Court Wedding Or Church Wedding

[Zuru Love 0]

I was wondering if anyone can help me. Is Immigration more inclined to approve a visa if we have both a court wedding and a church wedding or do they prefer one or the other? I know I have seen them approve visa's to people who have white weddings opposed to a court wedding, because family attended, more pictures were taken and it seems to be a "more committed" marriage union, but does it really matter? I am so confused as to which to do, although the church is telling us they will not marry us until we have a court wedding first. Which is more significant in their eyes? Any suggestions on how to better our chances. I want to get it right the first time around, so he won't be denied based on something that we should have but didn't do.

[Que Saudade 284]

I was wondering if anyone can help me. Is Immigration more inclined to approve a visa if we have both a court wedding and a church wedding or do they prefer one or the other? I know I have seen them approve visa's to people who have white weddings opposed to a court wedding, because family attended, more pictures were taken and it seems to be a "more committed" marriage union, but does it really matter? I am so confused as to which to do, although the church is telling us they will not marry us until we have a court wedding first. Which is more significant in their eyes? Any suggestions on how to better our chances. I want to get it right the first time around, so he won't be denied based on something that we should have but didn't do.

There are people who do the court wedding to get the legal part out of the way and then have another ceremony with family and friends. They have been approved. I think it is more about the documentation of the relationship along the way. Of course one has to take in the cultural "norm" of the country they get married in. But as for getting married here in the USA, court weddings (even Las Vegas weddings) have been approved.

Just make sure you document your journey so that you have the evidence to prove that you are indeed in a bonafide relationship.

What is the norm for weddings in Nigeria? Are there such things as "court" weddings?

Edited August 5, 2012 by Que Saudade

[LoveNigarmostyle 165]

Zuru Love a court wedding is still a valid marriage. Whether you decide to marry one or both it is still okay and I have seen both or one get approved or denied. It is in the documentation, proof of ongoing relationship to name a few that the approval is determined. Keep in mind you are dealing with Nigeria and proving that it is a real and not for immigration reasons will be your first and top priority as you continue this journey. In all you do or decide remember to "have" a normal life and maintain a balance. It is so easy to get lost in this VJ. Take one step at a time, which is carefully calculated and prepared and then you will be fine. Make sure you enjoy planning your wedding and not worry so much about what the CO would think....So many of us had to learn this important lesson the hard way.

Get married and enjoy your day however it works out, then come back and do what you have to do with the help of the VJ family here. May God guide you and grace you with success...

Best of luck!

Edited August 5, 2012 by LoveNigarmostyle

[Ryan H 3,903]

Is Immigration more inclined to approve a visa if we have both a court wedding and a church wedding or do they prefer one or the other?

At the root of it, they don't care what kind of ceremony you have (church or court), they only care about the legitimacy of the relationship.

[Dana and Divine 61]

I was wondering if anyone can help me. Is Immigration more inclined to approve a visa if we have both a court wedding and a church wedding or do they prefer one or the other? I know I have seen them approve visa's to people who have white weddings opposed to a court wedding, because family attended, more pictures were taken and it seems to be a "more committed" marriage union, but does it really matter? I am so confused as to which to do, although the church is telling us they will not marry us until we have a court wedding first. Which is more significant in their eyes? Any suggestions on how to better our chances. I want to get it right the first time around, so he won't be denied based on something that we should have but didn't do.

My husband and I had a wedding at the Registry and we married in wedding gown and suit. His entire family attended and numouous friends as well. We had a reception afterwards. It was a very sacred ceremony. Nigerian weddings are not at all like American weddings. We even attended marriage counceling at the Registry before getting married there.

My husband wants a church wedding here in the US even though we are already married. He wanted me to share in his culture and he wants to share in mine. My family was only able to witness our union with video and pictures. We want a church wedding so they can also witness us exchanging vows, and of course, we will send video and photo's back home to his family.

It's really up to you and your fiancee. If you want both, then do both. This should be your decision. If the church says marry at the Registry first to make it legal in the eyes of the Law, then follow their instruction. If they say come to the church and marry to make this legal in the eyes of the Lord and what we beleive as a family, then do that as well.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

It is more about the documentation of family than the format. The more you can show that you are with parents/siblings/uncles and such the more it shows you are known to the family. Going to Lagos, spending a week in the local hotel , going to the resigtry and then heading back to the US fails to show you are part of the family. The more events, the more family you know the more believable the relationship is.

[Zuru Love 0]

There are people who do the court wedding to get the legal part out of the way and then have another ceremony with family and friends. They have been approved. I think it is more about the documentation of the relationship along the way. Of course one has to take in the cultural "norm" of the country they get married in. But as for getting married here in the USA, court weddings (even Las Vegas weddings) have been approved.

Just make sure you document your journey so that you have the evidence to prove that you are indeed in a bonafide relationship.

What is the norm for weddings in Nigeria? Are there such things as "court" weddings?

I believe the "norm" is a church wedding but yes they have court weddings, but they seem so cheap to me!