Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in California? Here’s What the Law Says in 2025

California—the Golden State—often leads in shaping progressive laws and social attitudes. Whether in Los Angeles or Sacramento, the cultural diversity and individual liberties here often blend in unique ways. One such controversial liberty is marrying your cousin. What does California law actually say? With one of the largest immigrant populations in the nation and a tapestry of cultural traditions, California’s stance is surprisingly permissive. But legal is not always moral or risk-free. We’ll dive into legal codes, genetic considerations, historical comparisons, and societal perspectives to deliver an in-depth view.

California Law: No Ban, No Problem

Unlike many American states, California imposes no legal restriction on marriage between first cousins. That means you can marry your first cousin without needing special permissions or conditions. While 32 states currently ban such marriages outright, in 18—including California—the law remains silent. There are no age limits, no infertility conditions, and no mandatory pre‑marital genetic counseling required in the California Family Code.

This legal neutrality comes with a key implication: couples can obtain a standard marriage license anywhere from San Francisco to San Diego and Unite. Their union is fully valid and recognized under state law and across jurisdictions, thanks to “comity rules.” That means a cousin marriage in Sacramento holds legal force even if the couple later moves to Idaho or Kentucky. Similarly, California recognizes cousin marriages performed out of state, so if a couple ties the knot in Colorado, it remains lawful in California.

Thus, from a legal standpoint, cousin marriage here is as straightforward as marrying someone from another city or county.

Why California Says “Yes”: History, Culture, and Autonomy

Several factors underlie this permissive status:

Cultural diversity: California is home to immigrant communities from regions like South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa—places where cousin marriage can be customary. Permitting such unions aligns with respecting cultural autonomy.
Individual rights: In a state that champions personal freedoms, the right to marry isn’t restricted unless a compelling public interest is impacted.
Low legal priority: With negligible incidence, changing the law hasn’t drawn much policy attention.

Interestingly, only around 0.2% of U.S. marriages are between second cousins or closer—and that figure may include fewer first cousin unions. A 1960 census estimate found just 0.2% of Catholic marriages were among first or second cousins, with no similar recent study to verify current trends. That rarity helps keep it off the political radar.

Comparative Landscape: How California Stacks Up

Across the country, approaches vary wildly:

Banned in 32 states, including Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi, where marrying your cousin is considered incest.
Allowed in 18 states with no restrictions—California, New York, Massachusetts, Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Conditional allowances: A handful of states allow cousin marriage only under special circumstances—age, sterility, or genetic counseling.

Globally, cousin marriage is far more common. In countries like Pakistan or Saudi Arabia, more than 50% of marriages are between first cousins. Worldwide, roughly a 10% rate is estimated. Clearly, California’s openness brings it closer to global norms than most U.S. states.

Genetics 101: Understanding the Health Risks

A key concern surrounding cousin marriage is genetics. Let’s unpack the health implications:

First cousins share about 12.5% of their DNA, which raises the risk of passing on recessive genetic traits.
If neither partner carries a recessive disorder, the baseline risk for birth defects in the general population is about 3–4%.
For first cousins, the risk rises modestly—to 5–6%, according to many genetic studies. This 1–2% increase is real, but not as dramatic as often feared.
The National Society of Genetic Counselors found the added risk is around 1.7–2.8%, suggesting cousin marriages are not “genetic roulette” zones. In fact, the long‑held stigma exceeds the scientific basis.

That said, if there are known recessive disorders in the bloodline—or if cousins are double-linked on both sides—the risk can climb. In those scenarios, genetic counseling is a wise, practical step. It helps couples understand real risks and consider options such as prenatal screening or even assisted reproductive technologies.

Cousin Marriage in Action: Real-World Examples

While rare, cousin unions do occur in California. Here are typical scenarios:

A pair of cousins from a Pakistani immigrant family in Fremont carried forward the tradition after performing religious ceremonies abroad and registering the marriage in the Bay Area.
In rural parts of Southern California, some Latin American families have reached out to specialized marriage license services for confidential cousin marriages under California law—taking advantage of the state’s recognition.

Such cases underscore that while uncommon, cousin marriage has a real and legal place in California’s cultural landscape.

Voices and Opinions: The Debate Explained

Public and scholarly voices fall into two broad camps:

Proponents of allowance argue individual liberty, cultural respect, and the minimal genetic risk justify the legal permissiveness. Many cite respected figures—Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, and others—who married cousins without societal collapse.
Opponents caution that even modest genetic risks shouldn’t be ignored. Some scholars from conservative or religious backgrounds argue consanguineous marriages can erode societal norms, civic trust, or invite nepotism and closed kinship systems. But these perspectives remain on the fringes in California.

In everyday life, most Californians remain indifferent, viewing cousin marriage as socially unusual rather than morally unacceptable—especially if children are not involved or genetic counseling is used.

Practical Advice for Couples Considering It

For cousins in California thinking about marriage, here’s a practical blueprint:

Confirm legal eligibility: Ensure both are adults, unrelated except by cousinhood, and not barred by other codes (e.g., incest bans against closer relations).
Obtain a standard marriage license—no special forms required.
Consider genetic counseling, especially if there’s a family history of recessive disorders or double kinship.
Plan for family and social conversations, especially if cultural stigmas exist within the family.
Document thoroughly: Keep genetic or medical records handy, as insurance or adoption processes may inquire about family backgrounds.

Beyond Legalities: Cultural and Personal Dimensions

At the end of the day, marrying your cousin in California is legal—but whether it’s advisable to do so is up to the individuals involved. Here are key perspectives:

Ethical freedom: Adults in California can marry anyone of age and sound mind unless legally barred.
Genetic responsibility: Science suggests a manageable risk increase—not a health catastrophe.
Culture vs. caution: Some choose cousin marriage for cultural continuity; others avoid it for personal comfort.
Community implications: In communities with higher cousin marriage prevalence—like parts of South Asia—genetic counseling is often integrated into the process.

Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Misunderstandings abound regarding cousin marriage. Let’s clear the air:

Myth: California bans cousin marriage or mandates genetic counseling.
Fact: There is no ban, no age limit, and no counseling requirement under the law.
Myth: All cousin unions cause birth defects.
Fact: The comparative increase in risk is modest—on par with other lifestyle risk factors.
Myth: Cousin marriages happen often in California.
Fact: They are rare—well under 1% of marriages, possibly just a fraction of that.
Myth: All cultures frown on cousin marriage.
Fact: Many cultures embrace it; in some regions it is even common.

Conclusion: Legal Status and Balanced Guidance

In California, marrying your cousin is fully legal and straightforward. With no restrictions, state law treats cousin unions on par with any other relationship between consenting adult relatives. The decision belongs to the couple, informed by personal, cultural, and genetic considerations.

If you live in Sacramento, Bakersfield, or Los Angeles and are exploring this path, the legal door is open. But wisdom suggests taking a proactive approach: seek genetic counseling, weigh family expectations, and proceed with full awareness.

California’s approach reflects its broader ethos: celebrate diversity while protecting individual choice. When it comes to cousin marriage, the law is clear. Now it’s up to individuals and their families to decide if it’s right for them.