In New Jersey, it is legal to marry your first cousin. The state’s law prohibits marriage between ancestors and descendants, siblings, or the daughter or son of a brother or sister, whether of whole or half blood, as well as the sister or brother of one’s mother or father. New Jersey law specifies that a marriage or civil union violating these provisions is considered void.
Key points to note:
- Permissible Kinship: Marriages between first cousins are allowed under New Jersey law.
- Other Restrictions: New Jersey law does not allow marriage between ancestors, descendants, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews.
- Minimum Age: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old to marry in New Jersey. New Jersey does not tolerate marriages of people under 18 years of age under any circumstances.
- Marriage Equality: Same-sex couples have the right to marry in New Jersey.
- Residency: If neither party is a resident of the state, the marriage license must be obtained in the municipality where the proposed marriage will occur.
- Ceremony Requirements: Both individuals must be physically present during the ceremony and formally consent to the marriage in the presence of at least two witnesses and a minister, who will solemnize the marriage.
New Jersey is among 21 states in the United States that permit first cousins to marry. While marrying a first cousin is legal in New Jersey, marrying a closer relative is not.
Source:
- https://catcountry1073.com/heres-where-in-new-jersey-you-can-marry-your-first-cousin/
- https://wpgtalkradio.com/yes-you-can-marry-your-first-cousin-in-new-jersey/
- https://www.themonastery.org/marriage-laws/new-jersey
- https://www.ulc.org/wedding-laws/new-jersey
