Could I marry my USC spouse on an ESTA?

[Astrid M 7]

I would like to know if it is legal for me to enter the USA, marry on an ESTA and return home? I would like to marry there as 1. I dont have any family to attend my wedding and 2. For the scenery and freedom in choosing location weddings.

I am very new to this site and had someone recommend it to me so I apologise if I'm not observing correct etiquette thank you!

[Crazy Cat 41,978]

2 minutes ago, Astrid M said:

I would like to know if it is legal for me to enter the USA, marry on an ESTA and return home?

Absolutely, it is legal.

[Astrid M 7]

Just now, Lucky Cat said:

Absolutely, it is legal.

Thank you so much! Could I please ask what the options would be after this? Is K1 the only option? I am based in the UK if that helps.

[Crazy Cat 41,978]

@Loren Y can even perform the marriage in Las Vegas.  He has graciously offered to do this for VJ members...

[Astrid M 7]

2 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

@Loren Y can even perform the marriage in Las Vegas.  He has graciously offered to do this for VJ members...

Oh thats so cool! 

[Crazy Cat 41,978]

5 minutes ago, Astrid M said:

Thank you so much! Could I please ask what the options would be after this? Is K1 the only option? I am based in the UK if that helps.

1.  Legally enter the US via ESTA (travel restrictions may dictate your being in a non travel banned country for 14 days prior).

2.  Marry

3.  Return to your home country prior to expiration of your authorized visit.

4.  Start the CR-1 process if becoming a legal resident of the US if your goal.

5.  Enter the US as a US resident 12-24 months later. (visiting is allowed during the process)

Edited December 14, 2020 by Lucky Cat

[Astrid M 7]

Just now, Lucky Cat said:

1.  Legally enter the US via ESTA (travel restrictions may dictate your being in a non travel banned country for 14 days prior).

2.  Marry

3.  Return to your home country prior to expiration of your authorized visit.

4.  Start the CR-1 process if becoming a legal resident of the US if your goal.

5.  Enter the US as a US resident 12-24 months later.

Thank you kindly. I appreciate this so much!

[Crazy Cat 41,978]

2 minutes ago, Astrid M said:

Thank you kindly. I appreciate this so much!

I assume your future spouse is in the US.......citizen?

[HRQX 4,145]

14 minutes ago, Astrid M said:

I am based in the UK if that helps.

To currently visit the US you would have to travel to unrestricted country (e.g. Mexico, Croatia, Serbia, Turkey, South Korea, etc.) for 14 days.

 

Since your partner is a US citizen, after you marry you will be exempt to all relevant proclamations.

Edited December 14, 2020 by HRQX

[Astrid M 7]

18 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

I assume your future spouse is in the US.......citizen?

Yes, Ohio. We have been dating for a while, but of course have not seen each other for what feels like forever due to the pandemic. We are not engaged as of yet, but we were speaking about it and just wondered how the marrying itself could be done. We knew we would have to file for immigration as a spouse but didn't know how to marry itself!

[SalishSea 17,920]

28 minutes ago, Astrid M said:

Thank you so much! Could I please ask what the options would be after this? Is K1 the only option? I am based in the UK if that helps.

K-1 is a fiance visa.  If you marry on an ESTA, you will need a spousal visa.

[Astrid M 7]

16 minutes ago, HRQX said:

To currently visit the US you would have to travel to unrestricted country (e.g. Mexico, Croatia, Serbia, Turkey, South Korea, etc.) for 14 days.

 

Since your partner is a US citizen, after you marry you will be exempt to all relevant proclamations.

I'm sorry could I ask what you mean by relevant proclamations? 

Just now, Jorgedig said:

K-1 is a fiance visa.  If you marry on an ESTA, you will need a spousal visa.

My apologies, I meant CR1. Thank you 

[SalishSea 17,920]

Just now, Astrid M said:

I'm sorry could I ask what you mean by relevant proclamations? 

My apologies, I meant CR1. Thank you 

Residents of certain countries, including the UK, are barred from traveling to the US currently, unless they can show they've quarantined in a non-banned country for 14 days.  Spouses of US citizens are exempt from the bar.

[Astrid M 7]

2 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Residents of certain countries, including the UK, are barred from traveling to the US currently, unless they can show they've quarantined in a non-banned country for 14 days.  Spouses of US citizens are exempt from the bar.

Oh I understand now.

When I file for my CR1, am I able to still visit my then-spouse?

[SalishSea 17,920]

1 minute ago, Astrid M said:

Oh I understand now.

When I file for my CR1, am I able to still visit my then-spouse?

Subject to having a valid ESTA/B visa and subject to CBP admitting you, of course.