too early to reserve a ceremony location?

[Yader&Sarah 0]

Hi all-

We are planning to do what I think is pretty common for VJers: a simple reception and maybe a blessing in Nicaragua before we leave after the interview (fingers crossed), a quick civil ceremony at the courthouse when we arrive in the US, and then later a bigger celebration with family and friends. However, I was hoping to make this last celebration the one most similar to a traditional wedding. We were originally just going to do it in my parents' yard, but now I've fallen in love with a little chapel in a vineyard....whoops....which of course requires a reservation and deposit.

We are thinking September 2009 for the chapel; we recieved our NOA1 on Aug 11, 2008. I'm told it's always 'risky' to plan before SO is here, but has anyone had experience with this or any advice?

Thanks!

[KimandRuss 0]

Most people will tell you to wait until visa is in hand before putting out any money but you seem to have a pretty good grasp on the process and i'm thinking over a year out from beginning the process you SHOULD be ok.

I suppose it would matter just how much the deposit is and if you'd be ok in the very small likelyhood that you may lose it.

[Yader&Sarah 0]

Most people will tell you to wait until visa is in hand before putting out any money but you seem to have a pretty good grasp on the process and i'm thinking over a year out from beginning the process you SHOULD be ok.

I suppose it would matter just how much the deposit is and if you'd be ok in the very small likelyhood that you may lose it.

It's not too much money and it can be reallocated to a different date if need be, so I guess that part is okay. But now what has me most freaked out is that I will 'jinx' this whole visa process! Planning ahead seems too good to be true! I'm normally not superstitious at all, then again, I've never applied for a k-1 visa before either....

Edited November 1, 2008 by Yader&Sarah

[SunDrop 59]

Hi all-

We are planning to do what I think is pretty common for VJers: a simple reception and maybe a blessing in Nicaragua before we leave after the interview (fingers crossed), a quick civil ceremony at the courthouse when we arrive in the US, and then later a bigger celebration with family and friends. However, I was hoping to make this last celebration the one most similar to a traditional wedding. We were originally just going to do it in my parents' yard, but now I've fallen in love with a little chapel in a vineyard....whoops....which of course requires a reservation and deposit.

We are thinking September 2009 for the chapel; we recieved our NOA1 on Aug 11, 2008. I'm told it's always 'risky' to plan before SO is here, but has anyone had experience with this or any advice?

Thanks!

I would go a step further when contacting them and explain the situation. You might find that as long as you intend to get married there and that you're not holding any other places for the ceremony, they would be willing to be flexible with the date within a reasonable period's notice of a required change.

For example, book it now and agree on mid september date. If you receive an RFE and/or your NOA2 hasn't arrived by the average processing date (remembering that yours is due smack bang in the middle of christmas) then you'll move it back to free up the September date. Also, having checked the reviews of the Nicuaragua consulate, when you get notice of the NOA2 by tracking on the USCIS website, contact the consular and arrange to collect packet 3 because apparently it can take a long time for the mail to get to your fiance.

Alternatively, contact them and ask how far in advance the chapel is usually booked. If you're willing and/or able to go for a midweek wedding, they may be able to accommodate a more 'last minute' booking, assuming you'll be interviewed sometime end of Jan/ Feb.

Sadly, only you know how 'strong' your petition is. I agree that unless it was a small deposit, I wouldn't book anything until I had my visa in hand. After all, with the 6 months to travel and 3 months after entry, you potentially have 9 months to plan.

Good luck

Most people will tell you to wait until visa is in hand before putting out any money but you seem to have a pretty good grasp on the process and i'm thinking over a year out from beginning the process you SHOULD be ok.

I suppose it would matter just how much the deposit is and if you'd be ok in the very small likelyhood that you may lose it.

It's not too much money and it can be reallocated to a different date if need be, so I guess that part is okay. But now what has me most freaked out is that I will 'jinx' this whole visa process! Planning ahead seems too good to be true! I'm normally not superstitious at all, then again, I've never applied for a k-1 visa before either....

Oops, we were responding at the same time! lol...

Only you can decide on the jinxing - personally, I wouldn't let that stand in the way of my perfect venue. Have faith

[Yader&Sarah 0]

If you receive an RFE and/or your NOA2 hasn't arrived by the average processing date (remembering that yours is due smack bang in the middle of christmas) then you'll move it back to free up the September date.

Ahh!! you have to remind me! for a month it was Dec 25-Dec 31, bah!

But thanks for your advice. I'm headed there today and before I did anything I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas. Thanks for the advice!

[msu17 0]

Considering you don't have to worry about making the 90 day marriage requirement, since you are doing the courthouse, I would go ahead and do it. Definitely make sure that you can move the date if needed. We did our whole wedding this way (didn't do the courthouse, it was stressful!). Most of the places would let us move our date within a year of the original reservation. Just be flexible and make sure they are flexible. Most places are nice when you explain the situation.