As of March 2025, it is illegal to marry your first cousin in Wyoming. The state law prohibits marriages between first cousins, with no exceptions based on age or fertility status. Here are the key points regarding cousin marriage in Wyoming:
- First cousin marriages are not permitted under Wyoming law.
- While first cousins cannot marry, they are allowed to cohabitate and have sexual relations in Wyoming.
- Marriages between more distant relatives, such as first cousins once removed and other more distant relationships, are legally allowed in Wyoming.
- Cousins through adoption are permitted to marry in Wyoming.
- Wyoming’s stance on cousin marriage aligns with many other U.S. states, as 24 states prohibit first cousin marriages as of February 2025.
It’s important to note that laws regarding cousin marriage can vary significantly between states. While Wyoming maintains a strict prohibition, some neighboring states have different regulations. For example:
- Colorado and New Mexico allow first cousin marriages without restrictions.
- Utah allows first cousin marriages only if both parties are 65 or older, or if both are 55 or older and one party is infertile.
Wyoming’s law on cousin marriage reflects a broader trend in the United States, where many states have restrictions on consanguineous marriages. These laws are often based on concerns about genetic risks and historical social norms. However, the topic remains controversial, with some arguing that such bans may be unconstitutional or discriminatory.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.insideedition.com/gallery/kissing-cousins-states-where-marrying-your-relative-legal-48234
- https://cardozolawreview.com/the-unconstitutionality-of-state-bans-on-marriage-between-first-cousins/
- https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-wyoming/
