Can we marry and visit if he’s in prison?

Yes, you can usually get married while he is incarcerated, and you can also visit him without being married. These are two separate issues, and neither one automatically requires the other.

Marriage while incarcerated:
Most facilities, including places like CNMCF, do allow inmates to get married, but there is a process. You will need approval from the facility, and both of you must meet legal requirements to marry. This usually involves:

• Submitting a marriage request through the chaplain or administration
• Providing identification and required documents
• Coordinating the ceremony based on facility rules

Approval can be denied or delayed for reasons like disciplinary status or security concerns, but in general, inmates serving longer sentences, like 2 years, are more likely to be approved than those with very short stays.

Some facilities allow in person ceremonies, while others may limit how it is conducted. The chaplain’s office is usually the starting point to get exact instructions.

Visitation without being married:
You do not have to be married to visit him. As long as you are approved on his visitation list, you can visit.

To visit, he will need to:

• Add your full name to his visitor list
• Have you approved by the facility

Once approved, you can visit according to the facility’s schedule and rules.

Being his fiancé or long term partner does not automatically grant visitation, but it also does not prevent it. The key is getting on the approved list.

If you have children together, that can sometimes help support approval, but the main requirement is following the application process.

Your best next step is to have him request the visitation form and, if you are interested in marriage, speak with the chaplain to begin that process.