You just got deployment orders. The date is coming up fast. And you and your partner want to be married before you go.
You are not alone. This happens to thousands of active duty service members every year. The good news is that you do not have to wait. You do not have to rush to a courthouse. You do not even have to be in the same country as your partner.
Through Montana double proxy marriage, you can get legally married in as little as 5 hours, 100% online. 406 Proxy Marriage has helped hundreds of military couples do exactly this.
Why Do Deployment Orders Change Everything?
When orders come in, time is not on your side. You may have days, not weeks, to get your life in order before you ship out.
Getting married before deployment is one of the most important things you can do for your family. Here is why it matters:
- Your spouse gets TRICARE health insurance right away
- You become eligible for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), which can add $1,000 to $2,500 or more per month to your pay
- Your spouse can access the commissary, the exchange, and base facilities
- Your family is covered by life insurance through SGLI
- Your spouse gets free legal help through JAG
See the full list of benefits your spouse receives on our Military Marriage Benefits page.
What Is a Double Proxy Marriage?
A double proxy marriage is a legal wedding where neither the bride nor the groom has to be there in person. Two stand-ins, called proxies, sign the marriage license on your behalf.
Montana is the only state in the United States that allows this. That means both of you can be anywhere in the world and still get legally married.
Here is what makes it work for military couples:
- You do not have to travel to Montana
- Your partner does not have to travel either
- Everything is done online, including the notary
- Your marriage is legal and recognized by all 50 states and every branch of the military
Learn more about how the process works on our How It Works page for Active Duty Military.
How Fast Can You Get Married?
At 406 Proxy Marriage, the process takes as little as 5 hours on a business day. Our record is under 3 hours from start to finish.
Here is how the steps look when you are working against the clock:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You qualify if you are active duty military in any branch, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force. It does not matter where you or your partner are stationed.
Step 2: Pick Your Package
We have three packages built for military couples. All of them include the marriage license, proxy arrangements, and priority mailing. The Silver and Gold packages include a free notary service. See all options on our Pricing page.
Step 3: Complete the Application Online
The online application takes less than 30 minutes. Nothing to print. Nothing to fax. Nothing to scan. Our system is 100% online and works from a phone, tablet, or computer anywhere in the world.
Step 4: Meet With Our Online Notary
Our notary service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You and your partner can meet with the notary at the same time even if you are in different time zones. No JAG appointment needed.
Step 5: Get Married
We submit your paperwork to the Montana Clerk of Courts. Once approved, we email you a copy of your marriage certificate the same day and mail the original with priority shipping.
What If My Partner Is Overseas Too?
That is not a problem at all. Double proxy marriage is designed for exactly this situation. You can be stationed in South Korea and your partner can be in Germany. Neither of you needs to move.
As long as one of you is active duty military, you both qualify. Your partner can be a US citizen or a foreign national. It does not matter which country they are in.
Read our full FAQ page for answers to common questions about marrying a foreign national or being stationed in different countries.
Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute
The sooner you start, the faster it is done. If you submit your paperwork before 2pm Mountain Time on a weekday, we can often get your marriage certificate to you the same day.
Every day you wait is a day without BAH, without TRICARE for your partner, and without the legal protection your family deserves.
Get started right now on our Military Proxy Marriage page. It takes less than 30 minutes to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to Montana to get married by proxy?
No. You never have to set foot in Montana. Our entire process is online. You complete your application, meet with a notary, and receive your certificate without leaving your home, apartment, or barracks.
Is a Montana proxy marriage legal everywhere?
Yes. A Montana double proxy marriage is a legal, binding marriage that is recognized by all 50 states and every branch of the US military. Your command will accept your Montana marriage certificate to update your records and benefits.
How much does it cost for active duty military?
We offer a military discount on all packages. The Bronze Package starts at $570 and you provide your own notary. The Silver Package is $620 and includes a free notary. The Gold Package is $670 and includes a free notary plus an Apostille document. See full details on our Pricing page.
What if my partner is not a US citizen?
Your partner can be a foreign national living anywhere in the world. The only difference is that your partner will need to find a local notary in their area. Once their paperwork is notarized, we handle everything else.
When do my military benefits kick in after getting married?
Benefits begin as soon as your command processes your marriage certificate and updates your records in DEERS. BAH is typically reflected within one to two pay periods. TRICARE coverage for your spouse begins as soon as they are enrolled in DEERS. The sooner you get married, the sooner the benefits start. Learn more on our Military Marriage Benefits page.
Can we still have a real wedding ceremony later?
Absolutely. A proxy marriage takes care of the legal side so you and your family are protected right now. You can plan and celebrate your dream wedding when you are home together. Many couples do exactly this.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit our Military Proxy Marriage page to see your options, or go straight to our Pricing page to pick the package that is right for you. Have questions? Check our FAQ or call us at 406.717.5858. We are here to help.
