Marrying your first cousin is legal in New York. The state’s marriage laws specifically allow first cousins to marry, making New York one of the 18 U.S. states where such unions are permitted.
Who Can and Cannot Marry in New York?
Allowed:
- First cousins: You can legally marry your first cousin in New York. This includes cousins who share a set of grandparents, as well as half-first cousins and cousins once removed.
- Second, third, and more distant cousins: These marriages are also legal.
Prohibited:
- Close blood relatives: New York law prohibits marriage between ancestors and descendants (parent-child, grandparent-grandchild), siblings (whole or half-blood), and between an uncle/aunt and niece/nephew. These are considered incestuous and void under state law.
Recognition in Other States
While New York allows first cousin marriages, not all states do. Some states that prohibit cousin marriage may not recognize a marriage performed in New York between first cousins. If you plan to move, check the laws of your new state regarding recognition of your marriage.
- It is legal to marry your first cousin in New York.
- Marriages between more closely related individuals (siblings, parent-child, uncle-niece, etc.) are illegal and void.
- Other states may not recognize your marriage if they prohibit cousin marriage.
New York is often referred to as a “kissing cousin state” because of this legal allowance. If you are considering marrying your cousin in New York, you are fully protected by state law.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cousin_marriage_law_in_the_United_States
- https://wnbf.com/ixp/498/p/can-i-marry-my-cousin-in-ny/
- https://www.nycbar.org/get-legal-help/article/family-law/marriage-is-a-contract/
- https://familylawyer.1800nynylaw.com/incestuous-and-void-marriages.html
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/york-state-allows-marry-relative-002457243.html