Can I marry my first cousin in Utah?

Q: Can first cousins marry in Utah?

First cousins cannot marry in Utah unless they meet specific age requirements. They may marry if both are 65 years or older, or if both are 55 years or older with a court finding that at least one cannot reproduce. Otherwise, such marriages are considered void.

Q: In which states can first cousins marry?

First cousins can marry in several states, including California, New York, and Florida, without restrictions. However, some states, like Utah and Texas, have specific conditions or outright bans. It's essential to check the laws in the specific state for accurate information.

Q: What happened to the first cousins from Utah get married?

If first cousins from Utah attempt to marry without meeting the legal requirements, their marriage would be considered void from the beginning. This means that the marriage would have no legal standing. To marry legally, they must comply with age restrictions set by Utah law.

Full question:

I am 35 years old and I live in Utah. I wish to marry a person who is my first cousin. He is 45 years old. Can I marry him? Is it permitted under Utah law?

Category: Marriage
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Utah

Answer:

In Utah, marriages between first cousins are considered incestuous and are void from the beginning, regardless of whether the relationship is legitimate or illegitimate. However, first cousins may marry if both are 65 years or older. They may also marry if both are 55 years or older, but only if a district court finds that at least one party is unable to reproduce.

Since you are 35 and your cousin is 45, you do not meet the age criteria for marriage under Utah law. Therefore, you are not permitted to marry your first cousin.

The relevant law is found in Utah Code Ann. § 30-1-1, which states:

“(1) The following marriages are incestuous and void from the beginning, whether the relationship is legitimate or illegitimate: ... (e) marriages between first cousins, except as provided in Subsection (2); ... (2) First cousins may marry under the following circumstances: (a) both parties are 65 years of age or older; or (b) if both parties are 55 years of age or older, upon a finding by the district court that either party is unable to reproduce.”

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the closest cousin you can marry legally?

In Utah, you cannot legally marry your first cousin unless both parties are 65 years or older, or both are 55 years or older with a court finding that at least one party cannot reproduce. For other states, the laws vary widely. Some states allow first cousins to marry without restrictions, while others prohibit it altogether. Always check the specific laws in your state.