Marrying your first cousin in Massachusetts is legal. The state is among 17 in the U.S. where first-cousin marriage is fully permitted, with no special restrictions or requirements.
This means that if you and your first cousin wish to marry, Massachusetts law allows you to do so, and you may also live together and have children without legal repercussions.
Relevant Statutes and Details
- Massachusetts law specifically prohibits marriage between certain close relatives (such as siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews), but first cousins are not included in this list of prohibited relationships.
- The law applies equally to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples.
- There are no additional requirements such as genetic counseling or age restrictions that apply uniquely to cousin marriages in Massachusetts.
Summary Table
| Relationship | Legal to Marry in Massachusetts? |
|---|---|
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Half-Cousin | Yes |
| Cousin by Adoption | Yes |
| Sibling, Parent, Aunt | No |
Key Takeaways
- First-cousin marriage is legal in Massachusetts.
- There are no unique restrictions or requirements for cousins wishing to marry.
- Other close blood relationships (siblings, parent-child, uncle-niece, etc.) are strictly prohibited by state law.
If you want to marry your first cousin in Massachusetts, the law allows it without any special conditions.
Sources:
- https://wbsm.com/massachusetts-first-cousins-marry/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.reneelazarlaw.com/blog/2024/03/can-people-who-live-in-massachusetts-legally-marry-their-first-cousin/
- https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-marry-cousin-tennessee-ban-1889727
- https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-marriage