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

Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in Wyoming Here's What the Law Says

In Wyoming, it is illegal to marry your first cousin. The state’s laws explicitly prohibit marriages between first cousins, along with other close relatives such as siblings, aunts, uncles, and parents.

This restriction is outlined in Wyoming Statutes § 20-2-101, which states that marriages are void if the parties are related as first cousins, regardless of whether they are legitimate or illegitimate.

Conversely, marriages between second cousins and more distant relatives are permitted in Wyoming. This aligns with the general trend across the United States, where laws regarding cousin marriage vary significantly by state.

While some states allow first cousin marriages, others impose restrictions or outright bans.In summary, if you are considering marriage to a first cousin in Wyoming, it is important to be aware that such a union is not legally recognized and would be considered void under state law.

Sources:

  1. https://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/title-20/chapter-2/article-1/section-20-2-101/
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
  3. https://ground.news/article/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-wyoming-heres-what-the-law-says_144797