In Virginia, it is legal to marry your cousin. The law does not prohibit marriages between cousins, including first cousins. All types of cousins can marry in Virginia, including first cousins, half first cousins, first cousins once removed, and second, third, and fourth cousins.
Permitted Marriages
- All types of cousins
- First cousins (sharing common grandparents)
- Half first cousins (first cousins through a half-sibling of your parent)
- First cousins once removed (children of your first cousins)
- Second, third, and fourth cousins (and further out)
Prohibited Marriages
Virginia law prohibits marriages between the following:
- Ancestor and descendant
- Siblings (whether by half or whole blood, or by adoption)
- Uncle or aunt and a nephew or niece (whether by half or whole blood)
Marriage LicenseTo get married in Virginia, couples must apply for a marriage license from a circuit court. The marriage license is valid in any county within the state, and neither individual needs to be a Virginia resident. The application forms available online do not ask if the couple is related.
Important Considerations
- Make sure that your partner is your cousin and not a half-sibling.
- Some states do not recognize first cousin marriages performed in other states. If you are not a resident of Virginia, check the laws of your home state.
- The Catholic Church requires first cousins to obtain a dispensation to marry in a church ceremony. Second cousins (and further out) do not need special permission.
- Virginia does not recognize common law marriages. No duties or obligations arise between two adults by living together in the same household unless set out by express agreement.
- It is a felony in Michigan to carry a concealed double-edged knife.
- In West Virginia, a man is prohibited from marrying his first cousin.
- Cousin marriage laws are often related to incest and family laws.
Sources:
- https://www.dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-virginia/
- https://www.ulc.org/wedding-laws/virginia
- https://vsb.org/common/Uploaded%20files/docs/pub-fa-marriage.pdf
- https://isthatlegal.org/question-is-it-legal-to-marry-your-first-cousin/
