When it comes to marriage laws, many people wonder about the restrictions placed on cousin marriages. In Oregon, it is illegal to marry your first cousin. The state’s laws are very clear about this, and it applies to both whole and half-blood relationships. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and what they mean for you.
Oregon’s Law on Marrying Your First Cousin
Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 106.020, marriage between first cousins is explicitly prohibited. This law forbids marriages between persons who are first cousins or closer relatives, whether by blood or adoption.
The restriction also applies to both whole-blood and half-blood relationships, which means that whether you share both parents or just one, you cannot legally marry your first cousin in Oregon.
Who is Affected by These Laws?
In Oregon, the following individuals cannot legally marry:
First cousins (whether related by whole or half blood)
Aunt or uncle to niece or nephew
Parents to children (including biological and adoptive)
Siblings and half-siblings
However, marriages between more distant relatives—such as second cousins, first cousins once removed, or other distant familial connections—are allowed in Oregon. These relationships are not subject to the same restrictions as first cousins.
What Happens If First Cousins Marry in Oregon?
Any marriage between first cousins in Oregon is considered void under state law. This means that the marriage is not legally valid, and any rights associated with marriage, such as inheritance or spousal benefits, would not apply.
To put it simply: marriage between first cousins is not allowed in Oregon. However, relationships between more distant cousins, such as second cousins or first cousins once removed, are legal and permitted.
If you’re thinking about marrying a cousin, it’s important to ensure that you’re not in violation of state law, which prohibits marriages between first cousins in Oregon.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/cousin-marriage-laws.html
[3] https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_106.020
