In Washington State, it is illegal to marry your first cousin. State law explicitly prohibits marriages between individuals who are “nearer of kin to each other than second cousins, whether of the whole or half blood”. This means:
- First cousins (children of siblings) cannot legally marry in Washington.
- Half first cousins (children of half-siblings) are also prohibited from marrying.
- First cousins once removed (a person and their cousin’s child) are not allowed to marry either.
Second Cousin and More Distant Marriages Are Legal
- Second cousins and more distant relatives are permitted to marry in Washington.
No Exceptions
Unlike some states that allow cousin marriages under certain conditions (such as age or infertility), Washington has a blanket ban on first cousin marriages with no exceptions.
Recognition of Out-of-State Marriages
If first cousins legally marry in another state where such unions are permitted, Washington does not recognize the marriage if it would be prohibited under its own laws. This means that a first cousin marriage valid elsewhere is not valid in Washington.
Summary Table: Cousin Marriage Laws in Washington
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in WA? |
|---|---|
| First cousin | No |
| Half first cousin | No |
| First cousin once removed | No |
| Second cousin | Yes |
| More distant cousin | Yes |
It is illegal to marry your first cousin in Washington. The law also prohibits marriage to half first cousins and first cousins once removed. Only second cousins and more distant relatives may legally marry in the state.
Sources:
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/washington-law/washington-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
- https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-washington/
- https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.04.020
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/can-my-cousin-and-i-live-together-in-the-state-of–4963302.html