What is Proxy Marriage?

In a proxy marriage, a representative, known as a proxy, stands in place of either of the participants. In a double proxy marriage, the participants are both absent from the marriage ceremony, and each is represented by a proxy.

The legal principle of comity applies to marriage law, and, as a consequence, U.S. law and the law of virtually all states and nations function such that a marriage which is solemnized in accordance with the law of any respective state or nation, will be recognized by most other states and nations.

There are some types of marriages which might not be recognized for “public policy” reasons. For example: underage marriage; marriage between close blood relatives; and polygamist marriages, which are proscribed by the laws of most nations which are not Muslim or are not on the African continent. But, aside from these types of marriages, virtually all states and nations will recognize the legal validity of a marriage which is solemnized according to the law of a different state or nation. Again, if they did not, it would result in an interstate and international legal mess.

A proxy marriage, which is solemnized in the state of Montana will be recognized as being fully legal by the U.S. Federal Government, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and by all U.S. states and territories.

Provided that either party to the marriage, or both, are actively enlisted in the U.S. Military, a couple who enters into a proxy marriage in Montana, may enroll in DEERS (the database whereby military benefits are allocated) immediately upon the solemnization of their proxy marriage, thus becoming immediately eligible to receive military marriage benefits.

It should be noted that while USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ) will recognize a proxy marriage as a legal marriage immediately upon its solemnization, nevertheless, USCIS will not recognize a proxy marriage, for immigration purposes, until the proxy marriage is consummated after its solemnization (even though USCIS concurs that the proxy marriage is indeed a legal marriage from the start). This is important only in situations where a U.S. citizen marries a foreign citizen, and in which the foreign citizen intends to apply for a K-1 or K-3 Visa.

If you're considering entering into a proxy marriage: WE ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS, JUST CALL 406-249-2095.