Marriage License Fees

Guide

Which States Allow Proxy Marriage?

Updated

Chart of proxy marriage rules: 2 states allow it, 2 for military only

Colorado and Montana are the 2 states that allow proxy marriage, where a stand-in takes the place of an absent partner at the ceremony. California and Texas allow it only for deployed service members.

In 8 states, including Alaska, Hawaii and Maine, both partners must be present. Other states are covered on their own pages.

Proxy marriage rules

  1. Allowed with conditions2 states
  2. Military members only2 states
  3. Both partners must attend8 states
States grouped by what their marriage law says about proxy ceremonies.

The rules in each state

StateProxy marriageConditions
ColoradoAllowedProxy marriage is allowed when one partner is a Colorado resident and other conditions in the statute are met, including an absentee affidavit from the absent partner.
MontanaAllowedProxy weddings are allowed when one partner is on federal active military duty or is a Montana resident.
CaliforniaMilitary onlyProxy marriage is allowed only for a service member stationed overseas in a conflict or war, using a notarized power of attorney.
TexasMilitary onlyProxy weddings are only for U.S. service members stationed abroad in support of combat or another military operation who cannot attend.

States where both partners must attend

Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon and Vermont.

Proxy weddings still need a license from the county. The out-of-state guide covers marrying away from home, and the witness guide covers who must attend.

State pages in this guide

Every figure here comes from the official statute or clerk pages linked on our state and county pages. Fees change, so confirm with your county before you apply.