test required.
- Wait 24 hours post-application; license valid 30 days.
Post-marriage, update names on IDs and records using the certificate. Out-of-state couples often choose South Carolina for its straightforward rules.
Key Takeaways
South Carolina law greenlights cousin marriage without caveats, focusing prohibitions on nearer kin. Couples should weigh health advice, but legally, it’s straightforward—no incest charge applies.
SOURCES:
- https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t20c001.php
- https://katiejaynes.com/blog/south-carolina-marriage-license-wedding-laws-101/
