If you just found this article, chances are you were googling "Is it legal to marry your cousin in Utah" for one of two reasons. Either...

1. You were just curious or 
2. You want to marry your cousin. 

Hey. There’s no judgment here. Family reunions can be a very confusing time.

We’re just here to give you the facts. And the facts are when it comes to marrying your first cousin in the state of Utah, the answer is

Yes AND No

According to Utah law, first cousins are not allowed to marry in the state of Utah. 

It’s important to note that according to Utah's Official Website, you “cannot marry your first cousin, or anyone related more closely than the first cousin, such as an aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, parent or child, brother or sister.”

Not that you’d WANT to.

However, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule.

First cousins are only allowed to marry if: 

1. They are both over the age of 65 or
2. They are both over the age of 55 and if the court finds that they are unable to reproduce.

Now I know what you're thinking.  "Hey!  I should be allowed to love whoever I want!  So what if we both call the same lady "Grandma".  Love is Love right?

While that may be true between any other two consenting adults, the laws regarding COUSIN LOVE seem to be designed mainly to protect the offspring of the couple from genetic defects that can occur from inbreeding.

So for whatever reason you looked up this article, now you know the answer. 

And don’t worry. We won’t tell your Dad you were here.

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