Is it legal to marry your first cousin?
Posted on December 31, 2022 by American Phoenix
Answer: Yes and no, depends on which state.
Fun fact: 99% of all cousin marriage proposals are made by men.
Ok, not really a fact, we just made that up. But would anyone be surprised if this was the case?!
Below is a table that lists each state in the U.S. and whether or not it is legal.
| State | First cousin marriage allowed? |
| Alabama | Yes |
| Alaska | No |
| Arizona | Only if both parties are 65 or older, or one is infertile |
| Arkansas | No |
| California | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes |
| Delaware | No |
| District of Columbia | Yes |
| Florida | Yes |
| Georgia | Yes |
| Hawaii | Yes |
| Idaho | No |
| Illinois | No |
| Indiana | Only if both parties are 65 or older |
| Iowa | No |
| Kansas | No |
| Kentucky | No |
| Louisiana | No |
| Maine | Proof of genetic counseling from a genetic counselor |
| Maryland | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes |
| Michigan | No |
| Minnesota | Only certain types |
| Mississippi | No |
| Missouri | No |
| Montana | No |
| Nebraska | No |
| Nevada | No |
| New Hampshire | No |
| New Jersey | Yes |
| New Mexico | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| North Carolina | Yes, except in the rare case of double first cousins |
| North Dakota | No |
| Ohio | No |
| Oklahoma | No |
| Oregon | No |
| Pennsylvania | No |
| Rhode Island | Yes |
| South Carolina | Yes |
| South Dakota | No |
| Tennessee | Yes |
| Texas | No |
| Vermont | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes |
| Washington | No |
| West Virginia | No |
| Wisconsin | Only if the woman is at least 55, or either is permanently sterile |
| Wyoming | No |
It is important to note that laws regarding marriage between cousins can change over time, so check the cousin marriage laws in your state before you try and tie the knot.