In Alabama, it is legal to marry your cousin. The state’s marriage laws do not prohibit unions between first cousins, which sets Alabama apart from many other states that restrict or ban this practice. There are no special requirements or additional conditions: first cousins can marry without restrictions under Alabama law. This applies to both residents and those traveling to Alabama for the purpose of marrying a first cousin.
Alabama is straightforward in its approach—its laws clearly allow first-cousin marriages, and official marriage license applications do not ask about familial relationships between the parties beyond the exclusions for closer relatives. However, the law does strictly prohibit marriages between closer relations, such as parents, siblings, children, aunts/uncles, or nieces/nephews—these relationships are considered incestuous and are illegal.
The allowance for first cousin marriage has made Alabama a subject of cultural jokes and commentary, but legally, couples do not face barriers at the county or state level. There is no requirement for genetic counseling, blood tests, minimum age beyond the general marriage age (16 with parental consent, 18 without), or special waivers for cousin marriage.
Additionally, marriages performed in Alabama between first cousins are recognized in other jurisdictions unless those states have laws specifically voiding such unions. For international or immigration purposes, U.S. government agencies also recognize cousin marriages as valid if performed in jurisdictions where legal.
To summarize: First cousin marriage is fully legal in Alabama, with no additional hurdles or special conditions attached. The law is clear, and as long as the relationship does not venture into closer degrees of relation, there are no legal barriers for cousins who wish to marry in Alabama.
Sources
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBfaZSobjGU
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[3] https://shellesimonlaw.com/first-cousin-marriage-under-us-immigration-law/
[4] https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-marry-cousin-tennessee-ban-1889727
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/YouShouldKnow/comments/e7zzrj/ysk_the_reason_that_alabama_is_the_target_of/
