Were cousins allowed to marry?

[Lensgirl]

Hi

im trying to trace some distant grandparents via Familysearch at the moment and think i may have found a link (not yet checked out though) but i believe the bride and grooms mothers were sisters. This is in the 1750's, would this been allowed to take place?

Many thanks

[Tom Tom]

The short answer is yes.

It has always been legal for cousins to marry.

I think there is a list of "forbidden marriages" in the wiki somewhere :D

[Lensgirl]

Excellent thanks. I thought so but can never remember who can and cant as they seem to change so much!

[Darksecretz]

Robyne,

this might help

Forbidden Marriages - Family Tree Forum

[Little Nell]

it's a widespread myth that cousins weren't allowed to marry. They always have been and I have many instances in my tree, including a couple whose fathers were brothers and whose mothers were sisters, so they were doubly cousins.

[Guy]

A full list of prohibitions due to consanguinity and affinity from biblical times to the present day is available on my website at
Consanguinity

Note prohibited relationships changed throughout the ages, what was wrong at one time was often acceptable at a later date.
Cheers
Guy