Yes, cousin marriage is legal in New Hampshire under RSA 457:1, which permits unions between first cousins without restriction. The state does not impose additional licensing or genetic counseling requirements beyond standard marriage statutes. Local clerks in municipalities like Manchester and Nashua process such applications uniformly, aligning with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ 2024 guidance on marital eligibility.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in New Hampshire
- No statutory prohibition: RSA 457:1 explicitly allows first-cousin marriages, with no age or genetic testing mandates.
- Licensing parity: Applicants must comply with RSA 457:16’s standard marriage license procedures, including 3-day waiting periods in some jurisdictions.
- Local enforcement uniformity: Municipal clerks adhere to state guidelines, though some towns (e.g., Portsmouth) may require additional identity verification per 2023 town ordinances.