Is it against the law in Vermont to marry your cousin? What the Law Says Is This

Posted by David March 20, 2025
Is it against the law in Vermont to marry your cousin What the Law Says Is This

In Vermont, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin. The state’s marriage laws do not prohibit unions between first cousins, making Vermont one of the states where such marriages are legal.

However, Vermont does have restrictions on marriages between certain close relatives. According to Vermont Statutes, specifically Title 15, Chapter 001, Section 1a:

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“No person shall marry his or her parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, sibling’s child, or parent’s sibling.”

This means that while first cousin marriages are allowed, marriages between closer relatives such as siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and direct lineal ancestors or descendants are forbidden by law.

It’s important to note that Vermont’s approach to cousin marriage is not universal across the United States. As of 2025, cousin marriage laws vary significantly from state to state:

  • It is illegal or largely illegal in 32 states
  • It is legal or largely legal in 18 states, including Vermont.
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Some states have additional restrictions or requirements for cousin marriages. For example:

  • Maine allows first-cousin marriage if the couple agrees to genetic counseling
  • North Carolina permits it as long as the couple are not rare double first cousins
  • Wisconsin allows first cousins to marry if the woman is at least 55 years old or if either partner is sterile.

While legal in Vermont, it’s worth noting that cousin marriages are not widespread in the United States, even in states where they are permitted. Individuals considering such a union should be aware of potential social, cultural, and health considerations, as well as how it might affect their status if they plan to relocate to a state with different laws.

Sources

  1. https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/HSI-VR-GettingMarriedinVermont-FAQs-2023.pdf
  2.  https://www.arlingtoninn.com/marriage-guidelines-for-vermont.htm
  3.  https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/15/001/00001a
  4. https://theamm.org/articles/1927-kissing-cousins-the-popularity-controversy-of-cousin-marriage
  5.  https://www.ulc.org/wedding-laws/vermont
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