My Fiance and I did the marriage ceremony already in China. However, we did not do the official marriage paperwork. She just got approved for the K1 Visa and will be here very shortly.

We just want to the do the paperwork when she arrives. What's the fastest and cheapest way to get the Marriage Certificate? I've done the research on obtaining the marriage license and then we need to do the ceremony. The cheapest way would be through a commissioner; however, we want to marry on 9/9 2006 which is a very symbolic and meaningful day for Chinese 99 (interpreted to mean forever). That's on a Saturday and commissioner's don't work on weekends.

I looked into Vegas, which is cheaper than CA for the license; however, same problem commissioner's don't work weekends. Is there an alternative that is equivalent to a commissioner who is qualified to do the marriage and works on Saturday at a equivalent cost of a commission in Vegas? We are just looking to get the certificate as we already did the ceremony in China. Any suggestions or alternatives? Thank you so much for all your help. Take care.

So if you are already married..... How can you use a K1 visa.... if you are not already married then you will need to get married when she is here... you get a licence and then find someone to do the wedding ceramony for you then you return the licence to the townhall and they make you a marriage certificate....

Kezzie

Any minister/preacher can do it on saturday. Yes, you need a ceremony but it could be very simple. Expecially if you know a minister. Noone will sign the wedding cert authenticating it if they didnt do a ceremony.

As for your 'wedding' out there, its of no value here but means everything in your hearts. I understand that. Use it as your anniversary if you desire.

Also, I thought there were chapels open every day in vegas! I know there are many in tennessee. I thought part of those are any day of the week.

We are not married officially (eg. recognized by any government) but we are married ceremonially. I know the process of obtaining marriage certificate and the procedure. Just need suggestions and recommendations on a commissioner replacement type or if someone knows a better way or has experience with Vegas and can recommend something. TIA.

I'm assuming your marriage ceremony wasn't recognized as a legal marriage in China? If so, then you are in violation of the K1 terms.


Ah yes, you answered this while I was typing.

Well, it all depends on what state you are getting married in. I've heard of a lot of people actually asking their officiant to allow them to take the signed license to the clerk's office. Most officiants (as apart of their service fee) mail in the marriage license to the correct county, and then it's verified and the official certificate is then sent out to you later. If you take the marriage license yourself, some people have been even able to get it same day.

As far as cheapest. No such thing. Each state/county has it's own fee requirements for a marriage license/certificate and there is no shopping around. If you are looking for the cheapest way to get married, just head to your local courthouse. Call ahead, many only have specific hours in which they do weddings, but most do the service for free.

Cass (bebop the great)

a Local justice of the peace will marry you and do the paperwork...

Kezzie

True. The issue is they don't work Saturdays.

The license bureau and all the chapels are open on Saturdays in Vegas. You get the cert right after the ceremony.

Thanks. I found this place. I guess this is the cheapest you can go. $40 plus an anonymous donation to the priest/etc. http://www.lvgardenoflove.com/weddingpackages.html Just not sure if they are legit or if there have been any complaints? I'll do more research.

well that is strange that you say the dont work on a Saturday... because I was married on a Saturday and a Justice did our wedding... we wemt back to the town hall on the Monday and got our marriage certificate.....


Kezzie

They're legit.

We got married at www.alittlewhitechapel.com 2 weeks ago.

Their base "just a ceremony" is $55 plus donation to the pastor.

Las Vegas Marriage Bureau Hours
Monday through Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 (Midnight)
Friday 8:00 a.m. to Sunday 12:00 (Midnight)
Holidays Open 24 hours


http://www.co.clark.nv.us/clerk/marriage_information.htm