Is Cousin Marriage Legal in Arizona After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Arizona under specific conditions. The state permits first-cousin unions if both parties are at least 65 years old or if one partner is sterile, per A.R.S. § 25-101. No additional licenses or genetic testing are required beyond standard marriage procedures. Local county clerks enforce these provisions uniformly, with no 2026 compliance shifts anticipated.


Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Arizona

  • Age or Sterility Requirement: A.R.S. § 25-101 mandates that either both parties must be 65+ years old or one must provide medical proof of sterility for the marriage to proceed.
  • No First-Cousin Restrictions for Others: Marriages between second cousins or more distant relatives face no statutory barriers.
  • County Clerk Enforcement: Local clerks verify compliance during license issuance, relying on self-certification for age/sterility claims without third-party validation.