So You Wanna Marry Your Cousin in Washington? Not So Fast, Cuz!
Let's face it, folks, Hollywood rom-coms have a lot to answer for. Suddenly, everyone seems to be falling for their childhood best friend who also happens to be their...cousin? But before you skip town to elope with your lobster (Maine reference, anyone?), there's a little hurdle to jump over in the evergreen state of Washington. Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the world of Washington cousin marriage laws.
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| Can First Cousins Marry In Washington State |
Forbidden Love in the Emerald City?
Here's the truth, and it hits harder than a Seattle downpour: marrying your first cousin is a no-go in Washington. Yep, according to Chapter 26.04 RCW (don't worry, we won't quiz you on that later), tying the knot with someone closer than a second cousin is a big ol' red flag. Now, before you cry into your venti Pike Place roast, there are a few other juicy details to this legal lime.
- Second cousins are fair game: So, if you and your potential soulmate share great-grandparents but not grandparents, then congratulations! You can waltz down the aisle without a hitch (or a restraining order).
- Out-of-state marriages are tricky: Let's say you take a little trip to Vegas with your cousin and get hitched in a whirlwind Elvis ceremony. While that might be a fun story for the grandkids, it might not hold water back in Washington.
Important side note: This isn't legal advice. If you're planning a maverick marriage move, consulting an actual lawyer is way more helpful than reading a goofy internet post (like this one!).
Love Knows No Bounds (Except Apparently Some Bloodlines in Washington)
Look, love is a beautiful thing, and who are we to judge your happily ever after? But Washington has its reasons for the cousin-marriage ban. Genetics and all that jazz. Besides, there's a whole world of potential partners out there who aren't related to you. Maybe consider setting your sights on someone who doesn't remember your embarrassing childhood nickname.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Side note #2: If your dream wedding involves matching family tartans, well, that might be a different story.
FAQs for the Curious Cousin
Alright, alright, you probably have some questions. Here's a quick rundown:
How to know if your cousin is a second cousin or closer?
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
This can get complicated, but a handy genealogy chart or a chat with your family historian (aka grandma) should clear things up.
How to get married in Washington if you're not related?
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Head over to your county auditor's office. They'll have all the info you need to tie the knot without any legal hiccups. Just don't forget the cake!
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
How to convince your family your fiance isn't secretly your cousin?
This one might require some creative storytelling skills. Maybe they were just pen pals from a very distant land?
How to find love that doesn't involve complicated legalese?
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
Put yourself out there! Join a club, take a class, or just, you know, swipe right on that dating app. There's plenty of fish in the sea (and none of them are technically related).
How to get over your burning desire to write a country song about this whole situation?
We feel you. But maybe channel that energy into writing a killer rom-com with a twist: the forbidden love story...between third cousins!
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