Is It Illegal to Marry Your Cousin in New Jersey? Here's What the Law Says

Marrying your cousin is legal in New Jersey. The state’s laws do not prohibit marriages between first cousins or more distant relatives.

Key Points About Cousin Marriage in New Jersey

First cousin marriages are explicitly allowed under New Jersey law.
There are no restrictions on cousin marriages in the state, regardless of the degree of relation.
New Jersey is one of 21 states in the U.S. that permit first cousin marriages without conditions.

Legal Framework

New Jersey’s marriage laws, outlined in Title 37 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes, specify the following regarding family relationships and marriage:

Marriage is prohibited between a person and their ancestors, descendants, siblings, or the children of their siblings.
The law does not mention any restrictions on cousin marriages.

Comparison to Other States

While New Jersey allows cousin marriages, laws vary significantly across the United States:

24 states prohibit first cousin marriages entirely
19 states, including New Jersey, allow first cousin marriages without restrictions
7 states allow first cousin marriages under certain conditions (e.g., age requirements or genetic counseling)

Public Perception and Considerations

Despite being legal, cousin marriages may still face social stigma or misconceptions:

The practice is often considered taboo in the United States, unlike in many other parts of the world.
There are common misconceptions about the genetic risks associated with cousin marriages.

While legal, couples considering cousin marriage in New Jersey should be aware of potential social and health considerations, even though the law does not restrict such unions.

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