No, it is not illegal to marry your cousin in New Jersey. In fact, New Jersey is among the states where marriage between first cousins is fully legal.
What the Law Says
- First Cousin Marriage is Legal: New Jersey law explicitly allows first cousins to marry each other. The state prohibits marriage between close blood relatives such as parents and children, siblings, aunts/uncles and their nieces/nephews, but does not prohibit marriage between first or subsequent cousins.
- Statutory Language: According to New Jersey Revised Statutes § 37:1-1, marriages are not permitted between ancestors and descendants, siblings, or between an individual and the child of their sibling or the sibling of their parent. However, there is no restriction on cousins marrying.
- No Special Requirements: Unlike some states that require genetic counseling or impose age or fertility restrictions for cousin marriages, New Jersey has no such stipulations. The process for marrying a cousin is the same as for any other couple.
Social Context
While cousin marriage is legal, it may still carry some social stigma in the United States, including New Jersey. However, the law is clear: there are no legal barriers to first cousins marrying in the Garden State.
Summary Table
| Relationship | Legal to Marry in NJ? |
|---|---|
| Parent/Child | No |
| Sibling | No |
| Aunt/Uncle-Niece/Nephew | No |
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Second Cousin | Yes |
It is completely legal for first cousins to marry in New Jersey. There are no special restrictions or requirements beyond the standard marriage laws that apply to all couples.
Sources:
- https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/family-law/new-jersey/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-37/section-37-1-1/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- 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/