Yes, cousin marriage is legal in New Mexico under specific conditions. State law permits first-cousin unions, unlike some jurisdictions, but prohibits marriages between closer relatives. No 2026 compliance shifts have altered this framework, though local clerks may enforce additional scrutiny during license issuance.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in New Mexico
- First-cousin marriages are explicitly permitted under N.M. Stat. Ann. § 40-1-1, provided neither party is closer than first cousins.
- Prohibited degrees include siblings, half-siblings, parents/children, and aunts/uncles, aligning with traditional incest statutes.
- License requirements mandate proof of age and identity, with clerks verifying no prohibited relationships via sworn affidavit. No genetic testing is mandated.