Nevada strictly prohibits marriage between first cousins, classifying closer relations than second cousins as incest under state law. Couples must be no nearer than second cousins or half-cousins to wed legally.
Nevada Marriage Statutes
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 122.020 explicitly states that marriage is allowed only for those “not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of the half blood,” provided both are 18+ and unmarried. First cousins and closer relatives, including cousins once removed, cannot marry; such unions are void and criminalized as incest per NRS § 201.180.
What Counts as Incest
Incest includes not just sexual relations but marriage or adultery between first cousins, second cousins, or closer kin—even half-blood relations trigger bans. The law aims to prevent genetic risks from inbreeding, applying regardless of consent or out-of-state ceremonies, which Nevada deems invalid.
Penalties for Violations
Attempting cousin marriage constitutes a felony: 2 years to life in prison and fines up to $10,000. Courts annul invalid marriages, and convictions create permanent records affecting custody, inheritance, and employment.
Exceptions and Requirements
Second cousins or more distant relations face no prohibitions beyond standard marriage rules like age and no living spouses. No genetic testing is required, but minors need parental consent and court approval. Same-sex marriage is permitted since national legalization.
Out-of-State Marriages
Nevada refuses recognition of cousin marriages valid elsewhere, treating them as incestuous and unenforceable for benefits or divorce. Residency doesn’t alter prohibitions; the law binds all within state borders.
Practical Advice
Verify genealogy before planning; distant cousins (e.g., third) are fine. Las Vegas clerks check IDs but not kinship—risk falls on couples. Consult a family law attorney for clarity, especially with complex relations, to avoid felony charges.
SOURCES :
- https://agadari.com/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-nevada-heres-what-the-law-says/
- https://thewrangler.com/lander?oref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perplexity.ai%2F
