Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in Michigan? Here’s What the Law Says

Marriage laws vary widely across the United States, and one topic that often piques curiosity and concerns is the legality of marrying one’s cousin. In Michigan, as in other states, consanguinity laws—laws governing marriage between blood relatives—play a crucial role in determining which familial relationships are lawful for marriage. This comprehensive article explores Michigan’s cousin marriage laws, legal distinctions, historical context, social implications, and advice for those considering such unions.

Overview of Consanguinity Laws in the United States

Consanguinity laws address romantic relationships and marriages between individuals who share common ancestry. These regulations vary dramatically between states:

First cousins — sharing grandparents.
Second cousins — sharing great-grandparents.
Double cousins — cousins sharing both sets of grandparents, often due to siblings marrying siblings.

While some states outright prohibit marriage between first cousins, others allow it under certain conditions, and a few place no restrictions. Michigan has specific rules that define who may legally marry, focusing on safeguarding public health and societal norms.

Michigan’s Marriage Laws and Family Relations

Under Michigan law, several familial relationships are expressly forbidden:

Parent and child
Grandparent and grandchild
Siblings (whole or half)
Aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews

However, first cousins are not listed among prohibited relationships under the state’s statute. This means that without any additional constraints, first cousin marriages are legally allowed in Michigan.

Why Michigan Permits First Cousin Marriages

Michigan’s decision to allow first cousin marriages may be informed by several considerations:

Low genetic risk: Studies indicate that the genetic risk for children of first cousins is slightly elevated compared to the general population but remains relatively low overall.
Cultural and historical precedent: Cousin marriages are common in numerous cultures worldwide and have occasionally occurred historically within the United States.
Legislative discretion: Michigan lawmakers likely determined that the modest genetic risk did not justify banning such marriages.

Genetic and Medical Considerations

Risk of Genetic Disorders

Baseline risk for congenital disabilities in the general population: ~3–4%
Risk for children born to first cousins: ~4–6%
The increased risk is clear but still small enough that many medical professionals do not object.

Medical Advice in Michigan

Medical professionals in Michigan often recommend genetic counseling for couples who are first cousins.
Genetic screening and prenatal care can mitigate risks, especially for recessive genetic conditions.

Population and Demographics in Michigan

To better understand how laws may impact real people, it’s helpful to look at Michigan’s broader demographics:

Population: ~10 million
Large immigrant communities from cultures where cousin marriage is more accepted (e.g., Middle Eastern, South Asian communities)
Cousin marriage rate: Hard to quantify but generally rare, similar to national trends of approximately 0.2%–0.5% of marriages

Legal Precedents and Cases

Currently, Michigan has no notable legal challenges or court cases directly addressing first cousin marriage. However:

Lawsuit precedents in other states have sometimes challenged cousin marriage bans on equal protection grounds.
Michigan’s context: Because there isn’t a prohibition, there’s no legal conflict to challenge—making cases unlikely in state courts.

Marriage Licensing Process in Michigan

Here’s what prospective couples, including cousins, need to know:

Visit a county clerk’s office in Michigan.
Present valid identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
Complete a marriage license application.
Pay the licensing fee (typically between $20–$30).
In some counties, a waiting period may apply (up to 3 days).
No special form or affidavit is required regarding relationship by blood unless you fall into a prohibited category—not including cousins.

Social and Cultural Attitudes

Nationally and within Michigan, cousin marriage is often viewed through a moral or cultural lens rather than strictly legal:

Many Americans express discomfort or moral disapproval toward cousin marriage.
That discomfort is often driven by:
- Misconceptions about genetic risk (overestimation)
- Cultural norms shaped by religion, ethno-historical traditions, and family upbringing
In Michigan’s diverse communities, views vary:
- Arab-American and South Asian families are more likely to accept cousin marriage culturally.
- Mainstream culture in Michigan may still stigmatize or misunderstand such unions.

Comparison with Other States

States generally fall into four categories regarding cousin marriage:

Allowed (no restrictions): States such as Michigan, California, and New York.
Allowed with restrictions: Some states permit only if one or both partners are past a certain age or infertility is established.
Banned outright: States such as Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
Allowed between certain types of cousins: Some allow second cousins but ban first cousins.

Michigan sits firmly in the first category—no restriction for first cousin marriage.

Buddy Story: A Hypothetical Michigan Couple

Let’s illustrate with a fictional scenario based on reasonable real-world detail:

Zara and Ahmed, first cousins born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan.
Their parents immigrated from Lebanon, where cousin marriage is culturally accepted.
During college at the University of Michigan, Zara and Ahmed fell in love.
Upon graduation, they applied for a marriage license in Oakland County.
They consulted Dr. Patel of the Michigan Center for Reproductive Medicine, who conducted genetic screening and delivered low-risk results.
They married in 2023 in a small ceremony in Ann Arbor.
Their son, born in 2025, is healthy and showing no signs of genetic disorders.
Their story illustrates the legal, cultural, and medical facets of cousin marriage in Michigan.

Myths and Misconceptions

“It’s always illegal.”
Not in Michigan. Only certain direct blood relationships are off-limits.
“It causes severe birth defects.”
While risk is slightly higher, 90–95% of children born to cousin couples are healthy.
“Doctors will refuse treatment.”
Not true—one can access preconception counseling, prenatal screening, and obstetric services.
“It violates religious norms.”
Many religions allow first cousin marriage (Islam, Judaism, some Christian denominations).

What to Do If You’re Considering Marrying Your Cousin

Verify Relationship: Confirm that you are indeed first cousins as defined by law.
Apply for Marriage License: Same process as any other couple in Michigan.
Get Genetic Counseling: Especially important if there’s a family history of recessive disorders.
Prenatal Care if Planning a Family: Work with an OB/GYN or genetic counselor.
Be Prepared for Social Bias: Family or community members may have opinions—seek supportive counseling or communities.
Understand Your Rights: Once married, cousins have the same legal rights as any other married couple.

Key Takeaways

Michigan permits first cousin marriages; they are not listed among prohibited relationships.
Genetic risk exists but is modest—prenatal steps can reduce concerns.
There are no legal barriers at the marriage license stage.
Social and cultural resistance may exist, but legal recourse and supportive communities are available.
Michigan’s stance mirrors a broader national patchwork, with fewer restrictions than many states.

Conclusion

So, is it illegal to marry your cousin in Michigan? Absolutely not—under Michigan law, it’s perfectly legal. However, as with all marriages, ensuring informed choices—particularly regarding health and familial concerns—is essential.

Cousins who choose to marry in Michigan face no legal hurdles—they simply follow the standard process at their local county clerk and receive a license. Still, it’s wise to get genetic counseling if having children is a consideration.

From Dearborn to Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, across Michigan’s diverse landscape, cousin marriage remains legally valid. Whether you view it through a cultural lens, a health perspective, or a legal vantage, being well-informed will help couples navigate any journey they choose together.