Marrying a cousin raises questions for many, especially since laws regulating such unions vary widely across the United States. In Connecticut, the legality of marrying your cousin has long been a subject of interest and recent legislative changes have further clarified this issue.
Current Legal Status in Connecticut
As of early 2025, it is still legal to marry your first cousin in Connecticut. Unlike many states that have explicit bans against cousin marriage, Connecticut did not prohibit first cousins from entering into marriage. The state law bans marriages between closer relatives such as parents and children, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, stepparents, and stepchildren, but oddly does not list first cousins among those forbidden.
This meant that up until 2025, first cousins could legally marry in Connecticut without restrictions or special conditions, distinguishing Connecticut from many neighboring states.
Legislative Changes Coming October 1, 2025
However, that legal landscape is about to change. In 2025, Connecticut passed “AN ACT PROHIBITING FIRST COUSIN MARRIAGE” which officially bans marriages between first cousins starting October 1, 2025.
The bill does not criminalize existing marriages between cousins nor does it void them, but prohibits any new marriages between first cousins from that date forward. This places Connecticut in line with most other states that have already outlawed first cousin marriage due to health concerns and social considerations.
Why the Change?
The push to prohibit cousin marriage caught attention during legislative hearings, with supporters citing genetic risks associated with cousin marriages and its rarity as reasons for the ban. Opponents raised concerns related to cultural traditions and personal freedoms, arguing that cousin marriages in some families have been longstanding and successful.
Despite some opposition, the bill passed with significant support and was signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont. The change reflects a broader trend across the United States where over half the states restrict or prohibit such marriages.
Cousin Marriage Laws Across the U.S.
To put Connecticut’s change in perspective:
- Approximately 24 states currently prohibit first cousin marriages outright.
- Around 18 states allow these marriages without restrictions.
- Several states have conditional permissions—such as requiring genetic counseling or prohibiting only some forms of cousin marriage.
Connecticut’s move to ban cousin marriage aligns it with most northeastern states and sets a formal boundary on this issue starting in late 2025.
What This Means Moving Forward
If you reside in or plan to marry in Connecticut:
Current cousin marriages remain legal and recognized.
Starting October 1, 2025, first cousins will be unable to legally marry in the state.
Couples considering marriage should take note of this timeline to avoid legal complications.
While Connecticut has historically permitted first cousin marriage, the new law effective October 2025 will end that practice within the state. This legislative shift reflects changing social norms and public health concerns around close relative marriages.
If cousin marriage is a consideration, consulting a family law attorney prior to October 2025 is advisable to ensure compliance and full understanding of current rights and future changes.
Marrying your cousin in Connecticut is legal for now but will be illegal starting October 1, 2025, making this year a pivotal moment for cousin couples in the state.
Sources
[1] https://cga.ct.gov/2025/ba/pdf/2025HB-06918-R000728-BA.pdf
[2] https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/JFR/H/PDF/2025HB-06918-R00JUD-JFR.PDF
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[4] https://www.ctinsider.com/politics/article/first-cousin-marriage-banned-connecticut-law-20395170.php
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCAkH0cA274
