Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Kentucky with specific limitations enforced by state statute and local county clerk interpretations.
Kentucky permits first-cousin marriages under KRS 402.010(1), provided neither party is already married or within prohibited degrees of consanguinity. The Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Vital Statistics Branch validates marriage licenses, while county clerks conduct pre-licensing background checks to confirm compliance with KRS 402.020. Notably, a 2024 amendment to KRS 402.015 expanded genetic counseling requirements for first-cousin applicants, aligning with 2026 public health guidelines to mitigate hereditary risk disclosures. Local clerks in Fayette and Jefferson Counties have intensified scrutiny post-2023, requiring additional affidavits for genetic testing waivers.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Kentucky
- Prohibited Degrees: Marriages between siblings, half-siblings, or direct lineal descendants (e.g., parent-child) remain illegal under KRS 402.010(2).
- License Validation: Applicants must submit certified birth certificates to verify age and relationship; fraudulent filings trigger penalties under KRS 402.990.
- Genetic Counseling: First-cousin applicants must complete a state-approved counseling session or submit a notarized waiver, per 902 KAR 20:030 (effective 2026).
Violations may result in license nullification or misdemeanor charges, as outlined in KRS 402.990(1). Consult the Kentucky Attorney General’s Family Law Division for precedent updates.