In West Virginia, it is illegal to marry your first cousin or double cousin. According to West Virginia Code §48-2-302, a woman is prohibited from marrying her father, grandfather, brother, son, grandson, half brother, uncle, brother’s son, sister’s son, first cousin, or double cousin.
Similarly, a man is prohibited from marrying his mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, granddaughter, half sister, aunt, brother’s daughter, sister’s daughter, first cousin, or double cousin.
These prohibitions apply both to blood relatives (consanguineous relationships) and, in some cases, to relationships by marriage (affinity), unless the marriage that created the relationship was originally unlawful or void.
However, relationships created solely by adoption are not included in the prohibition—meaning adopted cousins are not considered first or double cousins for the purpose of this law.
Summary Table
| Relationship Type | Legal to Marry in West Virginia? |
|---|---|
| First cousin (blood) | No |
| Double cousin (blood) | No |
| Adopted cousin | Yes |
Key Takeaway:
First cousin and double cousin marriage is prohibited in West Virginia. Only cousins whose relationship is created solely by adoption may legally marry in the state.
Sources
[1] https://code.wvlegislature.gov/48-2-302/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[3] https://codes.findlaw.com/wv/chapter-48-domestic-relations/wv-code-sect-48-2-302/
[4] https://code.wvlegislature.gov/email/48-2/
[5] https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/cousin-marriage-laws.html
