When it comes to marriage laws in the United States, there can be significant differences from one state to another. One subject that raises both eyebrows and questions is cousin marriage—especially whether it’s allowed or forbidden by law. If you’re living in Pennsylvania or considering moving to cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, or Harrisburg, you might be wondering: is it illegal to marry your cousin in Pennsylvania in 2025? This comprehensive blog post explores the current legal landscape in Pennsylvania regarding cousin marriage, highlights regional statistics, and compares the state’s laws with others across the country.
Understanding Cousin Marriage
Cousin marriage typically refers to the union between two people who share at least one grandparent. There are different degrees of cousin relationships, but the most commonly discussed are “first cousins”—those whose parents are siblings. The topic is more complex than it may seem, as laws across the United States vary widely.
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First cousins: Children of siblings; share a set of grandparents
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Second cousins: Children of first cousins; share great-grandparents
Marriage Laws in the United States: A Brief Overview
Marriage laws—especially about cousin marriage—reflect a patchwork of legal, cultural, and historic factors. In the United States, the power to regulate marriage lies primarily with each state, not the federal government.
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In about 24 states and the District of Columbia, first cousin marriage is fully legal.
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Approximately 19 states ban marriage between first cousins outright.
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Several states—including Ohio and New York—have certain exceptions and nuanced regulations about cousin marriage.
Pennsylvania’s Legal Stance on Cousin Marriage
If you’re wondering whether you can legally marry your cousin in Pennsylvania in 2025, the answer is: No, it is not legal for first cousins to marry in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Marriage Law specifically prohibits marriage between first cousins, following a tradition that dates back over a century.
The Legislation in Detail
Pennsylvania’s law states that individuals who are closer in blood relation than first cousins are not permitted to marry. This includes direct ancestors, siblings, half-siblings, and first cousins. The law does not provide exemptions for first cousins, distinguishing it from some states that allow exceptions for religious or cultural reasons.
The Purpose Behind the Law
The primary reason cited for such laws has been the potential for genetic abnormalities in offspring from close biological relationships. While modern science offers a more nuanced view of genetic risk in cousin marriages, these laws have largely remained unchanged.
Historical Context of Cousin Marriage in Pennsylvania
The ban on cousin marriage in Pennsylvania reflects both cultural shifts and medical concerns from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Back then, several states moved to ban cousin marriage, following the advancement of genetics and public health concerns. Pennsylvania was among early adopters of such prohibitions.
Interestingly, in the colonial era and during the early days of the commonwealth, cousin marriage was not uncommon or illegal. As urbanization increased in Pennsylvania’s major cities—such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh—changing attitudes and greater awareness of genetic risk factors contributed to new legislative measures.
What About Other Types of Cousins?
While first cousin marriage remains expressly forbidden, Pennsylvania law is typically silent on unions involving more distant cousins:
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Second cousins and beyond: Marriages between second cousins or more distant relatives are legal in the state.
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First cousin once removed: If you are marrying your parent’s cousin or your cousin’s child, state law does not usually prohibit this relationship.
Comparing Pennsylvania to Neighboring States
If you examine the marriage laws of states surrounding Pennsylvania, you’ll find some interesting contrasts:
| State | First Cousin Marriage Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | No |
| New Jersey | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes |
| Ohio | No |
| West Virginia | Yes |
| Delaware | No |
For example, in Wilmington, Delaware, and Cleveland, Ohio, first cousin marriage is illegal—just like Pennsylvania—while in Baltimore, Maryland and New York City, New York, it is permitted.
Statistics: Marriage Trends in Pennsylvania
While the specific number of cousin marriages in Pennsylvania is difficult to identify due to the ban, marriage trends across the state can help paint a broader demographic picture.
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In 2024, Pennsylvania reported just over 65,000 marriages.
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Major urban centers like Philadelphia lead the state in marriage licenses issued, followed by Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie.
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The average age at marriage in Pennsylvania has risen over the past two decades, reflecting national trends of waiting longer to get married.
The Cultural Perspective
Attitudes toward cousin marriage vary widely across the world—and even within the United States. While the practice is common in many cultures, especially in parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, it is far less common in contemporary American society. In cities such as Lancaster, with significant immigrant populations, cousin marriage is sometimes a tradition within particular communities. However, the law applies equally, regardless of cultural background.
Religious Views on Cousin Marriage
Many religious groups have diverse stances on cousin marriage:
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Roman Catholic Church: Generally permits first cousin marriage but often requires dispensation.
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Islam: Generally allows cousin marriage with no restrictions.
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Judaism: Traditionally allows cousin marriage, though customs vary by community.
Despite religious acceptance in some communities, Pennsylvania’s civil law prevails in all marriage decisions.
Health and Genetic Considerations
One of the most persistent arguments against cousin marriage relates to the risk of congenital disabilities. However, various studies indicate that the increased risk for children of first cousin marriages—while present—is often smaller than the public assumes. The overall risk of birth defects for first cousins’ children is estimated to be between 4% and 7%, compared to an average population risk of 2% to 3%.
Despite these numbers, the stigma surrounding cousin marriage has kept the law firmly in place in Pennsylvania.
What Happens If First Cousins Marry Out Of State?
Some Pennsylvanians have considered circumventing the state ban by marrying in neighboring states where cousin marriage is legal, such as New York or New Jersey. However, Pennsylvania does not recognize the validity of cousin marriages contracted elsewhere if the couple plans to reside in Pennsylvania. This legal stance is grounded in “public policy exception,” meaning marriages prohibited by state law are not recognized, regardless of where they took place.
Penalties and Legal Consequences
Entering a marriage between first cousins in Pennsylvania is considered void by law, which means it is not legally valid from the start. There are no criminal penalties or jail time for attempting such a marriage, but legal ramifications can still be significant:
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The marriage is not recognized for purposes such as inheritance, taxes, and spousal benefits.
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Attempts to conceal the familial relationship could potentially lead to other charges, such as fraud.
Debates and Calls for Reform
There are ongoing debates in the United States—though not a widespread issue in Pennsylvania—regarding whether bans on cousin marriage should be repealed, modified, or maintained. Arguments in favor of lifting bans often cite the relatively low additional genetic risk and the personal autonomy of consenting adults. Opponents typically emphasize tradition, perceived public health concerns, and social norms.
While no significant legislative moves toward removing the ban on cousin marriage have been reported in Harrisburg or elsewhere in Pennsylvania as of 2025, the broader national conversation continues.
How Pennsylvania Compares to Other Countries
Globally, the picture is very different from what you’ll find in Pennsylvania. Around 10% of all marriages worldwide are between cousins, especially in countries in the Middle East and South Asia. In contrast, the rate in the United States is less than 1%.
Countries with high rates of cousin marriage include:
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Pakistan
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Saudi Arabia
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United Arab Emirates
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Sudan
Many European nations do not prohibit cousin marriage; the practice tends to be rare but legal in countries like France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Common Myths About Cousin Marriage
It’s Always Illegal
This is incorrect. As seen above, laws vary by state and even by country; in Pennsylvania, first cousin marriage is illegal, but in nearby New York and Maryland, it is permitted.
It’s Extremely Risky Genetically
While marrying a close relative does elevate the risk of congenital conditions, the actual increased risk is statistically modest, especially when compared to some genetic risks associated with older maternal ages or certain inherited diseases.
It’s Universally Taboo
Cultural and historical perspectives show that cousin marriage has been widely accepted and sometimes encouraged in many societies throughout history, including among various aristocratic families, royals, and notable figures in history.
Seeking Legal Advice in Pennsylvania
If you are unsure about your particular situation or are considering marriage to a cousin in Pennsylvania, consulting with a family law attorney is essential. The legal situation can be complex, particularly if there are questions about residency, religious ceremony, or prior marriages contracted elsewhere.
Family law offices in major Pennsylvania cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg often handle questions regarding marriage licensing, state requirements, and nontraditional unions. Professional legal guidance is especially important if you have already married a cousin in another state and are considering residing in Pennsylvania.
How to Get Married in Pennsylvania: The Legal Process
For those who are not first cousins and are seeking to get married in Pennsylvania, here is a step-by-step look at the process:
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Both parties must be at least 18 years old, or have parental/judicial consent if younger.
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Applicants apply for a marriage license at any county courthouse, such as those in Reading, York, Scranton, or Bethlehem.
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There is generally a three-day waiting period after application.
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Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days anywhere in the state.
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Some requirements may be waived in cases involving military service or other qualifying circumstances.
Applicants must declare any familial relation; false statements can result in denied licenses or nullification.
Fun Facts and Noteworthy Numbers
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Pennsylvania, with its population of over 12 million, issues roughly 65,000 marriage licenses each year.
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Philadelphia, with a metro population nearing 6 million, leads the state in weddings performed annually.
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The first laws banning cousin marriage in the U.S. appeared in the late 19th century.
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The percentage of Americans who say they would “approve” of cousin marriage remains under 15% in national surveys.
Cultural Representation and Media
Cousin marriage occasionally appears in popular media, literature, and even political histories. Pennsylvania authors and filmmakers have sometimes used cousin marriage as a plot twist or to illuminate cultural divides. Representation is often colored by taboo and stereotypes, but in some cases, it’s depicted as a reality of life in certain communities.
Conclusion
In Pennsylvania in 2025, it remains illegal for first cousins to marry, regardless of their city of residence, religious beliefs, or country of origin. This law reflects more than a century of tradition and continues to be enforced in all counties, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, and Allentown. While cousin marriage remains a complex topic—tied to questions of genetics, culture, and personal autonomy—the law in Pennsylvania is clear.
If you are considering marriage and have questions about legal requirements or familial restrictions in Pennsylvania, consult with local authorities or a family law attorney. Regardless of your situation, being informed is the key to making the best decisions for your future.
Whether planning your wedding in a historic courthouse in Philadelphia, a scenic ceremony in Lancaster, or a modern venue in Pittsburgh, knowing the law is essential. Stay informed, stay cautious, and above all, seek advice when in doubt.
