In New Jersey, marrying your cousin is legal. The state’s laws do not prohibit marriage between first cousins, making New Jersey one of the U.S. states where such unions are explicitly allowed. According to the New Jersey Revised Statutes, the law only restricts marriages between close blood relatives such as ancestors, descendants, siblings, nieces, nephews, and aunts or uncles. Cousins are not included in these prohibitions.
As of February 2025, there is significant variation across the United States regarding cousin marriage. While 24 states prohibit first cousin marriages, 18 states—including New Jersey—allow them, and eight others permit cousin marriage under specific conditions, such as age or infertility. New Jersey is among the states with no special stipulations or additional requirements for cousin marriage, making the process straightforward for those who wish to marry a first cousin.
Despite the legality, cousin marriage remains a topic of social stigma in the United States, including New Jersey. Many people are surprised to learn that cousin marriage is legal in the state, as it is often considered taboo in American culture. However, globally, cousin marriage is much more common, with over 10% of marriages worldwide occurring between first or second cousins.
From a legal perspective, New Jersey law is clear. The relevant statute, Section 37:1-1 of the New Jersey Revised Statutes, specifically lists the relationships that are prohibited for marriage or civil union. These include ancestors, descendants, siblings, nieces, nephews, and aunts or uncles, but do not mention cousins. Therefore, first cousins and more distant cousins are legally permitted to marry in New Jersey.
There is no requirement for genetic counseling or age restrictions specific to cousin marriage in New Jersey, unlike in some other states where such conditions may apply. For example, states like Maine require genetic counseling, and others may only allow cousin marriage if both parties are above a certain age or are infertile. In New Jersey, no such additional barriers exist for cousins wishing to marry.
The question of health risks for children born to cousin couples is often raised. Scientific studies indicate that the risk of genetic disorders is only slightly higher for the children of first cousins compared to unrelated couples. The risk becomes more pronounced only if cousin marriage is repeated within a family over several generations. In New Jersey, there are no laws mandating genetic counseling for cousin couples, but those with concerns about potential health risks may seek voluntary counseling.
It is fully legal to marry your cousin in New Jersey, with no special restrictions or requirements. The law is unambiguous on this point, and cousin couples have the same marriage rights as any other unrelated adults in the state. While social attitudes may vary, the legal framework is clear and permissive regarding cousin marriage in New Jersey.
Sources
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
[2] https://ifstudies.org/blog/why-every-state-should-ban-first-cousin-marriage
[3] https://nj1015.com/yes-you-can-marry-your-first-cousin-in-new-jersey/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage
[5] https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-37/section-37-1-1/
