No, it is not illegal to marry your first cousin in Wyoming. The state permits first-cousin marriages without restrictions like age or fertility requirements that apply elsewhere, though second cousins represent the safest kinship distance under marriage guidelines. Wyoming’s permissive stance reflects its rural traditions and low population density, but couples must still meet standard licensing rules.
Wyoming Marriage Statutes
Wyoming Statutes Title 20, Chapter 2 governs matrimony, with § 20-1-101 defining void marriages (bigamy, minors under 16) but omitting cousin prohibitions. First cousins fall outside prohibited degrees—unlike incest bans for siblings, parents, aunts/uncles (§ 20-2-101 voids closer kin unions). County clerks issue licenses freely to consenting adults 18+ (16-17 with consent), no blood tests or waiting periods required.
No 2026 amendments altered this; recent laws focused on minor consent (Act 2024) without kinship changes. Out-of-state Wyoming cousin marriages hold validity nationwide under full faith and credit, barring rare public policy exceptions.
Prohibited Relationships
Wyoming draws a clear line:
- Illegal: Parent-child, siblings, grandparents-grandchildren, aunt/uncle-niece/nephew (void ab initio).​
- Legal: First cousins, first cousins once removed, distant kin.​
- Gray: Double first cousins treated as first cousins—legal.​
No fertility affidavits needed, unlike Indiana (65+) or Wisconsin (55+ for women).​
| Kinship | Legal in Wyoming? | Example States Banning |
|---|---|---|
| First Cousin | Yes | Texas, Kentucky (19 states) |
| Sibling | No | All 50 states |
| Aunt/Nephew | No | Most states |
| Second Cousin | Yes | Everywhere legal |
Licensing Process
Apply at any county clerk (e.g., Cheyenne, Casper):
- IDs, DOBs, SSNs.
- $100 fee (cash/card).
- Oath affirming no impediments.
- Officiant (clergy, judge) signs post-ceremony.
Remote Wyoming weddings popular for cousin couples from restrictive states; no residency needed.​
Health and Genetic Risks
Legality ≠endorsement. First-cousin offspring face 4-7% birth defect risk (double general population), per NIH studies—cleft palate, heart issues. Wyoming offers no mandatory counseling, but free clinics (e.g., Cheyenne Health Dept.) provide genetic consults. IVF/sperm donation common workarounds.​
Insurance covers cousin marriages equivalently; no premium hikes.
Social and Cultural Context
Wyoming’s pioneer history normalized close-kin unions in isolated ranches—less stigma than urban states. Mormon influences (legal in UT) spill over; 1-2% of marriages reportedly cousins statewide. Rural counties like Park or Big Horn see occasional filings without fanfare.
National divide: 18 states allow fully (CA, NY, WY); 32 restrict. Challenges to bans falter post-Obergefell (2015), lacking suspect class status.​
Enforcement and Penalties
No prosecutions for legal cousin marriages—clerks approve blindly. Fraudulent applications (lying kinship)? Misdemeanor perjury (§ 6-5-102), rare. Bigamy voids prior unions automatically.
Annulments available within 1 year if consent lacked (§ 20-2-107).
Recent Developments
2025-26 sessions skipped kinship; focus on divorce equity. No ballot pushes, unlike Maine’s counseling rule. Genetic counseling apps fill gaps for couples.​
Best Practices for Couples
- Verify Kinship: Use ancestry DNA (23andMe) for precision.
- Counsel: Pre-marital sessions via Planned Parenthood.
- Legal Prep: Wills bypass intestacy issues for kids.
- Ceremony: Ranch elopements suit privacy.
Alternatives: Common-law after 1 year cohabitation (§ 20-1-106), same rights.
Responsibilities and Considerations
Wyoming trusts adult choice, but kids bear risks—prenatal testing key. Faith leaders (churches ban cousins) offer opt-outs. Inter-cousin adoptions legal post-marriage.
In Wyoming’s wide-open spaces, love knows few bounds. Marry your first cousin legally, but weigh health wisely—freedom with foresight.
SOURCES:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.themonastery.org/marriage-laws/wyoming
