Proxy Weddings: The Ultimate Guide To Tying The Knot From Afar

A proxy wedding is a ceremony in which one or both parties are not physically present, with someone else standing in as a proxy. This type of marriage is usually chosen when a couple is unable to wed physically due to reasons such as military service, imprisonment, or travel restrictions. Proxy weddings are not recognised as legally binding in most jurisdictions, however, they are permitted in some US states, including California, Montana, Colorado, and Texas.

Proxy weddings are only legal in a handful of US states

A proxy wedding, or proxy marriage, is a ceremony in which one or both individuals are not physically present, and are instead represented by other people (proxies). If both partners are absent, this is known as a double proxy wedding.

Proxy weddings are usually carried out when a couple wishes to marry but one or both partners cannot attend due to reasons such as military service, imprisonment, or travel restrictions. They are also used when a couple lives in a jurisdiction in which they cannot legally marry.

In most jurisdictions, proxy weddings are not recognised as legally binding as the law requires that both parties to a marriage be physically present. However, proxy weddings are only legal in a handful of US states, including Texas, Colorado, Kansas, and Montana. Of these, Montana is the only state that allows double-proxy weddings.

In Colorado, one person must be out of state (or incarcerated) for a proxy wedding to be permitted. In California, only military service members who are deployed for war can be married by proxy. Meanwhile, Texas requires one partner to be in the state with a signed affidavit from the absent member.

Montana has the simplest process, requiring only one of the participants to be an active-duty service member or a resident. This allows for a double proxy wedding, where neither partner is present.

Proxy weddings have been particularly important for military couples, as they allow access to benefits such as housing allowances and healthcare, which are only available to those who are officially married. They also ensure that partners can receive help from the military if their spouse is injured or killed in action—privileges that are not extended to girlfriends or fiancées.

While proxy weddings are available in only a few US states, they can be a convenient option for couples facing challenges such as military deployment or legal restrictions.

Double proxy weddings are even rarer

A proxy wedding is a ceremony in which one or both individuals are not physically present, with someone else (a proxy) standing in for the bride and/or groom. Double proxy weddings, where both parties are absent, are even rarer and only legal in Montana, USA.

Proxy weddings are usually used when a couple wishes to marry but cannot be present, often due to military service, imprisonment, travel restrictions, or jurisdiction issues. They are not recognised as legally binding in most jurisdictions, but some countries, such as Pakistan and India, do allow them under certain conditions.

In the case of a double proxy wedding, both parties are absent and use a proxy to stand in for them. This is an extremely rare occurrence and, as of 2015, could only be performed in Montana, USA. In this state, a double proxy wedding can be performed as long as at least one partner is either on active military duty or is a resident of Montana.

The process of a double proxy wedding is similar to that of a single proxy wedding. The proxy couple will stand in for the absent couple and repeat their vows. In some cases, the proxy couple may even be required to kiss to seal the marriage. After the ceremony, the marriage is legal and valid.

The cost of a double proxy wedding can vary depending on the location and services hired. In Montana, fees for a double proxy wedding range from $600 to $1,000, which includes the hiring of two stand-ins to act as proxies. This is significantly more expensive than a single proxy wedding, which only requires a marriage license and notarized paperwork.

Proxy weddings are used when one or both parties cannot attend

In the US, proxy marriages are legally recognised in a small number of states, including Montana, Colorado, Texas, and California. Each state has its own specific requirements and rules for proxy marriages. For example, in Colorado, if one party cannot be present, they may authorise a third person to act as their proxy in writing. Similarly, in Montana, if a party is unable to attend the wedding, they can provide written authorisation for a third person to act on their behalf.

Proxy weddings have been particularly relevant for military couples, as they often face challenges such as deployments, frequent moves, and long training absences that make planning a traditional wedding difficult. By having a proxy wedding, military couples can access important benefits such as housing allowances and health care, which are usually only available to legally married spouses. Additionally, being legally married ensures that the non-military spouse will receive support from the military if their partner is injured or killed in action—a benefit that is not extended to fiancées or girlfriends.

While proxy weddings may provide a solution for couples facing logistical challenges, they also come with their own set of complexities. In the context of immigration, for example, proxy marriages are not recognised by US law unless they are consummated after the union. Proving consummation can be difficult and often requires submitting intimate details or graphic proof, along with evidence that the couple was in the same place at the same time following the wedding.

Proxy weddings are often used by military personnel

In a proxy wedding, one or both individuals are not physically present and are represented by proxies, or stand-ins. This type of marriage is particularly relevant for military personnel who are deployed overseas or unable to return home due to the demands of their service. By choosing a proxy wedding, they can marry without waiting for their next leave or return home.

Proxy weddings are legally recognised in some jurisdictions, including Montana, Colorado, Texas, and California in the United States. In these states, military couples can access benefits such as housing allowances and health care, which are exclusive to legally married couples. Additionally, in the unfortunate event of injury or death during service, the military will provide support to the spouse, an advantage not extended to fiancées or girlfriends.

The process of obtaining a proxy wedding varies by location. In the United States, some states like California and Texas require a marriage license and notarised paperwork, while others like Montana offer double proxy weddings, where neither partner needs to be physically present, as long as one is an active-duty service member.

Proxy weddings have a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages when European monarchs and nobility would marry by proxy. The tradition has continued through the ages, with notable examples during World War I and World War II, when proxy marriages were common among soldiers serving abroad.

Proxy weddings are not recognised by US immigration law

A proxy wedding is a wedding in which one or both individuals are not physically present and are instead represented by proxies or stand-ins. Proxy weddings are legal in some US states, including Montana, Colorado, Texas, California, and Utah. However, proxy weddings are not recognised by US immigration law unless the marriage is consummated through sexual relations after the ceremony. This is because, according to the Adjudicator's Field Manual published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), "consummation of a marriage can only occur after the ceremony".

US immigration law requires that the marriage be legally valid in the jurisdiction where it occurred and that the couple consummated the union after the marriage. This means that even if a proxy marriage is valid in the place where it was conducted, it will not be recognised for immigration purposes unless it is consummated. This is an additional requirement for proxy marriages compared to traditional weddings, where a copy of the marriage certificate is usually sufficient proof of a valid marriage.

To meet the requirements of the USCIS, couples who have had a proxy marriage must provide proof of consummation and evidence of a bona fide relationship. Proof of consummation can include hotel reservations or receipts, photos of the couple together, and written statements from the couple and witnesses who can attest to their relationship. A bona fide relationship can be demonstrated through joint lease agreements, joint ownership of property, joint life insurance, or proof that the couple lives together, has children together, or combines their finances.

It is important to note that proxy marriages may not be recognised in all US states, and there may be specific requirements for proxy marriages in certain states. For example, in California, only military service members who are deployed for war can be married by proxy. Therefore, it is essential to check the local and state laws before pursuing a proxy marriage, especially for immigration purposes.

While proxy marriages can provide a solution for couples facing challenges such as military deployment or travel restrictions, they may not always be the best option for immigration purposes. Seeking advice from an immigration attorney can help individuals navigate the complexities of US immigration law and ensure their marriage is recognised.

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