Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Peru under the Civil Code, provided no impediments exist. The National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC) enforces prohibitions only for direct-line relatives or those with existing family ties.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Peru
- Article 242 of the Civil Code prohibits marriage between ascendants and descendants, siblings (full or half), and between aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews. Cousins are not explicitly barred.
- Article 243 requires both parties to be at least 18 years old, with parental consent for minors aged 16–18. RENIEC verifies age and identity via the Libro de Matrimonios.
- Regulation No. 004-2023-JUS (2023) mandates genetic counseling for couples with a shared grandparent, though this is advisory, not a legal barrier. Courts may annul marriages violating Article 242 retroactively.
Peruvian courts defer to the Código Civil over religious or customary exceptions. Foreign cousin marriages are recognized if valid in the country of origin, per Article 2078, but RENIEC may reject registration if local prohibitions apply. Legal challenges often arise during inheritance disputes, where courts scrutinize consanguinity degrees.