Yes, in Utah, marrying your first cousin is generally illegal, but there are a few narrow exceptions. Utah law says first-cousin marriages are void unless both parties are 65 or older, or both are at least 55 and a court finds that one party is unable to reproduce.
What the Law Says
Utah treats marriages between first cousins as incestuous and void from the beginning, meaning the marriage is not legally valid under state law. The statute also bars marriages between closer relatives, such as parents and children, siblings, and aunts or uncles with nieces or nephews.
The state court self-help page states the rule plainly: you cannot marry your first cousin, or anyone more closely related than a first cousin. It then lists the limited exceptions for older couples.
The Exceptions
There are two exceptions for first cousins in Utah. First, the couple may marry if both are 65 or older. Second, if both are 55 or older, a district court may allow the marriage if it finds that either party is unable to reproduce.
These exceptions are narrow and do not apply to most couples. In practice, that means age and court findings matter more than family consent or private agreement.
Why This Matters
A marriage that violates Utah’s cousin-marriage rules is not just discouraged; it is legally void. That can affect the marriage license, spousal rights, inheritance issues, and other legal benefits tied to valid marriage status.
If someone is considering marriage to a cousin in Utah, the exact relationship degree matters too. Utah’s law extends beyond first cousins to other close family relationships, so it is important to verify the family link before applying for a license.
Practical Takeaway
For most people, the answer is simple: first-cousin marriage is not allowed in Utah unless one of the statutory exceptions applies. If the relationship is more distant than first cousin, the legal result may be different, but the best approach is to confirm the degree of kinship carefully before moving forward.
SOURCES :
- https://www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/case-categories/family/marriage.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
