Yes, it is illegal to marry your first cousin in Pennsylvania. State law specifically prohibits marriage between first cousins. Both men and women are barred from marrying their first cousins, with no exceptions for age, infertility, or other circumstances.
What Relationships Are Prohibited?
Pennsylvania law clearly lists first cousins among the relationships that cannot marry. The statute states:
“A man may not marry his first cousin. … A woman may not marry her first cousin.”
Other close relationships, such as siblings, parents and children, and aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews, are also prohibited.
What About Other Cousin Relationships?
- First cousins once removed (for example, your cousin’s child) and more distant cousins (second cousins and beyond) are allowed to marry in Pennsylvania
- The law is less clear regarding half-first cousins, but the prohibition is generally interpreted to apply to all first cousins. If you have a specific situation, it’s advisable to consult an attorney
Are There Any Exceptions?
Unlike some states, Pennsylvania does not allow any exceptions for first cousin marriage. There are no allowances based on age, infertility, or other factors
Out-of-State Marriages
Pennsylvania will recognize first cousin marriages legally performed in another state where such unions are allowed, provided the marriage does not violate Pennsylvania’s broader public policy (which is generally reserved for polygamous or incestuous marriages). This means that if two Pennsylvania residents travel to a state where first cousin marriage is legal (such as New Jersey or New York), get married there, and return to Pennsylvania, their marriage will typically be recognized by Pennsylvania authorities.
Table
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in PA? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First cousins | No | Explicitly prohibited by state law |
| First cousins once removed | Yes | Allowed |
| Second cousins or more distant | Yes | Allowed |
| Out-of-state first cousin marriage | Recognized | If legal where performed; not against PA public policy |
You cannot legally marry your first cousin in Pennsylvania, but the state will recognize a first cousin marriage performed in a state where it is legal. More distant cousin marriages are permitted within Pennsylvania.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chpt=13&sctn=4&subsctn=0
[3] https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/err/D6%20-%20Fiancees%20and%20Fiances%20of%20U.S.%20Citizen%20(K-1)/Decisions_Issued_in_2021/JUN092021_01D6101.pdf
[4] https://ideas.dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1876&context=dlra
[5] https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-pennsylvania/
