It is legal to marry your first cousin in Rhode Island. State law does not prohibit marriage between first cousins, and the list of prohibited relationships in Rhode Island specifically excludes first cousins.
Only closer relationships—such as siblings, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews, and similar—are barred from marriage.
Key points:
- First cousin marriage is legal: You can legally marry your first cousin in Rhode Island, whether you are a resident or traveling from out of state to get married there.
- Marriage license process: Couples must apply for a marriage license, and while the application may ask about your relationship, being first cousins is not an impediment to marrying in the state.
- Other cousin relationships: Marriages between half-first cousins, first cousins once removed, and more distant cousins (second, third, etc.) are also allowed.
- Religious considerations: If you seek a religious ceremony (such as in a Catholic church), additional church requirements or dispensations may apply, but this is separate from state law.
Marrying your first cousin is fully legal under Rhode Island law, as long as you comply with the standard marriage license requirements.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage
- https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/HouseText25/H5258.pdf
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/rhode-island-law/rhode-island-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html