In Wyoming, it is indeed illegal to marry your first cousin. The state’s laws are clear on this matter, prohibiting marriages between close relatives, including first cousins.
Legal Framework
Wyoming’s marriage laws are outlined in Title 20 of the Wyoming Statutes, specifically in Chapter 1 (Creation of Marriage) and Chapter 2 (Dissolution of Marriage). These statutes define the legal parameters for marriages within the state, including prohibited unions.
Prohibited Marriages
According to Wyoming Statute ยง 20-2-101, marriages are considered void without any decree of divorce when:
- Either party is already married to someone else
- Either party is mentally incompetent at the time of marriage
- The parties are closely related, including:
- Parent and child
- Grandparent and grandchild
- Siblings (full or half-blood)
- Uncle and niece
- Aunt and nephew
- First cousins
It’s important to note that this prohibition applies regardless of whether either party is illegitimate. However, the law specifies that this restriction does not apply to persons not related by blood (consanguinity).
Consequences of Prohibited Marriages
Marriages that fall under these prohibited categories are considered void from the outset. This means that they are not legally recognized and do not require a formal divorce or annulment to be dissolved. However, individuals who knowingly enter into such marriages may face legal consequences.
Comparison with Other States
While Wyoming prohibits first cousin marriages, it’s worth noting that laws on this matter vary across the United States. As of 2025, 24 states prohibit marriages between first cousins, 19 states allow them, and 7 states allow them under certain conditions.ย For example:
- States like Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, and Florida allow first cousin marriages without restrictions.
- Some states, like Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Utah, and Wisconsin, allow first cousin marriages under specific circumstances, such as when both parties are over a certain age or when one party is infertile.
- States neighboring Wyoming have different laws:
- Montana and South Dakota also prohibit first cousin marriages.
- Colorado allows first cousin marriages.
- Utah allows them only if both parties are 65 or older, or if both are 55 or older with a court finding of infertility.
Other Considerations
While first cousin marriages are illegal in Wyoming, it’s important to note that:
- First cousins can legally cohabitate and have sexual relations in Wyoming.
- Marriages between first cousins once removed and cousins through adoption are permitted in the state.
- Wyoming does not recognize common-law marriages.
- Same-sex marriages are legal in Wyoming.
In conclusion, while some states have more lenient laws regarding cousin marriages, Wyoming maintains a strict prohibition on such unions.
This law reflects the state’s stance on consanguineous marriages and aligns with the majority of U.S. states that have similar restrictions in place.
Sources:
- https://ground.news/article/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-wyoming-heres-what-the-law-says_144797
- https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
- https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-wyoming/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://portainer-ha01.armadilloamarillo.com/post/states-where-it-is-legal-to-marry-your-cousin
- https://www.draslamabdullah.com/post/first-cousin-marriage-laws-in-the-u-s
