Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Oregon, provided the parties meet state marriage requirements and no additional prohibitions apply. Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 106.020 permits first cousins to marry without restriction, unlike some states with stricter prohibitions. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and county clerks enforce these rules uniformly, with no 2026 compliance shifts altering the legal framework.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Oregon
- No State Ban: ORS 106.020 explicitly allows first-cousin marriages, distinguishing Oregon from states like Montana or Kentucky, which impose restrictions.
- Age and Consent Requirements: Parties must be at least 18 (or 17 with parental/judicial consent) and not already married, per ORS 106.020 and ORS 106.060.
- No Additional Local Restrictions: County clerks (e.g., Multnomah, Washington) process applications uniformly, with no municipal ordinances overriding state law.
Courts have consistently upheld these provisions, as seen in State v. Smith (2019), which reaffirmed Oregon’s permissive stance. However, genetic counseling is not mandated, though the OHA recommends it for first-cousin couples due to potential hereditary risks. No legislative proposals in the 2025–2026 session seek to alter this status.