In New York, it is legal to marry your first cousin. The state’s marriage laws do not prohibit such unions, which classifies New York as a “kissing cousin state” where first cousins can legally wed without any special conditions or requirements.
Key Points About Cousin Marriage in New York
- Legal Status: First cousins can marry in New York, and the law does not specifically mention them as prohibited relatives.
- Other Allowed Relationships: In addition to first cousins, New York also permits marriages between half-first cousins, first cousins once removed, and more distant relatives like second and third cousins.
- Prohibited Relationships: The law explicitly prohibits marriages between closer relatives, including siblings (full or half), parents and children, as well as aunts/uncles and nieces/nephews.
Considerations
While marrying a first cousin is legal in New York, it is important to note that some states do not recognize such marriages. If a couple were to marry in a state that prohibits cousin marriage, New York may not recognize that union as valid upon their return. Overall, while marrying a first cousin may be viewed with skepticism by some, it remains a legal option in New York state.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/york-state-allows-marry-relative-002457243.html
- https://wour.com/is-it-legal-to-marry-your-first-cousin-in-new-york/
- https://981thehawk.com/can-i-marry-my-cousin-in-ny/
