Many people wonder if it’s legal to marry their cousin in Texas. This question often comes up due to cultural, traditional, or personal reasons. Different states in the US have different rules about cousin marriage, and Texas has its own clear law on this matter.
In this article, we’ll explain what the law says about cousin marriage in Texas in simple, easy English. Whether you’re just curious or seriously considering such a relationship, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know—legally and socially.
What Does Texas Law Say About Cousin Marriage?
In Texas, it is illegal to marry your first cousin. The Texas Family Code clearly bans marriage between first cousins. This means if two people share the same grandparents (on either mother’s or father’s side), they cannot legally marry in the state.
The law was made to prevent health issues that may happen if close relatives have children together, as well as to match social norms and moral views in the state.
Which Cousins Are Banned from Marriage?
Texas bans first cousins from getting married. That includes:
Mother’s brother’s or sister’s children
Father’s brother’s or sister’s children
Even if the cousins were raised far apart or never knew each other growing up, the law still considers them too closely related.
Can You Marry Your Second Cousin in Texas?
Yes, marrying your second cousin is legal in Texas. Second cousins share the same great-grandparents but not the same grandparents. Texas law does not see this as too close of a relationship, so it allows second cousins and more distant cousins to marry.
So if the person you want to marry is your second cousin, you are not breaking any law in Texas.
What If You Married Your First Cousin in Another State?
Some states in the US, like California or New York, allow first cousins to marry. But what if you get legally married there and then move to Texas?
This is a tricky situation. According to the Texas Family Code, if a marriage is considered illegal in Texas—even if it was legal in another state—Texas does not have to recognize it. That means your cousin marriage may not be accepted in Texas and could be declared void.
Always consult a family lawyer if you’re in this situation.
What Happens If You Marry Your First Cousin in Texas Anyway?
If two first cousins get married in Texas, the marriage is not valid under the law. It will be seen as void from the start, which means it never legally existed. This can affect legal matters like:
Property ownership
Inheritance rights
Tax benefits
Child custody
Also, knowingly entering an illegal marriage could bring legal trouble or other penalties.
Why Is Cousin Marriage Banned in Texas?
The law is mainly based on two reasons:
Health Concerns: Children born to closely related parents may face a higher risk of genetic problems.
Social and Moral Norms: In many cultures and communities in the U.S., including Texas, marrying close family members is seen as morally wrong or uncomfortable.
Because of these concerns, Texas has kept strict rules against first cousin marriages.
Religious and Cultural Views
In many cultures—especially in parts of South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—marrying a cousin is normal. But in the U.S., the laws are decided state by state and not based on religion or tradition. So even if your religion allows it, the law in Texas does not.
If you’re an immigrant or from a culture where cousin marriages are accepted, this legal difference can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to always check local state laws.
In Texas, marrying your first cousin is illegal. The state does not allow such marriages and will not recognize them even if they were performed legally in another state. However, marrying second cousins or more distant relatives is allowed.
If you’re unsure about the legal status of a cousin relationship, or if your situation is complicated, it’s always a good idea to speak with a family law expert in Texas.
Understanding the law helps you make informed choices and avoid legal trouble. Always remember, laws vary by state, so what’s allowed in one place may not be legal in another.
