If you're anything like me then you've never heard of a proxy marriage despite its centuries of worldwide presence. A proxy marriage is a marriage where someone stands in for the bride or groom if they are physically unable to be present. There have also been instances of double proxy where persons stood in for both parties. A proxy marriage is less common today than it has been historically, but it is still practiced around the world in the United States, Paraguay, and Mexico.
HISTORY OF PROXY MARRIAGES
Proxy marriages have been around since before the 18th century and were not uncommon. In fact, members of the European monarch often wed via proxy marriage. In the early 1800s, Napoleon I of France wed Marie Louise, the Duchess of Parma marking one of history's most famous proxy marriages. Napoleon Bonaparte was a well-known known French military and political leader who rose to power by staging a coup d'etat. Another historical moment in proxy marriages occurred in the early 1900s, when Japanese picture brides arrived on the California shores. The women had been matched and married to their husbands via a matchmaker who used only their pictures. In today's society, proxy marriages are less common, but still being practiced. The most recent and well-known proxy marriage of our generation was that of Ekaterina Dmitriev to Yuri Malenchenko. Malenchenko was a cosmonaut aboard the International Space Station. The marriage was performed in Texas.
LEGALITIES OF PROXY MARRIAGES
There are only 4 states that allow proxy marriages in the United States California, Colorado, Montana, and Texas. Proxy marriages are allowed in these states only if either the bride or groom is a member of the Armed Services and deployed at the time of the union. Although, these couples can have proxy marriages performed, their marriage will not necessarily be honored in other states. Some states recognize the marriages as common-law marriages, while others like Iowa do not recognize them at all. Outside of the United States, Paraguay and Mexico also offer proxy marriages.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PROXY MARRIAGES
If you are interested in having a proxy marriage, you have a few options. If you or your fiance is in the Armed Forces and currently deployed you can pursue a proxy marriage. There are websites that offer to arrange the marriage or you can contact a lawyer. Proxy marriages are not cheap and can cost thousands of dollars particularly if you have to travel to another state. Proxy marriages are illegal except for in the states of California, Colorado, Montana, and Texas.