by Des Moines, Iowa – Questions about cousin marriage laws often spark curiosity and debate, particularly because the rules vary widely from state to state. In Iowa, it is strictly illegal for first cousins to marry. The state’s marriage code makes such unions void, with no exceptions. Here’s a closer look at what the law says, who falls under the ban, and which cousin marriages remain legal.
Iowa’s Law on Cousin Marriage
Under Iowa Code § 595.19, marriages between close relatives are prohibited, and first cousins are specifically included in this ban.
“Marriages between the following persons who are related by blood are void: … Between first cousins.” – Iowa Code § 595.19
This means that no matter the circumstances—whether both partners are older, infertile, or have parental consent—first cousin marriages are not legally valid in Iowa. A recent report from The Hop Town Press also confirms that Iowa is among the states with a blanket ban on such unions.
Who Counts as a First Cousin?
A first cousin is defined as the child of your parent’s sibling. That means:
- Your mother’s brother’s child = your first cousin.
- Your father’s sister’s child = your first cousin.
Since Iowa law targets first cousins only, the restriction does not apply to more distant cousin relationships.
Other Cousin Relationships: What’s Legal?
While first cousins cannot marry, Iowa does allow marriages between other types of cousins:
- First Cousins Once Removed – Legal (example: marrying your cousin’s child).
- Second Cousins and Beyond – Legal.
This makes Iowa less restrictive than states that criminalize cousin relationships altogether, but still stricter than states like California or New York, where first cousin marriage is legal.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Some states make exceptions—for example, allowing first cousin marriages if the couple is infertile or past childbearing age. Iowa, however, is firm in its stance. There are no exceptions for first cousins wishing to marry.
Recognition of Out-of-State Marriages
What if first cousins marry in a state where it is legal and then move to Iowa? Generally, Iowa recognizes marriages performed in other states, but not if the marriage is considered “void” under Iowa law. That means a first cousin marriage performed elsewhere may not be recognized once the couple resides in Iowa.
This could create legal challenges in areas like inheritance, divorce, or spousal rights.
Other Prohibited Marriages in Iowa
Iowa law also bans marriages between:
- Parents and children (including step-relations)
- Siblings
- Aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews
- Direct ancestors and descendants
These restrictions are common nationwide and aim to prevent close family unions.
Read Also: Mississippi’s Law on Marrying Your Cousin: What Residents Need to Know
Cohabitation and Relationships Outside Marriage
Interestingly, Iowa law does not criminalize sexual or romantic relationships between first cousins. While marriage is prohibited, consensual relationships and cohabitation are not punishable under Iowa statutes.
Annulment and Void Marriages
If a first cousin couple were to marry in Iowa despite the ban, the marriage would be considered void from the start. In such cases, the court can issue an annulment instead of a divorce, since legally, the marriage never existed.
Final Takeaway
In Iowa, marrying your first cousin is illegal, with no exceptions for age, infertility, or other circumstances. Marriages between more distant cousins—like first cousins once removed or second cousins—are permitted. While Iowa usually recognizes marriages performed in other states, first cousin marriages are unlikely to be validated here. Cohabitation is legal, but marriage remains off-limits.
Do you think Iowa’s cousin marriage laws should stay this strict, or should exceptions be allowed as in other states? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
