Thinking about cousin marriage in New Hampshire? You may be wondering if it’s legally allowed to marry a family member like your cousin. The short answer is no, first cousins cannot legally marry in New Hampshire. The law is very clear on this topic and has been in place for a long time.
Let’s break it down simply, so you understand who you can and cannot marry under New Hampshire law.
What Do New Hampshire Marriage Laws Say About First Cousins?
New Hampshire has one of the most detailed lists of prohibited relationships when it comes to marriage. According to the law, you cannot marry your:
- Father’s or mother’s siblings (uncles and aunts)
- Brother or sister
- Son or daughter
- Grandchildren
- Nephews or nieces
- First cousins
Yes, the law even spells out all possible combinations of first cousins, making it crystal clear that first cousin marriage is not allowed.
Are There Any Exceptions to This Rule?
Unlike some other U.S. states that allow cousin marriage under certain conditions (like age or infertility), New Hampshire does not make any exceptions. First cousin marriage is simply banned, no matter the situation.
What About Other Types of Cousins?
If your relationship is more distant than first cousins, then marriage is allowed. This includes:
- First cousins once removed (for example, your cousin’s child)
- Second cousins (your parents are first cousins)
- Third and fourth cousins, and beyond
So, while first cousin marriage is off-limits, other cousin relationships that are not as close are legally allowed in New Hampshire.
Does New Hampshire Accept First Cousin Marriages from Other States?
Some U.S. states that ban cousin marriages still recognize them if the couple got married legally in another state.
Not New Hampshire. If a couple marries as first cousins in a state where it’s legal (like Massachusetts or Vermont), New Hampshire will not recognize that marriage.
The state law clearly says:
“Marriages legally contracted outside the state of New Hampshire which would be prohibited under [NH laws] if contracted in New Hampshire shall not be legally recognized in this state.”
So even if the marriage is valid elsewhere, it’s not legal in New Hampshire if it breaks their marriage laws.
Do Neighboring States Allow First Cousin Marriage?
If you’re living in New Hampshire but want to know what nearby states allow, here’s a quick look:
- Massachusetts – Yes, first cousins can marry.
- Vermont – Yes, first cousin marriage is legal.
- Maine – No, it is banned.
If a couple chooses to get married legally in Massachusetts or Vermont, they should still be aware that New Hampshire won’t recognize that marriage if they move back.
To keep it simple: First cousin marriage is illegal in New Hampshire. The law has been around since 1869 and continues to be enforced strictly, with no exceptions. If you’re planning to get married and your partner is a cousin, you must understand your relationship’s legal standing. More distant cousin relationships like second or third cousins are permitted. Always check state laws carefully before taking the next step.
