Cousin Marriage in Scotland: Illegal for All Degrees

You cannot marry your cousin in Scotland. The Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977 prohibits marriage between persons related by blood within the following degrees:

• Sibling (full or half)
• Uncle/aunt — niece/nephew
• Grandparent — grandchild
• Cousin (first cousin and any degree)

This is a criminal offense (void marriage, potential prosecution). The law is stricter than in England/Wales (where first-cousin marriage is legal) and many US states.

Dating (non-marital relationship) is not criminalized, but any attempt to marry—even abroad to circumvent the law—will not be recognized in Scotland if the parties are domiciled there.

For legal advice, consult a Scottish family law solicitor.