Any couples have a symbolic ceremony instead of Civil??

[babystace1985]

Thanks for the info ladies! My FI and I are planning to do the same for our Feb 2015 wedding so it's good to hear other's experience

[ylan9383]

We are planning a Court House legal marriage in Chicago a few weeks before our DW at Azul Sensatori.  It should take about 5 minutes in the Judge's chambers with no ceremony.  We'll just do what we need to do to be legal. While I am not keeping the legal marriage a secret, we are also not planning to have any guests or witnesses.  But, I want everyone to be part of our 'real wedding in Mexico when we say our vows in front of friends and family. 

Hi Jennypert~  I plan on doing the same thing in Chicago too.  Did you apply for your license yet?  Do you know if you get to choose a court date to sign the marriage certificate at the same time you're applying for the license? Any information would be great.  Thanks!

[csho]

We're also doing a symbolic ceremony in Cuba. I think everyone pretty much knows since we are also having a catholic wedding here once we return, which is when we are making it legal (to make it easier). This way we also get to write our own ceremony script as the Cuban one can be very dry!

[vanessav53]

We are doing the license and everything here in NJ and then my best friend from childhood is performing the ceremony down there. Since we will already be legal I don't believe she needs to get anything online beforehand. Does anyone know that information?

[csho]

We are doing the license and everything here in NJ and then my best friend from childhood is performing the ceremony down there. Since we will already be legal I don't believe she needs to get anything online beforehand. Does anyone know that information?

That's correct! As long as you're already married, anyone can do your ceremony!

[Jennypert]

Hi Jennypert~  I plan on doing the same thing in Chicago too.  Did you apply for your license yet?  Do you know if you get to choose a court date to sign the marriage certificate at the same time you're applying for the license? Any information would be great.  Thanks!

Hello Ylan,

 

We are going to the Skokie Courthouse next Wednesday to get the license. You have to wait at least 1 day after the license to sign the papers. The marriage ceremony is done at the suburban courthouses by appointment only. We will make the appointment when we go next week. We are not too particular about the date but don't want to take too much time away from work since we are planning almost 2 weeks in Riviera Maya for the real wedding ceremony and honeymoon. Here's the link to the Cook County Clerk's office where you can find all of the details.

 

Congratulations!

 

http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords/marriagelicenses/Pages/default.aspx

[ylan9383]

Hello Ylan,

 

We are going to the Skokie Courthouse next Wednesday to get the license. You have to wait at least 1 day after the license to sign the papers. The marriage ceremony is done at the suburban courthouses by appointment only. We will make the appointment when we go next week. We are not too particular about the date but don't want to take too much time away from work since we are planning almost 2 weeks in Riviera Maya for the real wedding ceremony and honeymoon. Here's the link to the Cook County Clerk's office where you can find all of the details.

 

Congratulations!

 

http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords/marriagelicenses/Pages/default.aspx

Thank you for the information! Congrats to you guys~

[girlinthecity97]

great thread topic & feedback from everyone! 

 

fi initially wanted a legal ceremony in MX but is now thinking we should just do it when we get back, especially since it may take a while to get the apostilled copies etc... Unfortunately, he doesn't want to go to the JP before we get married

 

if anyone reading this is from nj and has insight re license requirements & turn-around time, i'd love to hear it!

Edited January 13, 2014 by girlinthecity97

[Carlicardenas]

i am also doing symbolic (catholic) wedding in mexico and getting married civil in the US to make it easier for our paperwork

[KISABLE]

Hello Ylan,

 

We are going to the Skokie Courthouse next Wednesday to get the license. You have to wait at least 1 day after the license to sign the papers. The marriage ceremony is done at the suburban courthouses by appointment only. We will make the appointment when we go next week. We are not too particular about the date but don't want to take too much time away from work since we are planning almost 2 weeks in Riviera Maya for the real wedding ceremony and honeymoon. Here's the link to the Cook County Clerk's office where you can find all of the details.

 

Congratulations!

 

http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/vitalrecords/marriagelicenses/Pages/default.aspx

Hi JennyPert, 

 

I have a special situation. My fiance and I were planning to go to the courthouse and have a legal ceremony in Chicago then have a symbolic ceremony at the Azul Fives in Mexico.  However, I've decided to surprise him in a short period of time and doing something at my dad's church. I don't want to tip him off, but my dad said I have to have the license first. It would ruin the surprise! Do you know if it's possible to have a symbolic ceremony first THEN go to the courthouse and apply for your license??