What is a Proxy Marriage?

How Proxy Marriage Works

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.

This means neither you nor your partner needs to be physically present. Whether you're stationed overseas or simply unable to travel, your marriage ceremony proceeds with official proxies standing in for both of you.

Legally Recognized Everywhere

The legal principle of comity applies to marriage law. 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, or polygamist marriages. But aside from these, virtually all states and nations will recognize the legal validity of a marriage solemnized according to the law of a different state or nation.

Immediate Military Benefits

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.

Immigration & USCIS Recognition

While USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) will recognize a proxy marriage as a legal marriage immediately upon its solemnization, 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.