What happens during the legal courthouse ceremony?

[MarieSam]

Thanks everyone for your insight! I am gonna find out more details about how things work in my area ~ it being L.A. I can't imagine it being a nice, laid-back process. I'm sure they get you in and out, so I don't think we'll even exchange rings if we don't have to, which is ok because then our DW will be even more meaningful

[KarenM]

We've just been discussing this! So glad to have come across all of your posts. I like the idea of waiting to exchange rings 'til the DW & using that date as our anniversary date, but it does seem kind of confusing to have the 2 dates.

We can't decide when to have the legal ceremony (before or after the DW in Mexico). Sounds like we should start by finding out if the resort has any requirements (like bringing a marriage license with us) and checking with the NY powers-that-be.

[silverangel]

I agree about the 2 dates being confusing...but would rather have no stress and get it done easier at home before we go...does it really matter that it's not REALLY our wedding date when we do it front of friends and family? I just don't like the idea of saying "well we were married on this date...but technically our anniversary is this date" anyone else feel the dilemma? I guess in the end it doesn't matter...

[Ayita]

We are not exchanging rings at the CourtHouse. This is only paperwork. The real wedding with the vows and the emotion and all is in May.

[BakersGirl]

I am so glad to hear other peoples thoughts on this. It is something we have talked about and are thinking about, but I am VERY unsure. I am a "rather" emotional person and I know I will cry at our wedding. I don't want to be a silly crying girl twice and then we also have the "two-date" dilema. I guess you guys are right, I just need to call can tell them what we are doing and see what the BARE minimum is that we can do so that the DW feels like the real thing. If anyone knows the rules in Illinois will you please pm me?

[Royal_lady10]

We too are going to get legally married here in Virginia. The plan is to get married on a year before the DW so that we only have one remember one date.. But we are going to JA for a friends wedding after our legal day.

 

When I spoke with the TA she said that its Okay to get married 1yr before, we would still quality for all the wedding packages, since we are having a wedding at the resort.

[LAURENANDBILL]

I too feel like getting married in Mexico is my wedding day. But we also will have to do the legal part here in NJ. I wonder if we could do it when we get back from our wedding.

 

Any thoughts on that?

[IndianBride]

Great thread - I'm having the same "pondering" thoughts!

[KarenM]

I was wondering the same thing & talked to some family (& FI) who strongly suggested we do it before. My lawyer brother said that if, God forbid, something happens to either of you after the ceremony day, but before you're legally married, you won't have any legal rights (hospital visitation, private information release), etc. Plus if you go ahead & do the legal part first, once you have the meaningful ceremony in Mexico you'll really be married. Sorry to be sort of morbid, but it's just something to think about.

I'm with you though, Lauren, the day in Mexico will be our 'real' wedding & the date we use as our anniversary.

[KarenM]

oops - double post