I'm dealing with the very same dilemma. I've only spoken to my fiance, matron of honor and my mother about it. Mom says its sounds like we'll be paying a lot of money for just an expensive party if we get married beforehand. BUT, most insurance companies only give you 30 days from the date of your marriage to get added on to your spouses insurance without having to worry about pre-existing conditions, etc. So, with the length of time it takes to get the paperwork back from the DR, it only seems logical to take care of it ahead of time to me. Although I think it will be weird, since I won't wear my wedding dress for the justice of the peace. But, maybe I'll get emotional and cry then ... and won't have to worry about that when I have my dress on in the DR!