First cousin marriage is generally prohibited in Arizona under A.R.S. § 25-101, but narrow exceptions apply.
Prohibited Relationships
Arizona law voids marriages between first cousins, alongside closer kin like parents/children, siblings, and aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews. This stems from public policy against incestuous unions.
Such marriages lack legal recognition, affecting inheritance, taxes, and spousal rights.
Exceptions for First Cousins
Both parties aged 65 or older may marry without further hurdles, presuming low reproduction risk. Under 65, one or both must prove infertility to a superior court judge via medical evidence like sterility tests.
Court approval requires a petition; denials are rare with solid proof.
Distant Cousins
Second cousins, half-cousins, or more remote relations face no bans. Adoption-only links also permit marriage freely.
Legal Process
Marriage license applications require affirming no impediments; false statements risk voiding. Out-of-state cousin marriages hold validity in Arizona unless fraudulently obtained.
Consult family law attorneys for petitions or validity checks.
Penalties and Implications
No criminal penalties exist solely for prohibited marriages, but civil challenges can annul them. Immigration may scrutinize cousin unions despite state allowance.
| Cousin Type | Legal? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| First | No | 65+ or court/infertility proof |
| Second+ | Yes | None |
| Adopted Only | Yes | None |
SOURCES :
- https://agadari.com/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-arizona-heres-what-the-law-says/
- https://thewrangler.com/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-arizona-heres-what-the-law-says/2025/06/04/
