Proxy wedding

A proxy wedding is a wedding where the bride or groom is not actually present and is represented by another individual. Such marriages are provided for in law or by customary practice in California, Colorado, Montana, and Texas. [ [http://marriagebyproxy.com/legality.html Legality of Proxy Marriages.] ] Montana is the only state that permits double proxy weddings. [Barry, Dan. " [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/us/10land.html Trading Vows in Montana, No Couple Required.] " "The New York Times", 10 March 2008.] [ [http://data.opi.state.mt.us/bills/mca/40/1/40-1-301.htm Montana Code 40-1-301: Solemnization and registration.] ] Some proxy weddings occur when one member is in jail or on the way, but the most important use for that form of solemnization is where one or both spouses is in the military: Such a marriage assures spousal and child benefits for the family.

Proxy weddings are not recognized as legally binding in most other jurisdictions; indeed, in most jurisdictions the prospective bride and groom must appear in person to obtain a license or "give notice of intention to marry" (England).

References

External links

* [http://marriage.about.com/od/proxymarriages/qt/califproxy.htm Marriage by proxy in California (limited to military stationed abroad in war or conflicts)]
* [http://www.uniset.ca/other/art/32HarvLRev473.html Ernest G. Lorenzen, "Marriage By Proxy and the Conflict of Laws" (1932)]