Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Illinois, provided the parties are at least 18 years old, not already married, and not closely related by blood beyond first cousins. Illinois does not prohibit marriages between first cousins, aligning with the majority of U.S. states, though compliance with local marriage license requirements remains mandatory.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Illinois
- Age and Consent: Both parties must be at least 18 years old; minors require parental consent and judicial approval under 750 ILCS 5/212.
- No Prior Marriages: Neither party can be currently married; bigamy is criminalized under 720 ILCS 5/11-14.
- License and Waiting Period: A marriage license must be obtained from the county clerk’s office, with a 24-hour waiting period after application, per 750 ILCS 5/209.
Illinois’ stance reflects a balance between traditional marriage laws and evolving social norms, though counties like Cook and DuPage enforce additional procedural checks. No 2026 statutory amendments are pending that would alter first-cousin marriage legality, but clerks may update forms to reflect emerging compliance trends. Consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Vital Records Division is advised for procedural clarity.