As of January 2025, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin in Georgia. The state’s laws on marriage between relatives are relatively permissive compared to many other U.S. states.
Georgia’s Marriage Laws
Georgia Code § 19-3-3 outlines the degrees of relationship within which marriage is prohibited. The law specifically forbids marriages between:
- Father and daughter or stepdaughter
- Mother and son or stepson
- Brother and sister (whole blood or half blood)
- Grandparent and grandchild
- Aunt and nephew
- Uncle and niece
Notably absent from this list are first cousins, which means that such marriages are legal in Georgia.
Legal Status of Cousin Marriage
First cousin marriages are explicitly allowed in Georgia. The state does not impose any restrictions on such unions, such as age limits or requirements for genetic counseling that some other states have implemented.
Comparison to Other States
Georgia is one of 17 states where first-cousin marriage is fully legal, along with Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, and Virginia.
Considerations
While legal, it’s important to note that cousin marriages are not common in the United States. Some health concerns have been raised about potential genetic risks to offspring, although the actual increased risk is often lower than popularly believed.
Conclusion
In summary, marrying your first cousin is legal in Georgia. The state’s laws do not prohibit such unions, and they are treated like any other legal marriage. However, as with any marriage decision, individuals should consider personal, cultural, and potential health factors when making their choice.
Sources:
- https://www.allfamilylaw.com/blog/2016/09/can-you-marry-your-cousin-in-georgia/
- https://greenlab.bar/georgia-cousin-marriage-laws-can-i-marry-my-first-cousin-5-key-facts/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.aol.com/news/marry-cousin-sue-kid-georgia-185212606.html
