Where to wed?

[elmcitymaven 9,711]

I guess none of us will change your mind, so if you are happy not taking that route, that's fine and prudent. And yes, admission is at the discretion of a CBP officer looking at the totality of the evidence presented by the non-USC seeking admission. But it is 100% okay -- regardless of whether both fiances are living abroad or not -- to come over to get married to a USC and then depart. There's no change in government policy. Either the officer believes that you do not have immigrant intent or he/she doesn't. 

[tomuk 25]

Just now, elmcitymaven said:

I guess none of us will change your mind, so if you are happy not taking that route, that's fine and prudent. And yes, admission is at the discretion of a CBP officer looking at the totality of the evidence presented by the non-USC seeking admission. But it is 100% okay -- regardless of whether both fiances are living abroad or not -- to come over to get married to a USC and then depart. There's no change in government policy. Either the officer believes that you do not have immigrant intent or he/she doesn't. 

I believe in worst just because any small mistake can affect everything in the future and push whole process back. I don't want to risk to being lucky. I better assume that this way is not one I should take. You can be fine with marriage, you can leave, reenter country, then USCIS can be fine with CR-1, so NVC and on embassy they'll say NO. And that sucks.

Also, there are some articles about 30/60/90 rule, visa fraud and entering using VWP.

 

t42123 can thank y'all for positive input on this, I am the one which is quite reserved with this. I was refused to entry at POE and right now I have some difficulties with this. So there is reason being sceptical.

[pushbrk 12,096]

42 minutes ago, tomuk said:

OK, let's say that instead "definitely don't do that", I'd say "I don't recommend that".
 

Your non-recommendation is noted.  However, the OP's plan is perfectly legal, acceptable, and would have ZERO impact on any subsequent immigration process.  That's MY opinion and it is shared by many with vast experience on the subject.

[Crazy Cat 39,194]

2 hours ago, tomuk said:

Also: I didn't say it's illegal.

It is not fraud.....many, many people have destination marriages in the US every year....

[t42123 3]

Thank you all so much for your input!!

 

Denmark and Iceland sound like excellent plans; we've never been to either and Denmark does come up a lot on the "easiest elopement" search results! (Hawaii would be amazing! But a bit of a trek for both of us-- I am on the east coast!)

 

@tomuk I appreciate your warning/concern. All of the subsequent research I have done confirms what everyone else on the thread has said about the legality of marrying on the ESTA and returning to the home country. My partner would also bring evidence of ties to his home country (lease, letter from employer, return flight tickets, etc) if that is the route we choose. He has visited me a number of times, under a valid ESTA, and never overstayed so has a good "track record" if that matters at all! I will keep you all updated on the route we chose and our CR-1 timelines!