To-the-point: Marrying your first cousin in Kansas is illegal. State law considers such unions void and treats them as if they never existed. But like many laws, there are exceptions, especially involving out-of-state marriages and distant cousin relationships.
What Relationships Are Banned Under Kansas Law?
According to Kansas Statute 23-102, certain blood relationships are strictly prohibited from marrying. These include:
- Parents and children (including grandparents/grandchildren)
- Siblings (whole or half-blood)
- Aunts/uncles with nieces/nephews
- First cousins
These marriages are not just unlawful—they are “absolutely void”, meaning the state doesn’t recognize them at all.
Are There Any Legal Exceptions?
While Kansas law does not allow first cousins to marry under any condition (including age or infertility), more distant relatives are not covered by the ban. This means:
- First cousins once removed (such as your cousin’s child) can legally marry.
- Half-cousins are also legally allowed to marry.
So, while the state is firm on first cousins, it is more flexible beyond that degree of relation.
What About Living Together or Dating?
Unlike some states, Kansas does not criminalize cohabitation or sexual relationships between first cousins. While marriage is banned, there’s no law prohibiting a consensual relationship outside of legal marriage.
Read Also: Is It Legal to Marry Your Cousin in Alabama? Here’s the Law You Should Know
This makes Kansas more permissive in private matters while maintaining strict rules around legal unions.
Recognition of Cousin Marriages from Other States
Here’s where it gets interesting: Kansas may recognize a first cousin marriage performed legally in another state. As stated in K.S.A. 23-115:
“All marriages contracted without this state, which would be valid by the laws of the country in which the same were contracted, shall be valid in all courts and places in this state.”
So, if two first cousins marry in Colorado, where cousin marriage is legal, their marriage will likely be recognized once they move back to Kansas.
According to reporting by The Hoptown Press, this cross-state recognition is fairly common across the U.S., even when a couple’s home state prohibits such unions.
Kansas Marriage Legality by Cousin Relationship
| Relationship | Legal to Marry in Kansas? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Cousins | No | Marriage is void and prohibited |
| First Cousins Once Removed | Yes | No legal restriction |
| Half-Cousins | Yes | Allowed |
| Out-of-State First Cousin Marriages | Recognized | Only if legal where performed |
Bottom Line for Kansas Residents
- First cousin marriages are not allowed and hold no legal standing in Kansas.
- More distant cousin relationships (first cousins once removed, half-cousins) are fully legal.
- Out-of-state first cousin marriages may be recognized if legal where performed, but legal gray areas exist.
- Private relationships between cousins are not criminalized, as long as there’s no attempt to legally marry in-state.
If you’re considering a legally complex relationship, it’s best to consult a family law attorney to fully understand your rights and options under Kansas law.
Have thoughts on Kansas marriage laws or questions about cousin marriage legality in other states? Share your opinions or ask more legal questions at newyorkdailygazette.com—we want to hear from you!
