Connecticut law allows marriage between first cousins. There is no statute prohibiting first cousins from marrying, and the law specifically outlines which familial relationships are forbidden-such as parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, stepparent, or stepchild-but first cousins are not included in this list. Therefore, first cousin marriage is legal in Connecticut.
“It is legal to marry your first cousin in Connecticut, but not your uncle, grandfather or niece.”
This is confirmed by multiple sources, including legal analyses and state law summaries, which list Connecticut among the states where first cousin marriage is permitted.
Recent Legislative Developments
In early 2025, a bill was introduced in the Connecticut legislature seeking to ban first cousin marriage, but as of May 2025, no such ban has been enacted. The current law remains unchanged, and first cousin marriages are still recognized and lawful in the state.
Prohibited Marriages in Connecticut
Connecticut law prohibits marriages between certain close relatives, specifically:
- Parent
- Grandparent
- Child
- Grandchild
- Sibling
- Parent’s sibling (aunt/uncle)
- Sibling’s child (niece/nephew)
- Stepparent
- Stepchild
First cousins are not included in these prohibited categories.
Summary Table: Marrying Your Cousin in Connecticut
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in Connecticut? |
|---|---|
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Aunt/Uncle-Niece/Nephew | No |
| Sibling | No |
| Parent/Child | No |
It is legal to marry your first cousin in Connecticut. The state’s marriage laws do not prohibit first cousin marriage, and despite recent legislative discussions, no ban is currently in effect. Marriages between closer relatives (such as siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews) remain prohibited.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/connecticut-law/connecticut-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
- https://www.ctpost.com/connecticut/article/ct-cousin-marriage-legal-where-connecticut-20158492.php
- https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-marry-cousin-tennessee-ban-1889727