Proxy Marriage

Montana is the only state in the U.S. to offer double proxy marriages. This is a marriage where both the bride and the groom are absent and represented by “proxies.” Montana offers this only when one party is a member of the armed forces on federal active duty – but until a few years ago, we offered the service to anyone. A number of businesses offer a streamlined way for people serving in the military to get a proxy marriage. For example, Armed Forces Proxy Marriages will handle all aspects of a proxy marriage and take a couple from engaged to married in about two weeks.

This is a completely REAL marriage, with all the joy (and baggage) that goes with it. A proxy marriage is not some lesser form of marriage, it is just like any other marriage. And the only way to end it is to get a divorce. And while Montana offers proxy marriages, it does not allow for proxy divorces. You need to have lived here for at least 90 days before you can file for divorce in Montana. So remember, while Armed Forces Proxy Marriages can make it simple for you to be married, they can’t help you with the divorce.