Yes, it is illegal to marry your first cousin in Pennsylvania. The state has a clear prohibition on marriages between first cousins, and these unions are not recognized if contracted within Pennsylvania’s borders.
The Law in Detail
Who May Not Marry Under Pennsylvania Law?
Pennsylvania’s marriage statutes lay out a list of relatives who are barred from marrying each other, and this includes all blood relatives down to and including first cousins. This covers both maternal and paternal first cousins, with the law stating:
“Blood relatives down to and including first cousins may not marry under the laws of Pennsylvania.”
That means you cannot marry your mother’s sister’s child, your father’s brother’s child, or any other cousin who shares grandparents with you.
What About Second Cousins and Beyond?
Marriage between second cousins or more distant relatives is permitted under Pennsylvania law. So, if you and your partner are related as second cousins (you share great-grandparents but not grandparents), you may legally marry in Pennsylvania.
First Cousins Once Removed and Other Distant Relations
First cousins once removed (e.g., your cousin’s child or your parent’s cousin) are generally allowed to marry.
The law only prohibits marriage between individuals who are first cousins or more closely related.
Recognition of Out-of-State Cousin Marriages
If two first cousins legally marry in another state where such marriage is permitted, there is precedent for Pennsylvania recognizing the marriage as valid—even though the marriage could not be performed in Pennsylvania itself.
This principle stems from a long-standing legal doctrine in the state that respects marriages validly contracted elsewhere, provided the parties were not Pennsylvania residents seeking to evade state law at the time of marriage.
No Exceptions or Special Circumstances
Pennsylvania does not make exceptions to this rule based on age, medical condition, or infertility, unlike some other states that sometimes allow cousin marriage in special cases. The ban applies to all first cousin pairings, regardless of other circumstances.
Application Process
While Pennsylvania’s marriage application forms do not specifically ask about blood relationship, the law still applies. Signing the marriage application is an assertion that no legal impediment exists. If you attempt to marry your first cousin in Pennsylvania, that marriage will be considered void and will not be legally recognized by the state.
The Bottom Line
Marrying your first cousin is illegal in Pennsylvania.
Second cousins and more distant relatives may marry.
Pennsylvania may recognize first cousin marriages legally performed in other states.
There are no loopholes, medical waivers, or age exceptions for first cousin marriages.
If you are considering marriage to a cousin and are unsure of your relationship under Pennsylvania law, consult with an attorney or your county’s marriage license office before proceeding.
Sources
[1] https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-pennsylvania/
[2] https://www.dauphincounty.gov/government/publicly-elected-officials/register-of-wills-clerk-of-orphans-court/marriage-license
[3] https://yorkcountypa.gov/248/Marriage-Licenses
[4] https://co.lancaster.pa.us/278/Marriage-Licenses
[5] https://www.beavercountypa.gov/departments/register-of-wills/obtain-a-marriage-license
