Marriage laws regarding cousins in the United States vary widely, with some states prohibiting the practice entirely and others permitting it under certain conditions. In New Jersey, the legal landscape is clear and more permissive than in many other states.
First Cousin Marriage Is Legal in New Jersey
New Jersey law explicitly allows marriage between first cousins. The state’s marriage statutes prohibit unions between close blood relatives such as ancestors, descendants, siblings, aunts, and uncles, but do not include first cousins in this list of prohibited relationships. This means that first cousins are legally permitted to marry in New Jersey without any special restrictions or requirements.
The relevant section of the New Jersey Revised Statutes (N.J. Rev. Stat. § 37:1-1) states:
“No person shall marry or enter into a civil union with any of the person’s ancestors or descendants, or the person’s sibling, or the child of the person’s sibling, or the sibling of the person’s parent, whether such collateral kindred be of the whole or half blood.”
First cousins do not fall into any of these categories. As a result, marriages between first cousins are not only permitted but are also recognized as fully legal and valid in the state.
Who Is Prohibited from Marrying in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s marriage laws are designed to prevent unions between individuals who are closely related by blood, specifically:
- Ancestors and descendants (e.g., parent-child, grandparent-grandchild)
- Siblings (full or half)
- Aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews (the sibling of a parent or the child of a sibling)
Anyone falling into these categories cannot legally marry or enter into a civil union in New Jersey. Any marriage in violation of these rules is considered “absolutely void” under state law.
No Special Restrictions for Cousin Marriage
Unlike some states that allow cousin marriage only under certain conditions—such as requiring genetic counseling or limiting it to couples above a certain age—New Jersey imposes no such restrictions. There are no requirements for genetic counseling, proof of infertility, or age-related conditions for first cousins wishing to marry.
Comparison with Other States
New Jersey is among 18 states where first cousin marriage is fully legal. In contrast, 24 states prohibit first cousin marriage, and several others allow it only under specific circumstances (such as advanced age or infertility). New Jersey’s approach is straightforward: if you and your cousin are both of legal age and meet the standard marriage requirements (such as not already being married to someone else), you can legally wed.
Social and Cultural Context
While cousin marriage is legal in New Jersey, it remains relatively uncommon and can be socially stigmatized in the United States. However, globally, cousin marriage is far more prevalent and culturally accepted in many regions. In New Jersey, despite the legal allowance, social attitudes may still vary, and couples should be aware of potential cultural sensitivities.
Key Points to Remember
- First cousin marriage is legal and recognized in New Jersey.
- Marriages between closer relatives (siblings, parent-child, aunt/uncle-niece/nephew) are strictly prohibited and void.
- There are no special restrictions, counseling requirements, or age limitations for cousin marriage in New Jersey.
- The law applies equally to all residents and non-residents wishing to marry in the state.
If you are considering marrying your first cousin in New Jersey, the law is clear: it is fully legal, and you will face no legal barriers unique to cousin marriage. As with any marriage, you must still meet the general requirements regarding age, consent, and marital status, but your familial relationship as first cousins does not disqualify you from marrying in the Garden State.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-37/section-37-1-1/
- https://www.ulc.org/wedding-laws/new-jersey
- https://nj1015.com/yes-you-can-marry-your-first-cousin-in-new-jersey/
- https://catcountry1073.com/heres-where-in-new-jersey-you-can-marry-your-first-cousin/
