Marriage between cousins is governed by specific laws in Nebraska, and the rules are strict regarding which familial relationships are permitted to wed. Here’s a clear breakdown of the legal landscape as of 2025.
First Cousin Marriage: Not Allowed
- It is illegal for first cousins to marry in Nebraska. The state’s marriage laws explicitly prohibit marriages between first cousins of whole blood.
- Nebraska law states that marriages are void if the parties are related as parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, siblings (whole or half), uncle and niece, aunt and nephew, or first cousins of whole blood.
- There are no exceptions or special circumstances (such as age or infertility) that allow first cousins to marry in Nebraska.
Who Can Marry?
- Second cousins and more distant relatives are allowed to marry. Nebraska law only prohibits marriage between close blood relatives, so second cousins, first cousins once removed, half-cousins, and cousins by adoption can legally wed in the state.
- First cousins once removed (the child of your first cousin) are permitted to marry in Nebraska.
Out-of-State Marriages
- Recognition of Out-of-State Marriages: Nebraska generally recognizes first cousin marriages that were legally performed in other states or countries where such unions are allowed. For example, if two Nebraska residents marry as first cousins in a state where it is legal, Nebraska courts have historically recognized that marriage as valid upon their return.
Cohabitation and Sexual Relations
- While marriage between first cousins is not allowed, first cousins in Nebraska can legally live together and have sexual relations; the prohibition applies only to marriage.
Summary Table: Cousin Marriage in Nebraska
| Relationship | Marriage Legal in Nebraska? |
|---|---|
| First Cousin (whole blood) | No |
| First Cousin (half blood) | Yes |
| First Cousin Once Removed | Yes |
| Second Cousin | Yes |
| Out-of-State First Cousin | Recognized if legally performed elsewhere |
First cousin marriage is illegal in Nebraska, with no exceptions for age, infertility, or other circumstances. However, marriages between more distant relatives—such as second cousins or first cousins once removed—are permitted. Nebraska does recognize first cousin marriages performed in states or countries where such marriages are legal.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://getordained.org/state-marriage-laws/nebraska
- https://marriage.uslegal.com/state-marriage-laws/nebraska/
- https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=42-103