In New Jersey, it is legal to marry your first cousin. The state’s marriage laws specifically outline which familial relationships are prohibited, and first cousins are not among them. This means that two people who are first cousins may legally marry anywhere in New Jersey without any special conditions or exceptions.
What Does the Law Say?
The relevant statute, New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 37:1-1, lists prohibited relationships for marriage and civil union. According to the law:
“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.”
This means marriages are prohibited between:
- Parents and children (ancestors or descendants)
- Siblings (brothers and sisters)
- Aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews (the sibling of a parent or the child of a sibling)
First cousins are not included in this list of prohibited relationships. Therefore, such marriages are not void or illegal under New Jersey law.
How New Jersey Compares to Other States
Cousin marriage laws vary widely across the United States. As of early 2025:
- 18 states, including New Jersey, allow first cousin marriage without restriction.
- 24 states prohibit marriage between first cousins.
- 8 states allow cousin marriage only under specific circumstances, such as age or infertility.
New Jersey is among the minority of states that permit first cousin marriage without any additional requirements or restrictions.
Social and Cultural Context
While cousin marriage is legally permitted in New Jersey, there is still a social stigma attached to the practice in the United States. In many other countries, cousin marriage is much more common and socially accepted. In fact, globally, over 10% of marriages are estimated to be between first or second cousins.
Despite the legal acceptance, some people in New Jersey may still react with surprise or disapproval when learning that first cousin marriage is allowed. This stigma is rooted more in cultural attitudes than in legal or scientific evidence.
Health Considerations
One common concern about cousin marriage is the potential risk of genetic disorders in children. Scientific research suggests that the risk for first cousin couples is only slightly higher than for unrelated couples. The risk becomes more significant only if cousin marriages are repeated over several generations. Some states, such as Maine, require genetic counseling for cousin couples, but New Jersey has no such requirement.
Table: Marriage Laws for First Cousins
| State | First Cousin Marriage | Special Conditions? |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Legal | None |
| Pennsylvania | Illegal | N/A |
| New York | Legal | None |
| Maine | Legal | Genetic counseling |
| California | Legal | None |
| Texas | Illegal | N/A |
It is not illegal to marry your first cousin in New Jersey. The law permits such marriages, and there are no special restrictions or requirements for cousin couples. While the practice remains uncommon and may be viewed with skepticism by some, it is fully legal in the state. If you are considering marrying your cousin in New Jersey, you can do so without fear of legal repercussions.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://nj1015.com/yes-you-can-marry-your-first-cousin-in-new-jersey/
[3] https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-37/section-37-1-1/
[4] https://catcountry1073.com/heres-where-in-new-jersey-you-can-marry-your-first-cousin/
[5] https://wpgtalkradio.com/yes-you-can-marry-your-first-cousin-in-new-jersey/
