Prohibited marriages between relatives ====================================== Prohibited degrees of relationship ---------------------------------- In England and Wales, certain blood relatives and relatives through marriage are prohibited from marrying, as outlined by the [Marriage Act 1949](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/12-13-14/76/contents) and [Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Act 1986](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/16). Marriage between prohibited relatives will be deemed [void](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/void-marriages), even if they are unaware that they are related. Here is the list of prohibited relatives: > - A child, including an adopted child > - A parent, including an adoptive parent > - A brother or sister, including a half-brother or half-sister > - A parent's brother or sister, including a half-brother or half-sister > - A grandparent > - A grandchild > - A brother's or sister's, including half-brother's or half-sister's, child. Furthermore, a marriage may also be void if it is between the following: > - A child of a former spouse/civil partner > - A grandchild of a former spouse/civil partner > - Former spouse/civil partner of parent > - Former spouse/civil partner of grandparent The legal position of first cousin marriage ------------------------------------------- In England and Wales, it is legal to marry your first cousin, as such marriages are not within the prohibited degrees of relationship. However, in December 2024, Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, Richard Holden, introduced the [Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill](https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3907) into Parliament, seeking a ban for first-cousin marriage, leading to renewed debate over the matter **If you are considering or going through a divorce and are concerned about the validity of your marriage in England and Wales, contact Vardags today for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST" The Metro Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) Related Guides -------------- [Bigamy and polygamous marriages in the UK](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/bigamy-and-polygamy "Bigamy and polygamous marriages in the UK") [Minimum age of marriage in England and Wales](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/age-requirements "Minimum age of marriage in England and Wales") [Void marriages](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/void-marriages "Void marriages") [Who can get married in the UK?](https://vardags.com/law-guide/legal-marriage-requirements/who-can-get-married-in-the-uk "Who can get married in the UK?") The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you.