Yes, cousin marriage is legal in South Carolina, but subject to specific statutory constraints. State law permits first-cousin unions unless the parties are closer in relation, such as siblings or half-siblings. No additional permits or genetic counseling are mandated, though county probate courts may require standard marriage license procedures. As of 2026, no legislative proposals threaten to alter this framework, aligning with South Carolina’s long-standing adherence to the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in South Carolina
- Degree of Relation: Only first cousins may legally marry; unions between closer relatives (e.g., uncle-niece, siblings) are void under S.C. Code § 20-1-20.
- License Requirements: Applicants must present valid identification and comply with standard marriage license protocols in the county of filing, per S.C. Code § 20-1-260.
- No Genetic Testing: Unlike some states, South Carolina does not require medical screening or counseling for cousin marriages, though probate judges retain discretion in unusual cases.