In New Mexico, it is legal to marry your first cousin. The state does not prohibit marriage between first cousins, and there are no special conditions or age restrictions beyond the standard marriage requirements for unrelated couples.
- New Mexico law explicitly allows first cousins to marry. According to FindLaw and state statutes, first cousins can legally marry in New Mexico without age limits, as long as both parties meet the general requirements for marriage (such as age and consent).
- Historical context: Earlier versions of New Mexico law did prohibit cousin marriage, but that restriction was removed in the 19th century. The current statute (NMSA § 40-1-7) lists prohibited marriages (such as between siblings, parents and children, aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews), but does not include first cousins.
Summary Table: Cousin Marriage in New Mexico
| Relationship | Marriage Allowed? |
|---|---|
| First Cousin | Yes |
| Sibling | No |
| Parent/Child | No |
| Aunt/Uncle & Niece/Nephew | No |
Recent Legislative Activity
- As of 2024, there have been proposals to amend the law to prohibit first cousin marriage (see House Bill 242), but these changes have not been enacted. The current law still allows first cousin marriage.
It is not illegal to marry your cousin in New Mexico. First cousin marriage is fully legal and recognized by the state, with no special restrictions or conditions. Always check for the most current legal updates if you are planning to marry, but as of May 2025, first cousin marriage is permitted in New Mexico.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.draslamabdullah.com/post/first-cousin-marriage-laws-in-the-u-s
- https://www.findlaw.com/state/new-mexico-law/new-mexico-annulment-and-prohibited-marriage-laws.html
- https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-40/article-1/section-40-1-7/