In Indiana, marrying your first cousin is generally illegal unless both individuals are at least 65 years old. The law specifically prohibits marriage between close relatives, including first cousins, but provides an exception for first cousins who are both age 65 or older.
This exception is primarily in place due to concerns about genetic risks for children, as couples marrying at or above this age are less likely to have children.
Key points:
- First cousins under 65: Cannot legally marry in Indiana.
- First cousins 65 or older: May legally marry in Indiana.
- Second cousins and more distant relatives: May marry at any age.
Marriages between first cousins that occurred before April 9, 1907, are also recognized as legal in Indiana.
It is illegal to marry your first cousin in Indiana unless both parties are at least 65 years old. Marrying more distant cousins (such as second cousins) is legal at any age.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.in.gov/courts/services/marriage-license/
[3] https://casetext.com/statute/indiana-code/title-31-family-law-and-juvenile-law/article-11-family-law-marriage/chapter-1-who-may-marry/section-31-11-1-2-marriage-to-close-relative-prohibited-marriages-between-cousins-exceptions
[4] https://my1053wjlt.com/cousin-marriage-laws-indiana/
[5] https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-31/article-11/chapter-8/section-31-11-8-0-3/