In North Carolina, it is legal for first cousins to marry. The law does not prohibit such unions, with the exception of a specific case involving “double first cousins.” This rare situation occurs when two siblings from one family marry two siblings from another family, resulting in cousins who are related through both parental lines.
Key Points about Cousin Marriage in North Carolina:
First Cousins:
Allowed to marry without restrictions.
Double First Cousins:
Prohibited from marrying due to the close genetic relationship.
Marriage License:
Couples must obtain a marriage license from the county’s register of deeds before the ceremony.
Age Restrictions:
Both parties must be at least 18 years old, although minors can marry under certain conditions with parental consent.
Overall, North Carolina’s laws reflect a more permissive stance on cousin marriages compared to many other states in the U.S., where such marriages may be illegal or heavily restricted.
Sources:
- https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/marriage
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.montylaw.com/divorce-family-law/marriage-laws/