Proxy Marriage States

Proxy marriage — where one or both parties are represented by a stand-in at the wedding ceremony — is only legal in a handful of U.S. states. Here's what you need to know about which states allow proxy marriage and how they differ.

Quick Comparison: Proxy Marriage by State

State Proxy Type Who Must Attend Military Required? Notes
Montana Double Proxy Neither party Yes* Most popular; only true double proxy state
California Single Proxy One party No One spouse must be present
Colorado Single Proxy One party Yes Military members only
Texas Single Proxy One party Yes Military members only
Kansas Single Proxy One party Yes Military members only

* Montana requires at least one party to be either a Montana resident OR an active-duty military member.

Montana: The Double Proxy State

Montana — Double Proxy Marriage

Montana is unique in the United States as the only state that allows double proxy marriage, where neither spouse needs to be physically present at the ceremony. Both parties can be represented by stand-ins (proxies) who exchange vows on their behalf.

Requirements:

  • At least one party must be either a Montana resident OR active-duty U.S. military
  • Both parties must provide valid identification
  • Both parties must sign powers of attorney authorizing their proxies
  • A marriage license is obtained in Montana
  • The ceremony is performed in Montana by an authorized officiant

Why Montana is Popular:

  • True remote marriage: Neither party needs to travel to Montana or meet in person
  • Military-friendly: Designed for deployed service members who can't take leave
  • Legal and recognized: Montana proxy marriages are valid in all 50 states under Full Faith and Credit
  • Established industry: Multiple proxy marriage services have operated in Montana for decades

Looking to get married by proxy? Armed Forces Proxy Marriages is a trusted Montana proxy marriage service specializing in helping military members.

Other Proxy Marriage States

California — Single Proxy Marriage

California allows single proxy marriage, meaning one spouse must be physically present while the other can be represented by a proxy.

  • One party must attend the ceremony in person
  • The absent party must be unable to attend for a valid reason
  • Not limited to military members
  • Requires a court order in some counties

Colorado — Single Proxy Marriage (Military Only)

Colorado allows single proxy marriage only for active-duty military members.

  • One party must attend in person
  • The absent party must be an active-duty military member
  • The absent party must be stationed outside Colorado or deployed

Texas — Single Proxy Marriage (Military Only)

Texas allows single proxy marriage for military members under specific circumstances.

  • One party must attend in person
  • The absent party must be on active duty in the armed forces
  • Must be stationed in another country or deployed to a combat zone

Kansas — Single Proxy Marriage (Military Only)

Kansas allows single proxy marriage for military members.

  • One party must attend in person
  • The absent party must be in the military
  • Less commonly used than Montana

Why This Matters for Ending Your Marriage

If you got married by proxy in Montana and now need to end that marriage, Montana courts have jurisdiction to grant you a divorce or annulment — even if:

  • You've never set foot in Montana
  • Neither you nor your spouse is a Montana resident
  • You now live in a different state or country
  • The marriage was never consummated

This is because the marriage was formed in Montana, giving Montana courts jurisdiction over its dissolution. Under Montana law (MCA § 40-4-104), a court may grant a divorce if the marriage was performed in Montana.

Key Point

The same feature that made Montana attractive for getting married (neither party needs to be there) also makes it possible to end the marriage remotely. Our process handles everything by email and mail — you never need to travel to Montana.

Proxy Marriage Recognition

Proxy marriages performed in states where they are legal are generally recognized throughout the United States under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution. This means:

  • Your Montana proxy marriage is valid in California, Texas, New York, or any other state
  • Your marriage certificate is a legal document recognized by courts, employers, and government agencies
  • For immigration purposes, proxy marriages are recognized after consummation (see our immigration guide)

Similarly, a divorce or annulment decree from Montana courts is recognized nationwide. When you obtain a decree through our process, it's valid in all 50 states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Double proxy marriage is when neither spouse needs to be physically present at the wedding ceremony. Both are represented by stand-ins (proxies) who attend on their behalf. Montana is the only U.S. state that allows double proxy marriage, and even then, at least one party must be a Montana resident OR an active-duty military member.

Montana is the most popular state for proxy marriage because it's the only state allowing double proxy marriage (neither party present). This is especially useful for military members deployed to different locations, or couples where one person cannot travel. California, Colorado, Texas, and Kansas only allow single proxy where one spouse must still attend in person.

Yes. Under the U.S. Constitution's Full Faith and Credit Clause, marriages legally performed in one state must be recognized by all other states. Your Montana proxy marriage is valid throughout the United States and in most foreign countries.

Yes. If your marriage was formed in Montana through a proxy marriage service, Montana courts have jurisdiction to dissolve the marriage. This is true even if neither spouse is a Montana resident. You can obtain an annulment or divorce through Montana courts without traveling to the state.

For couples seeking a double proxy marriage in Montana, Armed Forces Proxy Marriages is a trusted service. They specialize in helping military members and their partners get married when they cannot be together in person.

Need to End Your Proxy Marriage?

If your Montana proxy marriage didn't work out and you need to end it, we can help.

Annulment

If there was misrepresentation before the marriage

$1,998

Divorce

For any proxy marriage, no special requirements

$1,998

Get Your Free Case Review

Find out which option is right for you • No obligation

Montana is Unique

Montana is the only U.S. state that allows double proxy marriage — where neither party needs to be physically present.

This makes Montana the go-to choice for military members and others who cannot meet in person to get married.

Related Pages

Need a Proxy Marriage?

We don't perform proxy marriages — we end them. But if you're looking to get married by proxy, we recommend:

Armed Forces Proxy Marriages

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