No, it is illegal to marry your first cousin in Mississippi. State law explicitly prohibits marriage between first cousins, classifying such unions as incestuous and void.
The relevant statute (Mississippi Code § 93-1-1) states that “the children of brother or sister, or brothers and sisters intermarry being first cousins by blood” are not allowed to marry, and any such marriage is considered void and incestuous under Mississippi law.
There are no exceptions to this rule, and Mississippi does not recognize first cousin marriages performed in other states where such unions are legal.
However, marriages between more distant relatives—such as first cousins once removed or second cousins—are permitted in Mississippi.
Summary Table: First Cousin Marriage in Mississippi
| Relationship | Legal to Marry in Mississippi? |
|---|---|
| First Cousin | No |
| First Cousin Once Removed | Yes |
| Second Cousin | Yes |
In conclusion, marrying your first cousin is illegal in Mississippi, and such marriages are not recognized even if performed elsewhere.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-93/chapter-1/section-93-1-1/
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-93-domestic-relations/ms-code-sect-93-1-1/
- https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-mississippi-explained/