Des Moines, IA – If you’re wondering whether it’s legal to marry your cousin in Iowa, the answer is no—at least not if you’re first cousins. Iowa has clear laws regarding who can and cannot marry, and first cousins fall squarely into the “prohibited” category.
What the Law Says
Under Iowa Code § 595.19, marriages between first cousins are void. The statute explicitly bans marriage between individuals who are related “by blood” as first cousins. That means even if both parties are consenting adults, infertile, or past childbearing age, marriage is not allowed.
“Marriages between the following persons who are related by blood are void: … Between first cousins.” – Iowa Code § 595.19
Who Qualifies as a First Cousin?
A first cousin is someone with whom you share a common set of grandparents—your parent’s sibling’s child. This ban applies to these direct cousin relationships and does not extend to more distant relatives.
What Types of Cousin Marriages Are Legal?
Here’s how cousin marriage legality breaks down in Iowa:
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in Iowa? |
|---|---|
| First Cousins | No |
| First Cousins Once Removed | Yes |
| Second Cousins | Yes |
| Third Cousins or Further | Yes |
So if you’re considering marrying your second cousin or first cousin once removed (e.g., your cousin’s child), Iowa law does not prohibit it.
Are There Any Exceptions for First Cousins?
No. Unlike some states that allow first cousin marriages under limited exceptions like infertility or age, Iowa does not permit any exceptions. Even if the couple is unable to have children, the marriage is still considered void under state law.
Out-of-State Marriages: Will Iowa Recognize Them?
While Iowa typically recognizes legally valid marriages performed in other states, there’s a major caveat. If a marriage would be void under Iowa law, the state may not recognize it—even if it was legal elsewhere.
So, if two first cousins marry in a state where it’s legal (like Colorado or New York), Iowa might not recognize that union if the couple moves there.
Can First Cousins Live Together or Be Intimate?
Yes. Iowa law does not criminalize cohabitation or consensual sexual relationships between first cousins. This differs from a handful of states where even cohabiting as first cousins is illegal. In Iowa, the restriction is limited to legal marriage.
Read Also: Is It Legal to Marry Your Cousin in New Jersey? Here’s the Law You Should Know
Other Prohibited Marriages in Iowa
Besides first cousins, the law also prohibits marriage between:
- Siblings
- Parents and children
- Aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews
- Grandparents and grandchildren
These close familial relationships are universally barred under state law, as in most U.S. states.
What Happens If First Cousins Marry in Iowa Anyway?
If a first cousin marriage is performed in Iowa, it is considered void from the start. The couple would not be recognized as legally married, and an annulment could be issued.
Such marriages hold no legal standing and carry potential legal complications regarding inheritance, property rights, and benefits.
You cannot legally marry your first cousin in Iowa under any circumstance. However, marriage to more distant cousins is perfectly legal, and there are no laws prohibiting first cousins from living together or having a relationship—just not a marriage.
What do you think about Iowa’s cousin marriage laws? Should they change or stay the same? Let us know your thoughts at newyorkdailygazette.com and join the conversation!
