If you’re wondering whether marrying your first cousin is legal in Connecticut, the answer depends on when you’re planning to marry. Here’s a breakdown of the current law and what’s changing soon.
The Law—Current Status (Until September 30, 2025)
As of today, marrying your first cousin is legal in Connecticut. The state has no laws that prohibit this kind of marriage. However, you cannot marry closer relatives like an aunt, uncle, niece, or grandparent.
The only restriction that exists currently is against these closer family relationships, leaving first cousins free to marry under state law.
Upcoming Change (Effective October 1, 2025)
Starting October 1, 2025, it will become illegal to marry your first cousin in Connecticut. The state legislature has passed a new law, which was signed by the governor on June 23, 2025, explicitly banning marriages between first cousins. This new law will make such unions completely illegal under Connecticut law.
The law provides no exceptions, meaning that any marriages between first cousins entered after the effective date will not be recognized.
Marrying a first cousin is legal in Connecticut until September 30, 2025.
A new law will make it illegal to marry a first cousin starting October 1, 2025. Any marriages of first cousins after this date will not be valid.
If you’re considering marrying your first cousin in Connecticut, it’s important to know that the window of opportunity is closing soon. After October 1, 2025, such marriages will no longer be allowed under state law.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/ct-cousin-marriage-legal-where-connecticut-20158492.php
[3] https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/ba/pdf/2025HB-06918-R000728-BA.pdf
