No, it is not against the law to marry your cousin in New Mexico. State law allows two people who are first cousins to legally get married. There are no provisions in New Mexico’s marriage statutes that prohibit marriages between first cousins, making it one of the states in the U.S. where such unions are fully recognized without special requirements or restrictions
.
What the Law Says
Permitted Relationships:
New Mexico does not include first cousins in its list of prohibited marriage relationships. The state law specifically bans marriages between parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, and between uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews—but first cousins are not mentioned as prohibited
.
Legality:
Marrying your first cousin is perfectly legal in New Mexico. Applicants for marriage licenses might be asked if they are related, but being first cousins does not prevent you from being issued a license or having your marriage recognized by the state
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No Special Conditions:
There are no additional requirements (such as genetic counseling, medical testing, or proof of infertility) for first cousins in New Mexico. As long as both individuals meet the general legal requirements for marriage (age, consent, etc.), the marriage is allowed
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Table: New Mexico Marriage Restrictions
| Relationship | Marriage Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Parent-Child | No |
| Grandparent-Grandchild | No |
| Brother-Sister (Full or Half) | No |
| Uncle-Niece / Aunt-Nephew | No |
|
First Cousins |
Yes |
| More Distant Cousins (2nd, 3rd, etc) | Yes |
Additional Facts
History:
First cousin marriages were prohibited for a short time when New Mexico was a territory, but that ban was removed in 1880. Since statehood, first cousin marriages have not been restricted
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Marriage License Process:
You do not need to be a New Mexico resident to obtain a marriage license in the state, and the process does not explicitly bar first cousins
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Other States’ Laws:
If you live in or move to another state, be aware that many U.S. states do not recognize cousin marriages that are legal in New Mexico, so legality may change based on your location
.
First cousins can legally marry in New Mexico. There is no law against it, and no special procedures are required, making it fully legal as of July 2025
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