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Imagine saying “I do” without actually being at the altar. It might sound strange, but proxy marriages make this possible in four U.S. states—Texas, Colorado, Kansas, and Montana. In fact, Montana takes it a step further, allowing double proxy marriages, where neither spouse needs to be present. But why do these laws exist? And who actually uses them?
What Is a Proxy Marriage?
A proxy marriage is a legal ceremony where one or both individuals are represented by someone else during the wedding. When both partners are absent and represented by proxies, it’s called a double proxy marriage. Montana is the only U.S. state that allows this.
These laws were originally created for practical reasons. In Montana, these laws date back to the 1860s when miners, lured by the Gold Rush, found it nearly impossible to travel long distances to marry their fiancées back home. To solve this problem, Montana enacted double proxy marriage laws, which remain in effect today.
Why Do Some States Allow Proxy Marriages?
While Montana’s law started as a convenience for miners, over time, these laws have taken on new relevance. Today, proxy marriages help couples in a variety of situations, including:
Military Service: Deployed service members may not be able to attend their own wedding, but proxy marriages allow them to marry their partners back home.
Incarceration: Some prisoners use proxy marriages to formalize relationships while serving sentences.
International Relationships: Couples facing visa or travel restrictions sometimes use proxy marriages as a legal workaround.
Religious or Cultural Reasons: Some couples from communities with strict marriage customs might use proxy marriages to comply with traditions.
Texas, Colorado, and Kansas allow proxy marriages but require at least one partner to be physically present. Montana, however, allows both spouses to be absent, as long as they are represented by proxies.
Is a Proxy Marriage Recognized Everywhere?
Yes, but with some conditions. A legally performed proxy marriage in one state is generally recognized in all other states—except Iowa, which does not recognize proxy marriages at all. Additionally, U.S. immigration law requires that a proxy marriage must be consummated for it to be valid for visa applications.
Military personnel especially benefit from these laws. The U.S. military recognizes legal proxy marriages, ensuring that spouses receive benefits even if they weren’t physically present at the ceremony.
What Do You Think?
Love knows no boundaries—but should marriage? Do you think more states should allow double proxy weddings like Montana? Or do you believe marriage should always require both partners to be present? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
