Proxy marriage

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A proxy marriage is a marriage in which either the bride or the groom is not physically present for the wedding. During the solemnization of the marriage, based upon a power of attorney, a stand-in, or proxy, acts on behalf of one of the parties. If neither party is present, it is called a Double-proxy Marriage.

History

It was common for European monarchs and nobility to be wed by proxy marriage. A famous example of this is the marriage of Napoleon I of France to Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma. Catherine of Aragon wed Prince Arthur by proxy. A famous 17th-century painting by Peter Paul Rubens depicts the proxy marriage of Marie de Medici.

During the early 1900s, proxy marriages increased significantly when many Japanese picture brides arrived at Angel Island, California. Since the early 20th century it has been most commonly used for marriages involving members of the military on active duty. Various Internet sites now offer to arrange proxy and double-proxy marriages for a fee, although the service can generally be set up by any lawyer in a jurisdiction that offers proxy marriage.

An unusual example came on August 10 2003 when Ekaterina Dmitriev was married by proxy in Texas to Yuri Malenchenko, a cosmonaut who was at that time aboard the International Space Station. It was the first "space wedding" in history.

Legality

United States

Proxy marriages are illegal in all US states except California, Colorado, Texas and Montana. In California, it was legalized in 2004 and is only available to members of Armed Forces currently deployed and unable to attend a service. Montana is the only state that allows double-proxy marriage. Not all states fully recognize proxy marriages, but legal precedent dictates that states recognize proxy marriage as at least a common law marriage.

Other countries

Mexico and Paraguay both offer proxy marriages for a fee. Proxy marriages through the consulate of Paraguay in Tel Aviv are recognized by Israeli law.

References

External links

• Operation ‘I Do’: Moody AFB Attorneys Help Couple Tie Knot

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Last updated on Monday December 03, 2007 at 23:55:39 PST (GMT -0800)
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