Anyone getting married first and not telling guests?

[c8080]

I don't think I would feel guilty about taking care of the legalities before hand. I wouldn't really think of it as actually being married, just some paperwork that needs to be taken care. My true wedding and anniversary would be when and where the ceremony would be.

[hermosahoops]

I am so happy I found this thread! I've been thinking about this as well, and reading all the advice on here has really helped solidify my decision. Even taking the financial aspect out of the process, the translating of documents, getting the consulate approval... It all seemed so unnecessary and complicated. Plus my FI was married before and he really didn't like the idea of having to show his divorce papers in order for us to be married. Why bring that into our wedding if we don't have to?!

 

I hadn't thought about not doing vows or rings at the courthouse. That will make our ceremony much more special. Good idea!

[Bella30]

Great thread!~ Ya I think we are going to do the renewal of vows as well and save the rings etc for the  ceremony away. I have an uncle who can marry us secretly before hand so hopefully we will do that and save some too!!)

[nsbride2010]

We got married on June 18th at the courthouse at home, and didn't exchange rings.  We just wore whatever we wanted and didn't exchange rings... very informal.  Noone knew except my Mom, not even my Dad (he gets loose lips when he drinks... haha).  It was still everything we wanted it to me, it didnt take any of the specialness out of our ceremony!  People asked us about the documents, and we just said that we signed them the next day since our ceremony was too early in the day to have the judge be there (3:00pm) and we just got two random hotel employees to sign the certificate.  When people asled about the certificate, we just said that it would be sent to us in 6 weeks or something.... and everyone bought it!  Noone will even think of it in 6 weeks!