Out of State Wedding Planning Guide
October 16, 2024
Planning an out of state wedding when one person cannot be physically present involves a bit of creativity and specific legal arrangements. If you are looking to get a Kansas proxy marriage you will need the right people, and the right paperwork. Plan your out of state wedding easily with this simple guide and the help of Weddings by Proxy.
The state of Kansas allows proxy representation, where a 3rd party is given legal authority to represent or stand in for someone else. Proxy marriages are only legal in a few locations, Kansas is one that allows single proxy marriages, where only one party is absent. If you are not in the state of Kansas, then it might be best to plan an out of state wedding. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hire a Wedding Planner – If you are planning an out of state wedding where one party is absent, it’s best to hire a local wedding planner. They can help you manage logistics, handle paperwork, and coordinate with venues and vendors. Look for planners familiar with proxy marriage laws or working with couples who have unique legal situations, such as military couples.
- Prepare Legal Documents – Make sure you gather all the required legal documents well in advance. These typically include:
- Copies of government-issued IDs (passports, driver’s licenses).
- Proof of divorce or death certificate (if applicable).
- Military deployment papers (if relevant for a proxy marriage).
- Power of attorney forms (for proxy marriages) if the absent person gives legal permission for the proxy to act on their behalf.
- Secure a Marriage License – Some states or countries require the couple to appear in person together to apply for a marriage license. You may need to apply early to ensure all the documents are processed in time, especially for international marriages.
- Arrange for the Proxy – If you’re pursuing a proxy marriage, you’ll need to arrange for a proxy (a stand-in) to represent the absent person. This could be:
- A hired legal representative (such as an attorney).
- A friend or relative (if local laws allow it).
- The wedding planner or officiant, in some cases.
- ‘Ceremony’ Planning – If one person cannot be physically present, but you still want a traditional ceremony, you can incorporate the absent partner through:
- Video Streaming: Live stream the absent partner in via Zoom or another platform during the ceremony.
- Symbolic Representation: Some couples opt for a symbolic object, like a photo or a letter from the absent partner, to be incorporated into the ceremony.
- Pre-Recorded Messages: The absent partner can pre-record vows or messages to be played during the ceremony.
- Finalize the Legal Process – After the ceremony, ensure that the marriage certificate is signed, filed, and recorded according to the laws of the state or country where the marriage took place. If it was a proxy marriage, the officiant and proxy will handle this part.
- Post-Wedding Legal Formalities – Depending on where the wedding took place, you may need to have the marriage certificate recognized in the home state of the absent person.
A proxy, non-resident wedding, makes getting married easier for couples separated by Governmental red-tape or long distances. This works out in your benefit if you need and out of state wedding. Since the proxy wedding is legally binding and recognized by every state, all branches of the Military, and most countries of the world, it is the perfect solution for all types of US resident and non-resident couples. If you are looking for an out of state wedding planner or officiant – contact Weddings by Proxy today by calling (913) 244-8528.
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