It is illegal to marry your first cousin in Pennsylvania. The state’s marriage laws explicitly prohibit marriages between blood relatives down to and including first cousins. This ban is clear in both the statutory language and official resources: “A man may not marry his first cousin. A woman may not marry her first cousin”.
There are no exceptions to this rule in Pennsylvania. Unlike some other states that allow first cousin marriage under certain conditions (such as age or infertility), Pennsylvania enforces a blanket ban. First cousins once removed and more distant relatives, such as second cousins, are permitted to marry in the state.
If two first cousins who are residents of Pennsylvania marry in another state where cousin marriage is legal, the situation is more nuanced. Historically, Pennsylvania courts have sometimes recognized such marriages, especially if the marriage was lawfully performed elsewhere and the couple returned to Pennsylvania to live. However, this recognition is not guaranteed in every case, and legal challenges could arise, particularly if the marriage is deemed contrary to Pennsylvania’s public policy.
First cousin marriage is not allowed in Pennsylvania, and any marriage between first cousins performed within the state is void. Marriages between more distant relatives, such as first cousins once removed or second cousins, are legal. If you are considering a marriage that may fall within these categories, consulting an attorney is advisable to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania law.
Sources
[1] https://yorkcountypa.gov/248/Marriage-Licenses
[2] https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-pennsylvania/
[3] https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=23&div=0&chapter=13§ion=4&subsctn=0
[4] https://ideas.dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1876&context=dlra
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
