No, it is not legal to marry your first cousin in Idaho. State law explicitly prohibits marriages between first cousins under Idaho Code § 32-206, with no exceptions noted.
State Law Details
Idaho Code § 32-206 states: “All marriages between first cousins are prohibited.” This applies to residents and non-residents obtaining licenses in the state, aligning with 24 other states banning first-cousin unions primarily due to genetic health concerns for offspring.
Second cousins and more distant relatives face no such restriction, as confirmed across multiple sources.
General marriage requirements still apply: parties must be 18 (or 16 with consent), not closely related beyond first cousins, and enter freely without duress.
Exceptions and Comparisons
No waivers exist for first cousins in Idaho, unlike neighboring Utah (allows if 65+ or reproductively incapable). Out-of-state marriages may be recognized if valid where performed, but Idaho won’t issue local licenses.
| Relation | Legal in Idaho? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First cousin | No | Strictly prohibited |
| Second cousin+ | Yes | No restrictions |
| Uncle/niece, etc. | No | Closer relations also banned |
Practical Notes
Couples seeking clarity should consult county clerks for licensing. Genetic counseling is advisable for close-kin considerations, though not legally required beyond first cousins. No 2026 changes reported.
SOURCES:
- https://liteonline.com/can-you-marry-your-cousin-in-idaho-sort-of/
- https://mix106radio.com/marrying-cousin-legal-idaho-2022/
