In Iowa, marriage laws are clear and specific about which familial relationships are prohibited. According to Iowa Code § 595.19, it is illegal for first cousins to marry in the state. The statute explicitly lists first cousins among the relationships for which marriage is void. This prohibition applies regardless of age, infertility, or any other exceptions that some other states might allow.
“Marriages between the following persons who are related by blood are void: … Between first cousins.” – Iowa Code § 595.19
Who Is Considered a First Cousin?
A first cousin is the child of your parent’s sibling. In other words, you and your first cousin share a set of grandparents. The law in Iowa is specific to first cousins and does not extend to more distant cousin relationships.
Other Types of Cousin Marriages
- First Cousins Once Removed: Marriage between first cousins once removed (for example, your cousin’s child) is legal in Iowa.
- Second Cousins and Beyond: Marriages between second cousins, third cousins, and more distant relatives are also legal.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Unlike some states that allow first cousin marriage under certain conditions (such as age or infertility), Iowa has a blanket ban. There are no exceptions for first cousins wishing to marry within the state.
Recognition of Out-of-State Marriages
If a couple legally marries as first cousins in a state where such marriages are permitted, the status of that marriage in Iowa is less clear. While Iowa generally recognizes marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions, this recognition does not apply if the marriage would be void under Iowa law. Therefore, a first cousin marriage performed elsewhere may not be recognized as valid if the couple resides in Iowa.
Other Prohibited Marriages in Iowa
Iowa law also prohibits marriages between other close relatives, including:
- Siblings
- Aunts and uncles with nieces and nephews
- Direct ancestors and descendants
These prohibitions are standard in most U.S. states and are designed to prevent marriages within immediate family lines.
Cohabitation and Sexual Relations
While first cousins cannot legally marry in Iowa, the law does not prohibit cohabitation or sexual relations between first cousins. This is in contrast to a few other states where even cohabitation or sexual activity between first cousins is illegal.
Annulment and Void Marriages
If a marriage is entered into in violation of Iowa’s prohibited marriage laws (including first cousin marriages), it is considered void. Such marriages can be annulled, and they hold no legal standing in the state.
Cousin Marriage Legality in Iowa
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in Iowa? |
|---|---|
| First Cousins | No |
| First Cousins Once Removed | Yes |
| Second Cousins | Yes |
| More Distant Cousins | Yes |
It is illegal to marry your first cousin in Iowa. The law is explicit and offers no exceptions for age, infertility, or other circumstances. Marriages between more distant cousins, such as first cousins once removed or second cousins, are permitted.
While Iowa generally recognizes marriages from other states, first cousin marriages performed elsewhere are unlikely to be recognized if the couple resides in Iowa, due to the state’s clear prohibition. Cohabitation and sexual relations between first cousins are not criminalized, but marriage is strictly off-limits under Iowa law.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/iowa-law/iowa-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
- https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-iowa/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/iowa/title-xv/chapter-595/section-595-19/
- https://theamm.org/marriage-laws/iowa/606
