The active duty person should talk to the JAG office where he is currently assigned. They can best advise him. I do know an army major that is active duty and an attorney, so if you need help, let me know. Another option would be still go ahead with your plans of ceremony and reception but find time that day to do the license thing. Very often couples have two wedding dates to remember. Example, catholic couples can only be married in a church, but if they want to have a ceremony on the beach, they will get married in the church prior to the wedding date and then go thru the motions with their other plans on the beach or wherever.
How can someone who is here in Lorain, Ohio apply for a marriage licence when their partner is in the army in another state. The only day he has is the day of the Wedding and he was a resident in Lorain, Ohio. What can you do?
I asked around and heard two pieces of advice: 1) call the probate court and ask them, and 2) contact the USO.