A legal ceremony where one or both individuals being married are not physically present. Instead, another person acts on their behalf to represent them during the marital proceedings. This arrangement often occurs when geographical constraints or other significant obstacles prevent the couple from being together for the wedding. An example could involve a U.S. service member stationed overseas marrying their partner located in another country, with a designated representative standing in for the absent party.
Such unions offer a pathway to formalizing relationships when distance or circumstance creates barriers. Historically, these arrangements have provided a means of securing familial alliances, ensuring inheritance rights, or facilitating immigration processes. The practice allows couples to navigate complex legal and logistical challenges, thereby achieving marital status despite separation.
