No, it is NOT illegal to marry your cousin in Montana. Montana law does not prohibit first-cousin marriages.
What Montana Law Actually Says
Under Montana’s prohibited marriages statute (40-1-401 MCA), the following relationships are banned from marrying:
| Prohibited Relationship | Status in Montana |
|---|---|
| Ancestor and descendant (parent-child, grandparent-grandchild) | ❌ Illegal |
| Brother and sister (whole or half blood) | ❌ Illegal |
| First cousins | ✅ Legal |
The law specifically lists ancestors, descendants, and siblings as prohibited relationships—but cousins are not mentioned, meaning they are legally permitted to marry.
Key Facts About Cousin Marriage in Montana
Montana Among States That Allow Cousin Marriage
Montana is one of 19 states that permit first-cousin marriages, alongside states like:
- Alaska, California, Colorado, New Mexico
- Florida, Georgia, Tennessee
- North Carolina, South Carolina
- Many Northeastern states
Important Distinction
While 24 states make first-cousin marriage illegal and 7 states allow it with conditions (like genetic counseling or sterility), Montana falls into the permissive category with no restrictions.
Bottom Line
You can legally marry your first cousin in Montana without any special conditions, genetic counseling requirements, or age restrictions beyond the standard marriage laws. Montana only prohibits marriages between close blood relatives (parents, children, siblings)—cousins are not included in that restriction.
SOURCES :
- https://xlcountry.com/does-montana-allow-kissing-cousins-the-answer-might-surprise-you/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
