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Bride and Groom Need Not Attend

In Montana, couples use stand-ins to tie the knot

By J. Kelman, Newser User

Posted May 14, 2007 3:40 PM CDT

(Newser) – Who says you need to be present at your own wedding? In Montana, where a World War II–era law allows "proxies" to stand in for the bride and groom, hundreds of couples from as far away as China are sending substitutes to the altar—or in this case, bench—the Chicago Tribune reports. Stand-ins charge $50 to say "I do" before the judge.

Only a few couples each year used to take advantage of the law, intended for military spouses. But the Internet sparked a run on the practice; one enterprising Israeli law firm wanted to set up a marriage-by-proxy franchise. No such luck, say state lawmakers, who've just nixed the proxy policy for all but Montana residents and military families.

' (Index Open (http://www.indexopen.com))

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Bride and Groom Need Not Attend

In Montana, couples use stand-ins to tie the knot

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Newly Met Occupiers Say 'I Do' in Zuccotti Park

'We are fighting for equality here,' bride says

Couple Weds for 100th Time

They have been making vows since 1984

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Critics descend on couple who met while married to other people

4 in 10 Say Marriage Is Becoming Obsolete

And 'family' can include unmarried couples, most believe

Make Annulments Tougher: Pope

Benedict thinks pessimism about lasting marriage is driving trend

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Bride and Groom Need Not Attend

In Montana, couples use stand-ins to tie the knot

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Montana • marriage • family • wedding • proxy marriage

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Newly Met Occupiers Say 'I Do' in Zuccotti Park

'We are fighting for equality here,' bride says

Couple Weds for 100th Time

They have been making vows since 1984

Homewreckers Sorry for NYT Wedding Story

Critics descend on couple who met while married to other people

4 in 10 Say Marriage Is Becoming Obsolete

And 'family' can include unmarried couples, most believe

Make Annulments Tougher: Pope

Benedict thinks pessimism about lasting marriage is driving trend

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?