Is It illegal to Marry Your Cousin in Arizona in 2025? Here’s What the Law Says

The intricacies of marriage law in the United States often surprise many, especially when it comes to the rules around tying the knot with a first cousin. Arizona stands out due to its nuanced legal stance toward cousin marriage. For residents of bustling Phoenix, the historic streets of Tucson, or scenic Flagstaff, understanding these laws is crucial for anyone considering this type of union. This guide will unravel the legal, social, and practical realities of cousin marriage in Arizona, detailing what the law says, the social context, and key facts and figures that complete the picture in 2025.

The Legal Landscape of Cousin Marriage in Arizona

What Arizona Law Says About Cousin Marriage

The state of Arizona does not take a blanket approach to cousin marriage. Under current Arizona law, first cousins are generally prohibited from marrying. However, there are critical exceptions based on age and the ability to conceive children.

• First cousins can marry in Arizona if both parties are at least 65 years old.

• If either cousin is under 65 but can provide evidence to a judge that one of them is sterile (unable to reproduce), the marriage may be permitted with a court order.

This means the law is restrictive for most younger first cousins in Arizona. While marriage between cousins may seem uncommon, it remains a topic of legal and social discourse, especially in rapidly growing metropolises like Mesa and Chandler, where diverse populations bring various family norms.

The Statutory Language

Arizona codifies these rules in its family law statutes. The law broadly prohibits marriage between:

• Parent and child

• Grandparent and grandchild

• Siblings (full and half-blood)

• Uncles and nieces or aunts and nephews

• First cousins (with the exceptions noted)

Through court intervention, the only paths to legal cousin marriage below the age of 65 hinge on proof of infertility. No exceptions are made for religious or cultural reasons outside these parameters.

The Evolution of Arizona’s Approach

Historical Context

The roots of Arizona’s marriage laws date back to earlier decades when cousin unions raised questions about genetics and public health. Over time, changing perceptions and scientific research have influenced the law, leading to the age and sterility exceptions present today.

Arizona follows a model seen in a handful of other American states, balancing concerns about potential genetic disorders with personal freedoms. In the Southwest, neighbor states like California are more permissive, while others, such as Utah, have similar exceptions based on age or infertility.

The 2025 Update

For those wondering about any recent changes: As of 2025, no new law has altered Arizona’s stance on cousin marriage. The age and infertility exceptions remain. The state continues to issue marriage licenses at local county offices in cities across the state, from Yuma on the border to the northern city of Prescott, applying these standards consistently.

Arizona in the National Context

How Arizona Compares to Other States

Across the United States, cousin marriage laws vary widely:

• In around half the states, cousin marriage is banned outright.

• Some states, like California and Colorado, allow cousin marriage with few restrictions.

• Others, like Illinois and Indiana, impose restrictions based on age or fertility, similar to Arizona.

Arizona stands unique in balancing relative restrictiveness with defined exceptions, keeping it apart from states that prohibit or permit cousin marriage outright.

The Social Realities in Arizona Cities

In diverse hubs such as Phoenix, Tucson, and Glendale, attitudes can vary. While marriage between first cousins remains rare, curiosity about its legality surfaces due to Arizona’s immigrant populations and cultural traditions from regions where such marriages are accepted.

Facts, Figures, and Social Perspectives

How Common Is Cousin Marriage in Arizona?

While comprehensive recent statistics on cousin marriage rates in Arizona are scarce, it remains a rare occurrence. Nationally, data from previous decades suggested that cousin marriages made up a small fraction of all unions. In Arizona, due to legal restrictions and social factors, actual numbers are believed to be even lower.

For context:

• The Arizona Department of Health Services records thousands of new marriages state-wide each year, with only a tiny subset involving cousins under the permitted exceptions.

• In cities like Scottsdale and Tempe, most marriage licenses are issued to unrelated couples.

Marriage and Divorce Statistics in Arizona

To understand the broader marital landscape:

Marriage remains popular statewide, but, like nationwide trends, Arizona has seen a slow decline in its marriage rates and a stabilization or slight decrease in divorce rates since the 2000s. The average marriage duration before divorce is roughly eight years, reflecting national patterns.

Cultural Variation and Acceptance

Arizona’s mixture of cultures and influences from Latin America, Asia, and Europe means that attitudes toward cousin marriage differ across communities. In some cultures, cousin marriage is traditional and not stigmatized, whereas broader U.S. society may view it with skepticism or outright opposition.

This cultural mosaic is visible in neighborhoods across Phoenix, Chandler, and Avondale, where multicultural families may navigate both personal customs and state law when considering such unions.

Requirements and Pathways for Cousin Marriage in Arizona

Marriage License Application Process

For eligible cousin couples, the process involves steps beyond a standard marriage application:

• Both parties must appear in person at their local county clerk’s office (in cities such as Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, or Flagstaff).

• If applying under the infertility exception, court documentation proving sterility must be presented.

• For couples both aged 65 or over, proof of age is required.

If seeking court approval, the Superior Court—present throughout Arizona counties—reviews and must approve the application after evidence is provided.

Legal Risks and Consequences

Attempting to circumvent these legal requirements can have serious consequences:

• Marriages conducted outside Arizona by residents, in states with more permissive laws, may not be recognized as valid if the couple returns to live in Arizona.

• False documentation or misrepresentation during the application can result in the marriage being declared void.

Many Arizona family law attorneys in cities like Gilbert and Paradise Valley advise consulting a legal professional before proceeding with a cousin marriage, especially for those considering court filings regarding infertility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marrying a Cousin Considered Incest in Arizona?

Arizona law distinguishes between incest (which involves specific prohibited relationships) and cousin marriage. While marriage between closer relatives (like siblings or parent-child) is considered incestuous and criminally punishable, cousin marriage is treated separately and is only restricted under the marriage code, not prosecuted as a criminal offense.

Can I Marry My First Cousin If We Get Married in Another State and Move Back to Arizona?

Arizona’s law generally does not recognize out-of-state cousin marriages that do not comply with its specific exceptions (age or infertility). Couples married in permissive states like California who move back to Arizona often face legal gray areas regarding recognition of their union.

Are Second Cousin and Beyond Marriages Legal?

Arizona’s restrictions only apply to first cousins. Second cousins and more distant relatives face no legal impediment to marriage.

The Debate and Changing Perspectives

The Scientific Perspective

Debate around cousin marriage often centers on health risks to offspring. Modern genetic research indicates that, while children of first cousins have a higher risk of congenital conditions compared to unrelated couples, the increase is not as large as once feared. Nevertheless, this historical concern continues to influence public policy and social attitudes in places like Peoria and Surprise.

Some countries and cultures actively encourage cousin unions to preserve property, tradition, or social structure. In Arizona, the law reflects compromise—accepting cousin marriage for individuals past childbearing age or unable to conceive, while restricting it in other cases.

Local Voices and Community Stories

Interviews with Arizonans reveal a mix of perspectives. In Tempe, younger generations may be less inclined to uphold family traditions involving cousin marriage, while in suburban areas with recent immigrants, such unions may still be considered.

Community organizations in the greater Phoenix area, as well as religious leaders in Tucson, sometimes offer counseling or assistance navigating both the legal and familial aspects of cousin marriage.

Key Takeaways and Realities

• Arizona prohibits marriage between first cousins except when both are at least 65, or if one is unable to reproduce and this is verified by a court.

• No major legislative changes affecting this law have occurred as of 2025.

• Marriage between second cousins (and beyond) is fully legal.

• The legal pathway involves documentation, court approval, and, in some cases, the involvement of medical professionals.

• Social and cultural attitudes vary widely across Arizona’s diverse population.

Conclusion

In Arizona, the question of whether it is illegal to marry your cousin is met with a nuanced legal answer. It is generally prohibited for first cousins to marry, with two clear exceptions—if both are over 65, or if sterility can be proven to a judge’s satisfaction. There are no legal restrictions on marrying more distant cousins.

This framework is consistent throughout all Arizona cities, from the Sonoran Desert hub of Phoenix to the cooler pines of Prescott. For Arizonans considering this step, understanding these legal stipulations and the cultural context is essential. Because Arizona’s law balances longstanding public health concerns with personal freedom, it can serve as both a caution and a guide for those facing this rare but legally complex marital choice.

For more specific legal advice or personal stories, Arizonans are encouraged to consult local family law attorneys or community counseling services.

Read Helpful Links