Marriage laws vary widely by state, especially when it comes to family relationships. In Nebraska, these laws are clear and more restrictive than in many other states. Here’s what you need to know about cousin marriage in Nebraska as of 2025.
Nebraska’s Law on Cousin Marriage: The Basics
It is illegal to marry your first cousin in Nebraska. The law states that marriages between parties who are related as first cousins—whether by whole blood—are considered void and prohibited within the state. Nebraska takes a firm stance on this issue, and there are no exceptions for age, medical reasons, or infertility.
Who Is Considered “Too Close” to Marry?
Nebraska explicitly forbids marriage between the following relatives:
Parent and child
Grandparent and grandchild
Siblings (whole or half-blood)
First cousins (whole blood)
Uncle and niece
Aunt and nephew
These prohibitions apply whether the parties are related by birth, adoption, or other legal relationships.
What About Other Types of Cousins?
Half first cousins: Nebraska law specifically bans marriage between first cousins of the whole blood, but it is generally interpreted that half first cousins (where the parents are half-siblings) may be permitted to marry in the state, though legal advice is recommended for such cases.
First cousins once removed: Marriage between a person and their first cousin once removed (for example, your cousin’s child) is not prohibited by law in Nebraska and is therefore allowed.
Second cousins and beyond: Marriages between second cousins and more distant relatives are legal in Nebraska.
Are Out-of-State Cousin Marriages Recognized?
Nebraska historically recognizes marriages that are legally performed in another state or country where such unions are permitted—even if those marriages would not be legal if performed in Nebraska itself. For example, if two first cousins marry in a state where their union is legal, Nebraska law generally recognizes the validity of that marriage upon their return.
Practical Implications
If you apply for a marriage license in Nebraska, there is typically no question on the application form about whether you and your prospective spouse are blood relatives. However, signing the form attests that there is no legal obstacle to your marriage. If the state discovers you are first cousins, the marriage is considered void and could be annulled.
Table: Nebraska Cousin Marriage Laws at a Glance
| Relationship | Marriage Allowed in Nebraska? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First cousins (whole blood) | No | Expressly prohibited by law |
| Half first cousins | Possibly | Not explicitly banned; seek legal counsel |
| First cousins once removed | Yes | Legal under Nebraska statute |
| Second cousins and beyond | Yes | Legal |
| Out-of-state first cousin marriage | Yes, recognized | If legal where performed; recognized upon return |
Nebraska’s marriage laws are among the strictest in the U.S. regarding first cousin unions, with little room for exception. While couples who are more distantly related can marry legally, first cousin marriage is void if performed in the state. However, Nebraska does recognize cousin marriages that are legally conducted elsewhere. For complicated or borderline cases, consulting a family law attorney is strongly recommended.
Staying informed on the details of Nebraska’s marriage laws helps couples avoid legal complications and ensure their union is valid and recognized both within the state and beyond.
Sources
[1] https://www.lawinfo.com/resources/family-law/nebraska/
[2] https://dataminingdna.com/can-first-cousins-marry-in-nebraska/
[3] https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=42-103
[4] https://scottsbluffcountyne.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/02/NEBRASKA-MARRIAGE-LICENSE-LAWS-1.21.2021.pdf
[5] https://11points.com/11-state-laws-marrying-cousins-strictest-loosest/
