The El Paso County Clerk wants you to know: you CAN marry your first cousin in Colorado

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – In the odd chance you were wondering, you can legally marry your first cousin in Colorado – and the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office wants you to know it.

On Tuesday, the clerk's office posted a graphic on social media as part of its ongoing "Myth or Fact" series, stating plainly: "First cousins can marry in Colorado – FACT."

While the announcement seemed a bit out of nowhere, the clerk and recorder's office said that they are running a series where they are debunking common misconceptions about the services the office provides.

The post goes on to clarify that Colorado is one of 18 U.S. states where marriage between first cousins is legal. Eight other states also allow marriage between first cousins, but with "certain restrictions," according to the post.

Cousin marriage legality varies widely across the U.S. In 2025, the practice is illegal or largely illegal in 24 states, many of which cite that children of first cousins are connected to serious health risks.

In 18 other states – including Colorado – marriage between cousins is allowed without restriction, and in eight others, marriage may only be allowed if one or both parties are past reproductive age or unable to conceive.

For more information about marriage requirements or to apply for a marriage license, you can visit the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office website.

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