In Wyoming, it is illegal for first cousins to marry. The state’s marriage laws explicitly prohibit marriages between first cousins, along with other close relatives such as siblings, aunts, uncles, and nieces or nephews.
This prohibition is outlined in the Wyoming Statutes, which state that marriages involving individuals who are related by blood within these specified degrees are considered void .
Key Points:
- Prohibited Relationships: Marriages between first cousins, as well as closer relatives (e.g., siblings and parent-child relationships), are not allowed under Wyoming law.
- Legal Status: Any marriage contracted in violation of these prohibitions is deemed void without the need for a divorce decree.
- Cultural Context: While cousin marriages are legal in some states and cultures, Wyoming’s laws reflect a more restrictive stance on familial relationships in the context of marriage.
In summary, if you are considering marriage to a first cousin in Wyoming, it is important to be aware that such a union is not legally recognized and would be considered invalid.
Sources
- https://ground.news/article/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-wyoming-heres-what-the-law-says_144797
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/title-20/chapter-2/article-1/section-20-2-101/
- https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title20.pdf
- https://www.draslamabdullah.com/post/first-cousin-marriage-laws-in-the-u-s
