In Indiana, marrying your first cousin is generally illegal unless both individuals are at least 65 years old. The law clearly states that marriages between first cousins who are under 65 are prohibited. This means that for most people in Indiana, marrying a first cousin is not permitted by law. However, if both cousins are senior adults of 65 or older, the state allows such a marriage to take place legally.
This legal exception for elderly couples is somewhat unusual compared to other states. Indiana’s laws prohibit close familial marriages to reduce genetic risks associated with consanguinity but provide this allowance presumably acknowledging considerations related to older adults. Aside from the age exception, any first cousin marriage involving individuals younger than 65 is considered invalid and unlawful in Indiana.
Historically, following a law passed in 2011, marriages between first cousins that were solemnized before April 9, 1907, were retroactively legalized, recognizing some historical context and avoiding penalizing long-standing relationships. Beyond that, however, contemporary first cousin marriages are tightly regulated.
This approach differs across the United States. While Indiana bans first cousin marriages for most people, around 18 states permit them without restrictions, and some others allow first cousin marriages only under conditions such as infertility or genetic counseling. For example, Maine requires proof of genetic counseling before allowing such unions. Some nearby or culturally similar states like Tennessee also allow cousin marriage outright, while others such as Kentucky prohibit it, showing divided policies nationwide.
Indiana’s law classifies marriages within close familial relations, including first cousins, as void where not otherwise authorized by statute, protecting against legal recognition of such unions unless meeting the specific age exception. The legal code explicitly voids first cousin marriages except for the elderly exception, and there is no allowance based on other factors such as infertility or genetic counseling.
In summary, Indiana’s law prohibits first cousin marriage except when both individuals involved are at least 65 years old, making it illegal for those below this age. This age-specific exception is unique but limited strictly to elderly couples. Anyone contemplating marriage to a first cousin in Indiana should be aware that unless they meet the age criteria, such a marriage would be unlawful and not legally recognized. This legal stance reflects Indiana’s cautious approach to close-relative marriages while providing a narrow exception for older adults.
Key Points:
| Situation | Legal Status in Indiana | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First cousins under age 65 marry | Illegal | Marriage is void |
| First cousins both aged 65 or older | Legal | Valid under state law |
| Marriages between first cousins pre-1907 | Legally recognized | Retroactive legalization |
This information is based on the latest Indiana statutes and legal analyses as of 2025.
Sources
[1] https://my1053wjlt.com/cousin-marriage-laws-indiana/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[4] https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-31/article-11/chapter-8/section-31-11-8-0-3/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/MuslimMarriage/comments/1k2gsl6/is_india_planning_to_ban_cousin_marriages_under/
