Did You Know It’s Legal to Marry Your First Cousin in Colorado?

The phrase "keeping it in the family" can mean something a bit different in Colorado and 18 other states in the US as it is legal to marry your first cousin. Before the Civil War, marriage to a cousin was legal in all states according to Wikipedia.

We're not just talking about a second cousin removed by marriage either. Marrying your first cousin in Colorado is entirely legal in the state. Think of your mom's brother's kid. Yep, you could legally marry them in 19 states.

Get our free mobile app

What States Allow First Cousin Marriage?

Wikipedia compiled a list of states that legally allow first cousins to marry. Those states include:

• Alabama
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia

There are also seven other states that allow first cousin marriage, but with stipulations:

• Arizona - Allowed if both parties are over the age of 65, or one is infertile
• Illinois - Allowed if both parties are over the age of 50, or one is infertile
• Indiana - Both parties must be over the age of 65
• Maine - Proof of genetic counseling by a genetic counselor
• Minnesota - Only allowed by certain types
• Utah - Allowed if both parties are over the age of 65. Also allowed if both parties over the age of 55 are found to be at least one is infertile by findings from the district court
• Wisconsin - Only if the woman is over the age of 55 or sterile

Now you know where it is totally legal to marry your first cousin in the United States.

Source: Wikipedia