The question of whether it is legal to marry a cousin is one that varies widely from state to state in the U.S. In Tennessee, the laws surrounding cousin marriage are specific and have certain conditions attached. Understanding these laws is essential for anyone considering marriage within their extended family. Here’s what you need to know about cousin marriages in Tennessee.
Is It Legal to Marry Your Cousin in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, it is generally legal to marry your cousin under certain conditions. The law does not explicitly prohibit marriages between first cousins. However, there are restrictions based on the degree of relatedness and the family structure. Here’s a breakdown of what is allowed and not allowed in Tennessee regarding cousin marriage.
First Cousin Marriage in Tennessee
First cousins—the children of siblings—are allowed to marry in Tennessee. There are no state laws that specifically ban first cousins from marrying one another. This is in contrast to some other states where cousin marriage is explicitly forbidden or highly regulated.
Second Cousins and Beyond
The laws are more permissive when it comes to second cousins or more distant relatives. Second cousins, who share a great-grandparent, can also legally marry in Tennessee without any issues. In fact, marriage between third cousins, fourth cousins, or any more distant relative is completely legal in Tennessee.
Restrictions for First Cousins
While first cousin marriages are permitted, there is an important condition to be aware of. Tennessee prohibits marriages between cousins if either of the individuals is already married to someone else. In other words, you cannot be married to a cousin if either party is already married to someone else, even if it’s a first cousin.
Additionally, Tennessee law restricts marriages between individuals who are closely related by blood in other ways, such as siblings or between an aunt and nephew, uncle and niece, etc.
Why Marrying a Cousin Might Be Discouraged
Although Tennessee allows cousin marriages, it is worth noting that there are social, medical, and ethical concerns that come with it. Genetic risks associated with offspring from cousin marriages are higher than in marriages between unrelated individuals. Children born from such unions may have a slightly higher chance of inheriting certain genetic disorders, though the risk is not significant enough to make cousin marriage illegal in Tennessee.
Ethical concerns also play a role in why some may discourage cousin marriages, though these concerns are subjective and largely dependent on cultural and family values.
Marriage License Requirements
In Tennessee, obtaining a marriage license is similar for all couples, whether they are cousins or not. Couples must apply for a marriage license through the County Clerk’s office in the county where one of the partners resides. Both parties will need to provide proper identification and meet age requirements. If the couple is related by blood (i.e., cousins), they may need to affirm that the relationship is legal under state law. If there are any doubts or concerns, the County Clerk can advise whether the marriage is allowed under Tennessee law.
In summary, it is legal to marry your first cousin in Tennessee, but there are some important restrictions to keep in mind, such as the need for both parties to be unmarried and the prohibition of other closely related marriages. It is advisable to consult with a legal expert if you have concerns about genetic risks or other legal matters. While Tennessee’s laws allow cousin marriage, it is important to understand both the legal framework and the potential social and medical implications of such a union.
Sources
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfirDu1SNrg
[2] https://www.ctas.tennessee.edu/eli/who-can-marry
[3] https://theamm.org/articles/2046-if-you-want-to-marry-your-cousin-in-tennessee-you-d-better-do-it-fast
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[5] https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/us/tennessee-first-cousin-marriage-bill
