How Proxy Marriage Works: Essential Guide

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Proxy marriages allow couples to marry legally without being physically present, overcoming distance, military service, or other obstacles.
• Remote Online Notarization (RON) simplifies the process by allowing couples to notarize documents online, regardless of location.
• Only four states – California, Colorado, Montana, and Texas – allow proxy marriages, with Montana being the only state permitting double proxy marriages.

Are you thinking about a proxy marriage in 2024?

This guide will help you understand what proxy marriages are, including double proxy marriages, where they're allowed, and how they work.

Let's dive into what a proxy marriage is, its benefits, how Remote Online Notarization (RON) can help, and the steps you need to take.

1. What is a Proxy Marriage?

A proxy marriage happens when one or both people can't be at the ceremony.

Stand-ins represent them to ensure their identities are verified.

This type of marriage lets you unite legally even if you are apart.

How to plan a proxy wedding ceremony

• Choose the state for your proxy marriage and check the laws to ensure it's recognized.
• Pick the location and get help from local officials to handle the legal paperwork.
• Add personal touches:

Common misconceptions about proxy marriages

There are many misconceptions about proxy marriages.

Some think they aren't legal, but they are in some states, just like traditional weddings.

Another myth is that only military couples can have proxy weddings, but civilian couples can also benefit, especially with travel restrictions, health issues, or busy schedules.

Some believe proxy marriages are outdated, but they are still an option in several states.

With the right preparation, a proxy marriage can be a convenient path to wedded bliss.

Benefits of a proxy marriage

The many benefits of proxy marriages include:

• Proxy marriages help overcome distance, making them useful for immigration.
• Helpful for military personnel overseas and couples with travel restrictions or health issues.
• For busy schedules, proxy marriages save time, ensuring legal benefits without being present.

Overall, they solidify your commitment despite physical barriers.

How ProxyMarriage.com Can Help Facilitate Proxy Marriages 

At Proxy Marriage - A Big Sky Event, helps when couples can’t be together for their wedding. You can get a proxy marriage through their site online. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Each party fills out the required paperwork
• Submit the paperwork to Proxy Marriage for attorney approval
• Once approved, the Flathead County Clerk of Court issues the marriage license
• Two proxies and a qualified officiant perform the ceremony
• Stand-in proxies sign the marriage certificate on behalf of the absent parties
• One person must be a Montana resident or active-duty military member
• The signed marriage license and certificate are delivered to the Clerk of Court’s office for recording
• Certified copies are available within 2-3 business days; scanned copies are emailed, and hard copies are mailed the next business day.
• Certified copies serve as proof for benefits like military, insurance, joint bank accounts, and property ownership.

2. Requirements for Proxy Marriages in 2024

Proxy marriages are becoming more accessible, allowing a legal union without both parties present.

1. At least one party must be a state resident.
2. States often require specific criteria, like military service.
3. You need a marriage license and an authorized representative with a notarized power of attorney.
4. Various IDs and personal information are usually required.

Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth process.

3. How to Notarize a Proxy Marriage

Notarizing a proxy marriage is crucial for its legality.

Both parties must provide affidavits verifying their consent to the marriage.

Notarization can be an inconvenience, especially if you are apart. Remote Online Notarization (RON) makes that easier for you.

With RON, you and your partner can sign a document despite geographic constraints.

Remote Online Notarization platforms like NotaryLive can provide this convenience to you.

4. States That Allow Proxy Marriages

Several states in the U.S. allow proxy marriages.

The following will let you know the requirements for proxy marriages and if you need to notarize a document.

California proxy marriage requirements

California permits single proxy marriages if:

• The absent party is in the U.S. military.

The participating party must appear before the clerk. A notarized power of attorney from the absent party is necessary.

Submit the required documents at the county clerk's office.

means both partners can achieve their legal marriage even if one is serving in the armed forces.

Colorado proxy marriage requirements

In Colorado, proxy marriages are allowed if:

• The absent party is in the U.S. military
• One party must be a Colorado resident
• A valid reason for the absence must be documented, usually involving military deployment.

A notarized affidavit is required along with standard marriage documentation.

Montana proxy marriage requirements

Montana offers an accessible proxy marriage process if:

• One party must be a Montana resident or active-duty military personnel.
• One party can be absent if they are in the U.S. military or a Montana resident.

For Montana proxy marriages, you must complete a marriage application and submit a notarized affidavit, designating a proxy for the absent party. Then, obtain a marriage license through the county clerk's office.

**Note: Montana is the only state that allows double proxy marriages (when both partners are not present).

Texas proxy marriage requirements

To have a proxy marriage in Texas you must have the following to be qualified

Since 2016, Texas has limited proxy marriages to active-duty military personnel stationed overseas whose deployment prevents them from attending the ceremony.

Both the servicemember and their partner must fulfill all standard marriage requirements.

Proper identification and necessary documentation are required.

4. Get Your Document Notarized Online with NotaryLive 

When signing in person with a notary, it can be time-consuming and inconvenient. 

However, platforms like NotaryLive have revolutionized this process by offering remote online notarization (RON). 

NotaryLive simplifies the process: 

• No Geographical Constraints
• Time Efficient
• 24/7/365 Availability
• Enhanced Security 

NotaryLive works in 4 simple steps:

To get started, you can click the button below.

Notarize Now!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do all states recognize proxy marriage? 

• No. Only 4 states allow proxy marriages – California, Colorado, Montana and Texas.

Do any states recognize double proxy marriage? 

• The only state that permits double proxy marriage is Montana.

Relevant Blogs

• Spousal Consent Is Going Remote 
• What Is Online Notarization?
• What are the benefits of notarizing online?
• Does My State Allow Remote Online Notarization?
• What businesses could benefit the most from online notary services?