No, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin in Alabama. Alabama law explicitly permits first-cousin marriages without requiring special permissions, genetic counseling, or additional restrictions beyond general marriage rules.
Legal Basis
Alabama statutes allow marriages between first cousins, distinguishing them from prohibited closer relations like siblings, parents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or grandparents. This stance contrasts with about half of U.S. states that ban first-cousin unions, but Alabama treats such marriages like any other.
Key Requirements
To marry your cousin, both parties must meet standard criteria: be at least 18 (or 16 with parental consent), unmarried, and capable of consent without coercion. Apply for a license at any county probate office with ID and age proof—no extra cousin-specific forms or tests are needed.
Prohibited Relations
Marriages are void for closer kin: siblings (full or half), direct ancestors/descendants, or step-relations while the prior marriage exists. Double first cousins can also marry, but anything nearer risks invalidation.
Sources:
- https://www.worldlawdigest.com/usa/general/is-cousin-marriage-legal-in-alabama
- https://www.worldlawdigest.com/usa/general/is-it-legal-to-date-your-cousin-in-alabama
