While most states demand both parties be present at the ceremony, a handful make room for marriage-by-proxy, and one state even allows both partners to be completely absent.

In the majority of states, the rules are straightforward and require both parties to attend the ceremony in person for the marriage to be valid. But in Texas, Colorado, and Kansas, at least one partner can be absent, provided proper authorisation is in place.

Montana stands out as the most unusual case; it is the only state that permits a “ double proxy marriage ,” where neither spouse is physically present. Instead, legal representatives can stand in for both parties, sign the paperwork, and solemnise the marriage on their behalf.

These exceptions are not open invitations to marry from afar without reason. States that allow proxy marriages generally limit them to specific circumstances, such as when one spouse is serving in the military or is otherwise unable to attend.

In Texas, for example, the absent spouse must be on active duty in the armed forces. Montana requires that at least one spouse be a resident of the state or an active-duty service member. Both states require notarised consent and proper documentation to ensure the marriage is legitimate.

Proxy marriages carry significant implications beyond the wedding day. For immigration purposes, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognises marriages that are legally valid in the jurisdiction where they were celebrated, the so-called “place-of-celebration rule.”

However, for a proxy marriage to count for visa or residency applications, the couple must later consummate the marriage, providing proof of the relationship’s legitimacy.

The renewed interest in proxy marriage laws comes amid broader global conversations about what it means to be legally married in an era where physical presence is not always possible.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel bans and health restrictions forced couples to seek alternatives, spurring growth in remote weddings and virtual ceremonies worldwide. These trends continue today, particularly for couples separated by military deployment, immigration hurdles, or even conflict.