What Is a Proxy Marriage?
A couple's wedding is supposed to be a shared memory that they will cherish always, but what happens when the bride or groom cannot be physically present?
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Definition
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The Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law defines a proxy marriage as one where, through the power of attorney, a stand-in or "proxy" represents an absent bride or groom during the ceremony.
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History
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The known history of marriage by proxy dates to (at least) the 11th century when Isabel of Aragon---also known as St. Elizabeth of Portugal---wed King Dinis of Portugal by proxy in 1280.
Geography
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Although recognized as legal in all states except for Iowa, only four states--- California, Colorado, Texas and Montana---legally perform proxy marriages. In California, proxy marriages are only available to military personnel actively deployed in a conflict or war. Montana is the only state that allows for a double proxy where neither party need be present.
Considerations
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Marriage by proxy is both costly and governed by a complex array of laws. In 2009 Hotaru Nakama Ferschke, the widow of a deceased Marine who was married by proxy, faced a protracted battle with U.S. immigration who did not recognize her marriage as legal, although the U.S. Marines Corps did.
Famous Ties
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In 2003, Ekaterina Dmitriev in Texas married Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko by proxy while he was orbiting Earth in the international space station.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit "celtic wedding rings " is Copyrighted by Flickr user: apdk (anthony kelly) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
