Formal/Church Wedding -- in 90 days?

[Brownie07 7]

Hello All!

Just another random question...did anyone attempt and successfully host a formal wedding by way of a K-1 visa? What were some of your limitations. Ho0w did you plan with a estimated timeline? I know all of the limitations with timelines, 90 days, etc. I know that some folks opted for civil ceremonies then renewals...I'm solely interested in perspectives and input regarding formal/religous ceremonies.

Thanks (as always)

[staceluvyou 6]

well we were wondering the same thing, so what we r doing is planning ahead of time, we found this site called atlanta weddings, we already found a church that conducts non members wedding, and we have chosen 3 venues that we like and save them to our bookmarks, i chose two bridal shops, cake etc. and save them to our bookmarks, this way we already have a idea of where and what were gon do, his mom is checking some of these places out for us also, i already know the colours and so on,we also have two wedding coordinator incluclusive in two of the packages so i think this is a head start, you can do the same,and it's all done over the net. cause i want a traditional wedding also.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

You actually have the 6months and the 90 days. Once you get your visa you can delay entering the US for 6 months and then the 90 day clock will start. If a big wedding is what you want then take advantage of the 6 month window.

[Thompson2 1]

Was going to say the same thing as the above post. I actually did take advantage of the 6 months you have to use the visa in order to have the wedding I wanted. We filed Dec. 2009. As soon as I filed I started making wedding arrangements based on current timelines. I was pretty sure that by the following November my hubby (fiance at the time) would be able to come, so I planned a Nov. wedding. Our interview ended up being in June, which meant he had to wait until August to come. it really stunk at the time knowing he had his visa in hand but due to our wedding plans we still had to be apart for 2 more months. On the other hand a wedding is a once in a life time thing to me and it was worth being on the safe side and giving ourselves a few extra months, just in case. With all that being said, I did only work with vendors that understood my situation and had some sort of policy where I could change the date within a certain amount of time (30 days or 60 days were most common) you should have a much better idea a month or two before the wedding where you stand.

So in short ( I know after all that ) look at the current time lines and then give yourselves several months after to have your wedding. Again make sure the vendors are atleast semi flexible.

Good luck!!

[Mnemosyne 4]

Some churches require a minimum period of residency. A friend in Brooklyn wanted to have a Catholic wedding but she was told that she needed at least six months of residency there. She just settled for a civil wedding instead.

[Brownie07 7]

THanks for all the recommendations and sharing.

Interestingly enough I think we'll be able to have formal wedding (keeping my fingers crossed and praying). I have three venues in mind, so if one doesn't work out (specifically dates) we'll have other options.

A wonderful friend is willing to do our pictures for a reasonble price - I just have to give her 2 weeks notice. And, the same with the florist who is my sorority sister.

The only two "loose ends' are talking to my pastor and dress shopping which I'll hold off on until we get an interview date.

Have a great Thanksgiving All!

[Ken y Leidys 20]

The only two "loose ends' are talking to my pastor and dress shopping which I'll hold off on until we get an interview date.

You will get an interview date 4-6 weeks before the actual interview, but be aware that some people require AP or Additional Processing which could hold up your visa, and disrupting your plans. Your best bet is to wait until the Visa arrives in your SO's hands, and you can plan your flight to the US POE, and then a wedding w/in your first 90 days on US soil. With these unknown variables mentioned, I am sure your Pastor and wedding guests will fully understand your situation.