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

It is in New Mexico. First cousins and other more distant cousins can legally marry without any restrictions because the state’s marriage rules do not specifically forbid cousin weddings. First cousins once removed and half first cousins are included in this.

Legal Context

According to the pertinent New Mexico law (Section 40-1-7), weddings are only forbidden between parents and children, uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews, and siblings (both full and half-blood).

First cousins are not included in the list of incestuous relationships that are deemed void by state law because the law was notably revised in 1880 to remove any bans against cousin weddings.

Marriage License Requirements

In order to get married, a couple must apply in person at the county clerk’s office for a marriage license. Being first cousins does not prevent a marriage license from being issued, even if the clerk may ask about the parties’ relationship.

Summary

In conclusion, New Mexico law permits marriages between first cousins as long as the pair meets the usual prerequisites for marriage licenses.

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
2. https://getordained.org/state-marriage-laws/new-mexico
3. https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/chapter-40/article-1/section-40-1-7/

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