by Jackson, Mississippi – Questions about cousin marriage laws often spark debate, as rules vary significantly from state to state. In Mississippi, the law is especially clear—and strict—when it comes to marrying close relatives. While some states allow first cousins to marry under certain conditions, Mississippi firmly prohibits such unions and considers them void under state law.
This article breaks down what Mississippi statutes say about cousin marriage, whether out-of-state marriages are recognized, and what kinds of cousin relationships are permitted.
Mississippi’s Ban on First Cousin Marriage
According to Mississippi Code § 93-1-1, marriage between first cousins is strictly prohibited. The statute states:
“…nor shall the children of brother or sister, or brothers and sisters intermarry being first cousins by blood. … All marriages prohibited by this subsection are incestuous and void.”
This means:
- First cousins—those who share a set of grandparents—cannot marry in Mississippi.
- Such marriages are legally defined as incestuous and carry no legal standing.
- The ban is absolute and does not allow exceptions for age, infertility, or religious beliefs.
Unlike some states that permit cousin marriages under certain medical or cultural conditions, Mississippi’s law leaves no room for exceptions.
Recognition of Out-of-State Cousin Marriages
Some couples try to sidestep restrictive marriage laws by marrying in a state that allows cousin marriages, then returning home. However, Mississippi law does not recognize cousin marriages performed elsewhere.
Read Also: Iowa Cousin Marriage Laws 2025: What You Need to Know
The statute makes this clear:
“Any attempt to evade Section 93-1-1 by marrying out of this state and returning to it shall be within the prohibitions of said section.”
In other words, a first cousin marriage legally performed in another state becomes invalid the moment the couple resides in Mississippi.
Which Cousin Relationships Are Allowed?
While first cousin marriage is banned, the law is more lenient for distant relatives:
- First cousins once removed (your cousin’s child or your parent’s cousin) are legally permitted to marry.
- Second cousins and beyond face no restrictions under Mississippi law.
- The law is less clear on “half first cousins” (where the shared grandparent is a half-sibling), so couples in that situation should consult a family law attorney before proceeding.
Marriage License and Legal Implications
When applying for a marriage license in Mississippi, the application does not directly ask if the applicants are related. However, both parties must legally affirm there is no impediment to their marriage. If a prohibited relationship is discovered later, the marriage can be declared void.
The legal implications are serious:
- Any marriage between first cousins is automatically void.
- Couples in prohibited relationships are denied legal marital benefits, including inheritance rights, spousal healthcare decisions, and other protections.
- Attempting to marry out of state and return to Mississippi does not change the outcome.
Penalties and Social Impact
Mississippi’s law not only voids first cousin marriages but also applies to sexual relations or cohabitation between first cousins. This highlights the strict cultural and legal stance Mississippi holds on family relationships.
For couples considering marriage with a more distant cousin, legal clarity exists—but for first cousins, Mississippi leaves no room for recognition or validation of such unions.
Quick Reference Table: Cousin Marriage Laws in Mississippi
| Relationship Type | Legal in Mississippi? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Cousin | No | Strictly prohibited, marriage void |
| First Cousin Once Removed | Yes | Legal under state law |
| Second Cousin | Yes | Fully permitted |
| Out-of-State First Cousin Marriage | No | Not recognized upon return |
Final Thoughts
Mississippi stands among the states with the strictest bans on first cousin marriage, making it illegal, void, and unrecognized—no matter where the union takes place. However, marriages between more distant relatives, such as second cousins, are permitted without legal challenge.
For anyone in Mississippi considering marriage to a relative, it is crucial to understand these distinctions and seek legal guidance if necessary.
What do you think of Mississippi’s strict cousin marriage law? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
