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.

Can you marry your first cousin in Arizona?
Charles II of Spain // Image via Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Jul. 2024. Created with Canva.
loading...

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."

K101 logo
Get our free mobile app
Can you marry your first cousin in Arizona?
It may be legal to marry your first cousin, but you can't reproduce, according to the law. // Canva
loading...

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.

Can you marry your first cousin in Arizona?
There are good reasons why you can't marry a relative in Arizona. // Canva
loading...

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

  1. Parents and Children: Marrying your parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild is a no-go.
  2. Siblings: Whether half-siblings or full siblings, marrying them is also off-limits.
  3. Uncles and Nieces, Aunts and Nephews: Imagine explaining your family tree to other people - this is also a no.
  4. First Cousins (with the fertility caveat): As mentioned earlier, they can marry if one is unable to have babies.
Can you marry your first cousin in Arizona?
Canva
loading...

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

Which laws make sense? Which Arizona laws are just strange? You decide!

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson

7 Major Issues That Make Your Arizona Vehicle Illegal to Drive

If your vehicle has any of these issues, you could be in for some hefty fines. These seven items can make your vehicle illegal to drive in Arizona.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

LOOK: Do you see faces in these photos?

Pareidolia refers to the ability to see recognizable shapes, often faces, in random objects. Take a look at the photos below and see if you can identify any faces or shapes. Some are easy to spot, while others might be more challenging.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

More From K101