A proxy wedding or (proxy marriage) is a wedding in which the bride or groom (or both) is not physically present, usually being represented instead by another person. If both partners are absent a double proxy wedding occurs.
In the United States proxy marriages are provided for in law or by customary practice in only four States; California, Colorado, Montana, and Texas.
Texas only permits a double proxy wedding if both parties are on active military duty or incarcerated, or any combination thereof.
The Prison Show has been pleased and honored to assist our audience with arranging and facilitating numerous proxy marriages over the years. Often these weddings have been conducted in the studio and on the air, with the bride in the studio and the groom and his friends listening and taking part in prison, however it is not necessary to have the wedding on the air.
If you are considering a proxy marriage, the absent party must complete a proxy marriage license application form, and submit a required form of identification. Although there are a variety of generic forms that can be found online, many jurisdictions are very specific regarding the information they require, and will not accept a generic form. If you are wishing to get married on The Prison Show, we strongly suggest filing for the license in Harris County. Instructions and requirements are available by clicking here. The required form can be printed by clicking here. The form must be filed with the county clerk within 30 days of it’s completion. The fee for the marriage license is $72.00. Once the marriage license is obtained, the ceremony cannot be held until 72 hours after issue, but must be held within 30 days.
Ann Staggs, who was married on the show by proxy herself, is our Wedding Coordinator and will be happy to assist you through the process and answer any questions you may have. You can email her by clicking here.