does it matter how you marry?

[wherezdabearz 0]

Marriage laws are state-based so what is legal in your state is legal for the US government. In Montana, for example, you need an officiant of some kind but he/she does not have to be 'licensed' in any way. Could be anyone. The ceremony is legally binding so long as the couple believe it to be so and agree to marry. And yes, we did check it with the local courthouse.

But after marriage you will need to get your marriage certificate certified at your local courthouse. They will put an official stamp/seal on the certificate to prove that it is a legal marriage and that the certificate is legal. You'll need to send a certified copy of this certificate when you apply for AOS.

If you can show the USCIS that your local courthouse agrees you are legally married in the State of Colorado, what more could they reasonably require?

[meauxna 15]

if i get to the interview and they question it, i can let them know its perfectly legal and point them to the same link i provided in an earlier post.

but i know what your saying and i appreciate your concern, really

i have a good few weeks till any decision has to be made, so ill discuss it over with my partner and see if i can find out either way 100%.

im thinking about just doing the marriage in texas for the paperwork, then going upto the mountains for the honeymoon and doing our own thing then

but of course if anyone else has any input, it would be good to read

I looked at the info you posted yesterday. If you get a marriage certificate from your county, then it's good to go.

A marriage certificate is a marriage certificate is a marriage certificate. If this type of marriage is legal enough in Colo to generate a marriage certificate, it is legal enough for USCIS.

As long as you're not both chicks. Then the Feds don't like it.

Surf around uscis.gov for the definition of 'spouse'. That's what you need to satisfy.