No, it is not illegal to marry your cousin in Virginia. In fact, Virginia law explicitly allows cousins—including first cousins—to marry. The state’s marriage statutes prohibit marriage only between closer relatives, such as siblings, parents and children, aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews, but do not include cousins in this list of prohibited relationships.
What Relationships Are Prohibited?
Virginia bans marriage between:
- Ancestors and descendants (parents/children, grandparents/grandchildren)
- Siblings (including half-siblings)
- Aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews
Cousins, including first cousins, are not prohibited from marrying under Virginia law. Step-siblings may also marry.
Marriage License Requirements
- No residency requirement: You do not need to be a Virginia resident to marry your cousin in the state.
- Application process: Couples must apply for a marriage license at a circuit court clerk’s office; the process does not require you to disclose your relationship as cousins.
- Recognition elsewhere: While Virginia allows cousin marriage, some other states do not recognize such unions. If you plan to move, check the laws in your new state.
Religious Ceremonies
If you wish to have a religious ceremony, such as in a Roman Catholic church, you may need to seek special permission (a dispensation) from church authorities, as some denominations have their own rules about cousin marriage.
Summary Table
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in Virginia? |
|---|---|
| Sibling | No |
| Parent/Child | No |
| Aunt/Uncle–Niece/Nephew | No |
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Second Cousin | Yes |
| Step-sibling | Yes |
It is legal to marry your cousin in Virginia. The law only prohibits marriage between closer relatives. If you and your cousin wish to marry in Virginia, you can do so without legal barriers.
Sources:
- https://vsb.org/common/Uploaded%20files/docs/pub-fa-marriage.pdf
- https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-virginia/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.newsweek.com/map-states-marry-cousin-tennessee-ban-1889727
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/virginia-law/virginia-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html