In Virginia, it is legal to marry your cousin, including first cousins. The state’s marriage laws do not list cousins among the relationships for which marriage is prohibited. Virginia law specifically bans marriages between close blood relatives such as siblings, parents and children, and uncles or aunts with their nieces or nephews, but cousins are not included in this list.
Virginia is among the 18 states in the United States where first cousin marriage is fully permitted. There are no age, fertility, or genetic counseling restrictions placed on cousin marriages in Virginia, unlike in some states that allow cousin marriage only under certain conditions, such as advanced age or proof of infertility. The legal code outlines prohibited marriages, but cousins do not fall under these categories, making their marriage lawful in the state.
The law does require that couples meet general marriage requirements, such as both parties being at least 18 years old, unless a minor has been emancipated by court order. There are no special requirements or additional steps for cousins seeking a marriage license compared to unrelated couples.
It is important to note that while cousin marriage is legal in Virginia, attitudes toward cousin marriage can vary socially and culturally. Some states in the U.S. do not recognize cousin marriages performed elsewhere, but Virginia does not have such restrictions. If you are considering marrying your cousin in Virginia and plan to move to another state, you should check the laws of your destination state, as recognition of cousin marriages can differ.
Marrying your cousin in Virginia is not illegal. The law allows first cousins and more distant cousins to marry, provided they meet the standard marriage requirements set by the state. There are no additional legal barriers or requirements for cousin marriage in Virginia.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter3/section20-38.1/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage
[4] https://cardozolawreview.com/the-unconstitutionality-of-state-bans-on-marriage-between-first-cousins/
[5] https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-2-302/
