What is a “proxy marriage” and how can I marry my incarcerated/ill/deployed partner?
Do not confuse proxy marriage with phone marriage–phone marriages are never legal, and notaries and wedding chapels cannot provide marriage licensing for those in custody!! You’ll find lots of chapels and notaries that will provide phone marriages and jailhouse weddings if you pay cash–and then they won’t return your phone calls or your money when they cannot deliver. Don’t be fooled! Proxy marriage is a legal process whereby a legal representative is appointed to obtain the marriage license and attend the wedding ceremony; in California, proxy marriages are only available to active military personnel and the marriage license must be obtained through a County Clerk’s office–not an authorized notary or wedding chapel. California also allows ill or incarcerated partners to apply for a marriage license through an “Inability To Appear” affidavit; please contact the L.A. County Clerk’s office to inquire about correct procedures for Inability to Appear, detention facility weddings, and pr
Related Questions
- Should my partner and I join in civil union before September 1 and then legally marry after September 1 in the hope that our relationship will be recognized in as many places as possible?
- What is the process for obtaining a marriage license if my partner is incarcerated at The County Jail or State Prison?
- ill a penalty be imposed for holding a position open for a guard member who is deployed, as required by law?
