Wali's physical presence is required?

[muslimummah]

:salam2:

I have a question regarding if the brides guardian (wali) has to physically present at the time of marriage. Is it possible to get verbal(by phone) or written approval from the wali prior to the marriage contract? This is due to perhaps the wali lives far away from a different country from the bride, and old age and costly travel expenses, time etc.

If anyone can link to a fatwa or know the answer, please post it.

Jazakallah Khair!

 

[xSharingan01x]

:salam2:

This is part of a similar fatwa posted on Islam QnA. The last part is applicable in your case. It is "okay to have a Wali who lives abroad by modern means of communications".
I've only copied the part that applies to you . Hope this helps.

The grandfather who has the right of guardianship is the grandfather on the father’s side. The mother’s father cannot be a wali. Based on this, your wali is your Muslim brother; the fact that he is in jail does not prevent him from being a wali. It is possible to contact him and visit him, and at that time he can delegate someone to do the marriage contract for you on his behalf. If that is not possible, then your wali is your paternal uncle, and it does not matter that he is in another country. He can delegate someone to do the marriage contract for you, or the marriage contract can be done by modern means such as the telephone and internet.

See also the answer to question no. 2201 and 105531.

We ask Allaah to bless you with a righteous husband and righteous offspring.

And Allaah knows best.

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/107182/wali