Jail Weddings: Can You Attend While Incarcerated?

Attending a wedding while in jail or prison is a complicated affair. While it is possible in some cases, it is not a privilege often granted to prisoners. In the US, jails are typically operated by counties and tend to be for those awaiting trial or sentencing, and prisoners here may be allowed to attend a wedding. Prisons, on the other hand, are usually operated by the state or federal government and are for those serving longer sentences, and prisoners here are very unlikely to be allowed to leave to attend a wedding.

There are some exceptions, however. The US Bureau of Prisons allows prisoners to receive periods of temporary or permanent release, which may be granted in recognition of good conduct. These releases are known as 'furloughs' and can be granted for social events, including weddings. However, they are not considered a reward for good behaviour and are not guaranteed. Furloughs are also not free – the prisoner must cover all expenses, including transportation, food, lodging and incidentals.

If a prisoner is allowed to attend a wedding, they will have to agree to a set of conditions, including remaining in legal custody of the US Attorney General and agreeing to any urinalysis, Breathalyzer and comparable tests. They will also be prohibited from a range of activities, including driving a motor vehicle, possessing a firearm, signing legal papers, and more.

Inmates can attend their own wedding, but they can't leave jail to attend someone else's

In the US, inmates are allowed to get married while incarcerated. However, this doesn't mean that they can leave jail temporarily to attend someone else's wedding. Inmates can only leave the facility for social events through furlough programs, which are not guaranteed and are rarely approved for social events.

Marrying an Inmate

Marrying an inmate requires careful consideration of the challenges that come with such a union. These include limited visitations, restrictions on physical contact, and the emotional and financial costs of maintaining a relationship with an inmate. It's important to remember that prison marriages have an even higher failure rate than regular marriages.

The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony will be held within the correctional facility and will be subject to the facility's strict rules and regulations. This includes restrictions on guests, clothing, and items that can be brought into the facility. The ceremony may only include the exchange of rings, vows, a kiss, and a few photos.

The Process

To marry an inmate, the non-incarcerated partner must complete all the necessary paperwork, obtain a marriage license, and find an officiant. The process can be lengthy and complicated, and the approval of prison officials is required.

Leaving Jail Temporarily

While inmates are generally not allowed to leave jail temporarily to attend social events, there are rare exceptions through furlough programs. These programs allow inmates to leave the facility temporarily and then return. However, this is not a guaranteed privilege and is rarely approved for social events like weddings. Furloughs are typically granted for medical purposes, funerals, or making contact for employment upon release.

In conclusion, while inmates can marry and even have their wedding ceremony in the correctional facility, they are not allowed to leave jail temporarily to attend someone else's wedding. The only exception is through furlough programs, which are rarely approved for social events.

The prison chaplain might be the only person allowed to officiate

In some correctional facilities, only an on-staff chaplain can officiate a wedding. This is often the case when outside ministers or officiants are not permitted to perform marriages for inmates. Some prisons maintain a list of approved officiants from which the couple can choose, but others restrict this role to the prison chaplain.

If you are getting married in a prison that only allows the chaplain to officiate, you may be able to request an exception on religious or personal grounds. It is worth checking the facility's rules or asking the warden if you can choose your own officiant. If exceptions are not permitted, you will need to work with the chaplain to plan and conduct the ceremony.

The prison chaplain will be familiar with the facility's rules and restrictions regarding weddings and will be able to guide you through the process. They will also be able to advise you on any religious accommodations that may be permitted. For example, the chaplain may be able to help you include specific religious elements in the ceremony or allow you to wear a religious symbol during the service.

It is important to note that the prison chaplain's role may be limited to officiating the wedding. They may not be able to provide premarital counseling or other support services that a couple typically receives from their chosen officiant. If you require additional support, you may need to seek it from another source, such as a relationship counselor or a member of your religious community.

Additionally, the availability of the prison chaplain may be limited, and they may have a busy schedule. It is essential to coordinate with them as early as possible to ensure they are available on your preferred wedding date.

In some cases, the prison chaplain may also act as a witness for the wedding, especially if the facility requires witnesses to be prison officials or other inmates.

While having the prison chaplain officiate your wedding may not be your first choice, remember that their presence can help create a sacred and blessed space for your ceremony, even within the limitations of the correctional system.

Guests may have to pass background checks and need approval to attend

If you are planning to attend a wedding held in a correctional facility, you may need to pass a background check and obtain approval from the facility. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the facility and the level of security, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Contact the Facility: It is important to contact the correctional facility directly to inquire about their specific requirements and approval process for guests. Some facilities may require guests to undergo a background check, while others may have different approval procedures in place.
• Provide Necessary Information: Be prepared to provide any requested information, such as your full name, address, phone number, and date of birth. You may also need to submit to a criminal background check.
• Follow Dress Code Guidelines: Correctional facilities often have strict dress codes that guests must adhere to. For example, clothing that exposes too much skin, metal objects, or high-heeled shoes may be prohibited. It is important to familiarise yourself with the dress code guidelines to ensure your attendance at the wedding.
• Comply with Restrictions: It is crucial to comply with any restrictions imposed by the facility, such as limitations on the number of guests or the types of items that can be brought into the facility. These restrictions are put in place for security reasons and must be respected.
• Arrive on Time: On the day of the wedding, be sure to arrive on time and follow the check-in procedures. You will likely need to present photo identification and may be subject to security screenings.
• Respect the Couple's Wishes: Remember that the couple's wedding day is a special occasion for them, despite the unique circumstances. Respect their wishes and cooperate with the facility staff to ensure that the ceremony proceeds smoothly.

There are restrictions on what the couple and guests can wear

Restrictions on Attire

While planning a prison wedding, it's important to remember that there will likely be clothing restrictions for the couple and their guests. These restrictions are implemented by the correctional facility and can vary depending on the specific rules of the institution. It is crucial to adhere to these restrictions to ensure that the wedding ceremony goes smoothly and complies with the facility's regulations. Below are some guidelines and considerations regarding the attire for the couple and their guests.

The Couple's Attire

The couple, particularly the inmate, will need to follow the facility's dress code for their wedding attire. In some cases, the inmate may be required to wear their prison uniform, while the spouse might have restrictions on the type of clothing they can wear. It is important to avoid revealing clothing and clothing with metal objects or decorations, as these can set off metal detectors. Clothing with multiple pockets or places for storing items should also be avoided, as it may raise security concerns. It is best to consult with the warden or refer to the facility's dress code guidelines to ensure compliance.

Guest Attire

Guests attending the wedding should also be mindful of the facility's dress code and clothing restrictions. High heel shoes with metal nails, clothing with metal beads, and costume jewellery are often prohibited as they can set off metal detectors. Revealing clothing is also typically not allowed. It is important to note that guests may be subject to security screenings, including metal detectors, so choosing appropriate attire is crucial. Guests should refer to the facility's guidelines or contact the prison for specific instructions on what to wear.

General Considerations

When planning a prison wedding, it is essential to prioritise security and compliance with the facility's regulations. While it may be challenging to find attire that adheres to the restrictions, creativity and adaptability are key. It is important to remember that the focus of the ceremony is on the couple's love and commitment, rather than the attire. By following the facility's guidelines and maintaining open communication with the relevant authorities, the couple and their guests can ensure that their attire is appropriate and compliant.

There are no special privileges for married inmates, e.g. conjugal visits

Marriage does not grant any special privileges to inmates. While there are some benefits to being married to an inmate, such as more frequent visits and special treatment as a close family member, there are no conjugal visits for married inmates. Conjugal visits are only permitted in certain cases in state-run facilities in California, Connecticut, Washington, and New York. Federal prisons and facilities in other states do not allow conjugal visits.

Inmates are not allowed to marry as a reward for good behaviour or to shorten their sentence. Marriage is a right that must be easily accessible and protected, even for prisoners and inmates. However, there is no guarantee that every inmate will receive approval to marry. The decision lies with the prison officials, who conduct interviews and security checks to ensure that the marriage will not cause safety issues or interfere with the inmate's rehabilitation.

Even after the marriage, visitations will still be restricted and supervised, with limited physical contact allowed. There will be no privacy during visits, as they usually take place in common areas with other inmates and their families present. The duration of each visit is also limited, typically to just an hour or two at a time, a few times a month.

Frequently asked questions