Yes. In Wyoming, marrying your first cousin is illegal because the marriage is considered void under state law. Wyoming’s marriage statute specifically lists first cousins among the close relatives who cannot legally marry, and the state does not recognize that union as valid.
What Wyoming Law Says
Wyoming Statute 20-2-101 says marriages are void when the parties are first cousins, along with other close relatives such as siblings, uncles and nieces, and aunts and nephews. That means the marriage is invalid from the beginning, not just something that can be challenged later.
The law also makes clear that this rule applies whether the relationship is through whole blood or half blood, and whether either party is considered legitimate or illegitimate. In short, if two people are first cousins, Wyoming will not treat their marriage as legal.
First Cousins vs. Other Cousins
The ban is specific to first cousins. Wyoming law does not name second cousins in the same prohibition, so more distant cousin relationships are generally treated differently.
That distinction matters because many people use the word “cousin” loosely. Legally, the exact family relationship determines whether the marriage is allowed.
Marriage vs. Criminal Law
Wyoming’s incest law is separate from its marriage law. The criminal incest statute focuses on sexual conduct between very close family members such as parents and children, siblings, and certain other direct relations.
First cousins are not the main focus of that criminal statute, but the marriage ban still applies. So even if a relationship does not fall under the incest crime statute, the marriage itself can still be invalid under Wyoming domestic relations law.
What Happens If You Marry Anyway
If two first cousins marry in Wyoming, the state treats the marriage as void. That means the marriage has no legal effect, and the couple may face problems with property rights, inheritance, benefits, and other legal protections tied to marriage.
Because the marriage is void, it does not function like a normal marriage that must be ended by divorce. Instead, the legal system treats it as never having been valid in the first place.
A Simple Example
For example, if two first cousins in Wyoming try to obtain a marriage license and marry, the state will not recognize that marriage as valid. If the same couple were second cousins, the legal result could be different because Wyoming’s statute specifically targets first cousins.
SOURCES:
- https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-wyoming/
- https://socalnestbox.com/is-it-illegal-to-marry-your-cousin-in-wyoming/
