Dear Auntie Kate:

I glanced through a lot of your questions and didn't see the question I had in mind.  I'm wondering if you can tell me if we got married in a state that allows cousins to marry but resided in a state that doesn't allow this, would the marriage still be valid? Burning to know and thanks so much for offering a haven for us!

Dear Burning,

Oh  my, I must say that you got Aunt Kate on this one.  With the information that you have given me to work with is not much so I would  say that if you went to your county court house and searched up marriage laws it should give you the information you are seeking. I do know that some states differ from one another and the laws are not the same. Aunt Kate does not know everything but she does try and do her best to help everyone she can. I am sorry I could not be of any further help then what I have been to you. I wish you all the luck and if you would like to mail me again and let me know what you found out and what state. I am sure that the information will be of great help to others that have the same question.

Best of Luck,
Aunt Kate

PS from the technical editor:

It varies from state to state. I chatted with a lawyer in the cc.com chat room a few weeks back. His state prohibits cousins to marry legally. However it does allow him to leave the state and return legally married to his cousin. This is not always the case. I suggest you consult an attorney in your area. Perhaps you could call your courthouse and ask a clerk there. Some are very knowledgeable of the state laws. Best of luck!

KC