
Is It Legal to Marry Your First Cousin in Arizona?
Ah, love. There's nothing quite like it - unless, of course, it defies the laws of nature. For genetic reasons, it's a good idea to marry outside of your gene pool. Just ask the crowned heads of Europe if you don't believe me.
HistoryAnswers.com explains that Charles II of Spain (November 6, 1661-November 1, 1700) suffered from birth defects that were the "result of the accumulation of over two centuries of inbreeding. Charles was unable to speak at all until he was four, and it wouldn’t be until the age of eight that he would take his first steps."

While there are still some states where you can legally marry your first cousin, many states, for genetic reasons, have made this practice illegal. Where does Arizona stand?
READ MORE: Don't Park in Front of My House! What's the Law in Arizona?
Is It Legal to Marry Your First Cousin in Arizona?
The answer to the question is: it depends.
In Arizona, first cousins can legally tie the knot, but there’s a twist. If both cousins are 65 years of age or older, you're free to marry. If one or both cousins are younger than 65, one of them has to prove they're infertile, and it has to be proven to a superior court judge.
If those caveats are met, happy nuptials - you can send out the invitations and get hitched.
READ MORE: Is It Legal to Park Your RV on the Street in Arizona?
Other Marriages That Are Illegal in Arizona
Beyond first cousins, Arizona law makes it illegal to marry other close family members
- Parents and Children: Marrying your parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild is a no-go.
- Siblings: Whether half-siblings or full siblings, marrying them is also off-limits.
- Uncles and Nieces, Aunts and Nephews: Imagine explaining your family tree to other people - this is also a no.
- First Cousins (with the fertility caveat): As mentioned earlier, they can marry if one is unable to have babies.
Sources: History Answers | Legal Match | Britannica | Data Mining DNA
Photo Credit of Charles II of Spain: "Charles II of Spain." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Jul. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_II_of_Spain. Accessed 29 Jul. 2024.
These 9 Things are Illegal in Arizona
Gallery Credit: Val Davidson
7 Major Issues That Make Your Arizona Vehicle Illegal to Drive
Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM
LOOK: Do you see faces in these photos?
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
More From K101








