In Vermont, it is legal to marry your cousin, including first cousins. The state’s marriage laws specifically prohibit marriage between close relatives such as parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, but do not mention cousins as forbidden relatives. This omission means that all levels of cousin relationships—first cousins, half first cousins, first cousins once removed, second cousins, and beyond—are permitted to marry under Vermont law.
Couples wishing to marry in Vermont must apply for a marriage license from a town or city clerk. Residency is not required for either party to apply, making Vermont a possible option for cousins from other states where such marriages might be restricted or illegal. The marriage license is valid statewide for 60 days, and no blood tests or waiting periods are required.
While Vermont law permits cousin marriages, it’s important to note that some religious institutions, such as the Roman Catholic Church, may have their own restrictions or require dispensations to solemnize such marriages. Nonetheless, legally, cousin marriage in Vermont is allowed and recognized without special conditions.
Vermont law does not prohibit marriage between cousins, making it legal for first cousins and more distant cousins to marry in the state. Restrictions are primarily aimed at closer family ties such as siblings and direct ancestors or descendants, but cousin marriage is explicitly permitted by the absence of prohibition.
Sources
(https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-vermont/)
(https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/15/001/00001a)
(https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/HSI-VR-GettingMarriedinVermont-FAQs-2023.pdf)
(https://wokq.com/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-first-cousin-in-new-england/)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States)
