In Hawaii, it is legal for first cousins to marry. The state’s marriage laws allow cousin unions, while placing restrictions on closer familial connections, such as sibling marriages. If you’re considering marrying a first cousin in Hawaii, this article will guide you through the legal framework, marriage license requirements, and other important details you need to know before taking the big step.
Legal Framework for Cousin Marriages in Hawaii
First Cousins Are Allowed to Marry
In Hawaii, first cousins are allowed to marry. The state law focuses on prohibiting marriages between closer relatives, such as siblings (both full and half-blood), and other immediate family members. Since first cousins are not considered close enough, they are allowed to marry legally in Hawaii.
Marriage License Requirements
Couples wishing to marry in Hawaii must apply for a marriage license. When applying for the license, you will be asked about your relationship with your partner. If you’re first cousins, you’ll need to clarify your relationship to the marriage license clerk, but this will not prevent you from obtaining a license. It’s important to note that there are no restrictions on first cousins in the application process.
No Residency Requirement
Hawaii makes it easy for both residents and non-residents to marry in the state. There is no residency requirement, which means you do not need to be a resident or U.S. citizen to get married in Hawaii. This flexibility makes Hawaii a popular destination for couples seeking a beautiful wedding location, no matter where they come from.
The Application Process for a Marriage License
To marry in Hawaii, you must apply for a marriage license in person. While the marriage license application form can be downloaded from the state government website, the process itself cannot be completed online or by mail. You must meet with a marriage license clerk at a licensed location either in Honolulu or at one of the other islands’ approved offices.
Important Note:
The application form asks whether the couple shares a blood relationship. As first cousins, you may need to clarify that your parents are siblings. This won’t stop you from getting the marriage license, but it’s important to be clear about the relationship.
Types of Cousins Allowed to Marry in Hawaii
Hawaii permits marriages between various types of cousins, including:
- First cousins
- First cousins once removed
- Second cousins
- Third cousins
- Fourth cousins and beyond
If you’re unsure about your cousin relationship, it’s helpful to know the differences between first cousins and other relatives, such as half-siblings, who are prohibited from marrying in Hawaii. The state’s marriage laws only restrict unions between half-siblings, regardless of whether they are full or half-blood.
Prohibited Marriages in Hawaii
Although Hawaii allows cousin marriages, there are restrictions on certain relationships. These include:
- Siblings (both full and half-blood)
- Parent and child (any degree)
- Uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews (whether legitimate or illegitimate)
- Bigamous marriages (where one or both parties are already married)
These laws are in place to prevent close familial unions that could lead to genetic or social complications.
Why First Cousins Are Legal to Marry in Hawaii
You may wonder why first cousins are explicitly allowed to marry when other close family relationships are not. The reason is that Hawaii law simply does not restrict marriages between first cousins. The focus of the law is on closer blood relationships, such as sibling and parent-child marriages, as they carry a higher potential for complications. For first cousins, there are no special conditions beyond the fact that they are not considered close enough relatives to warrant a ban.
Catholic Marriages in Hawaii
If you’re planning to marry your first cousin in a Catholic church in Hawaii, you should be aware of the Church’s stance on cousin marriages. Historically, the Catholic Church has had reservations about first cousin marriages. However, the Church has become more lenient in recent years.
Couples wishing to marry in a Catholic church must seek dispensation from the Church. This is a special permission granted by the Church that allows the marriage to take place. If you are marrying a second cousin or someone further removed, no dispensation is required, and you can marry without seeking special permission.
First cousin marriages are legal in Hawaii, making the state one of the few places where this union is allowed without restrictions. The legal framework focuses on preventing closer familial relationships like sibling or parent-child marriages, while allowing various cousin relationships, including first cousins. Hawaii’s straightforward marriage license application process, with no residency requirement, makes it an easy and popular choice for couples wishing to marry. However, if you plan to marry in a Catholic church, you may need special permission (dispensation) to do so.
