Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Pennsylvania under specific conditions. The state permits first-cousin unions but prohibits marriages between closer relatives, such as siblings or half-siblings. No state license or judicial approval is required for first cousins to marry, though local clerks may verify compliance with Pennsylvania’s Domestic Relations Code.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Pennsylvania
- Prohibition on Closer Relatives: Marriages between siblings, half-siblings, parents/children, or grandparents/grandchildren are void under 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1304. Pennsylvania’s courts enforce these prohibitions strictly, with no exceptions.
- First-Cousin Eligibility: First cousins may marry without restriction, but the union must comply with Pennsylvania’s marriage license requirements, including age verification and absence of current marital status.
- Local Enforcement Variations: County marriage license offices may impose additional scrutiny, particularly in jurisdictions with conservative interpretations of family law. However, no county may legally deny a license to first cousins under state statute.
Pennsylvania’s laws align with the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act, though no 2026 compliance shifts are anticipated. The state’s approach contrasts with jurisdictions like New York, which requires judicial approval for first-cousin marriages. Legal challenges to cousin marriage bans have not gained traction in Pennsylvania courts, reinforcing the current regulatory framework.