Need Some Out-of-the-Box Ideas for Wedding Venues!

[Protocol417 161]

We're expecting our NOA2 shortly *crosses fingers* and are starting to discuss marriage plans.

I'm sure I don't have to really go over why getting married on a K-1 creates unique challenges, especially on a limited budget, but it's these challenges that have left me a little stymied over what we should do for a wedding venue, so I wanted to get some opinions and feedback as to how others might have handled this in the past and/or get ideas anyone might have.

Here are the concerns/preferences:

- Cost: Must be free or very inexpensive (since we don't know how long it will take for my fiance to get a job, we can't risk spending too much money)

- Notice: So we can apply for his work authorization ASAP, we will want to get married as close to POE as possible. Details can be worked out in advance, of course, but we'd need a place where the exact date of the ceremony wouldn't require much notice (a couple weeks' worth at most, if possible)

- Indoors: It'll probably end up being a winter wedding, so outdoors is out of the question

- Religion: Preferably non-religious or faith-neutral

- Appearance: We'll eventually be returning to the UK and may need to present wedding photos as evidence of a legitimate relationship. For this reason, the venue must appear reasonable and not suspicious-looking. It doesn't have to be beautiful, but we'll need to avoid the appearance of a slap-dash job (for example, a hotel room would be out of the question... don't laugh, I've seen photos in wedding photographers' portfolios which were taken in hotel rooms)

Things that won't be a concern:

- Size: Our party will probably consist of 5-10 of our closest friends and family, so it won't be any bigger than a small- or medium-sized tour group.

- Length: The ceremony doesn't have to be long at all. If they need us out in, say, 10 minutes, we can make that work.

- Religion: No religious requirements for us! Doesn't have to be in a church or synagogue, or have access to religious paraphernalia, or anything like that.

- Privacy: Public places are a-okay. No privacy needed!

I'm looking for creative and out-of-the-box ideas. For example, one thought I had (since, like I said, our group won't be much larger than a tour group) would be to ask the local natural or science history museum if, for a small donation, we could just pop into the main hall, say a few words, exchange rings, get some photos,... and then go party, of course!

So, any ideas?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Just an FYI, you can apply for his work authorization after you are married, you send it with the AOS application. Takes about 90 days to process.

Where in the US are you from? What about in a museum? Or a ski lodge/cabin? What about simply and sweet like city hall?

good luck

[Darnell 8,478]

get all to volunteer at a food kitchen, same day. usually, there's a chapel attached.

sure, you'll be there 4 to 10 hours slinging food and whatnots, but it's a good trade off.

[NikLR 13,227]

Also as an option... have two weddings... once quick civil service and plan out another ta'do wedding.

[Caryh 5,206]

Many people get married by a judge right in the courthouse. Can't get much more official looking than that. All you have is the judge's fee, which you'll have either that or a minister's fee elsewhere. Then you pop off to wherever you want to celebrate.

[NikLR 13,227]

We had a lunch at a nice hotel restaurant. Lovely view of Okanagan lake and excellent food! IMO beats having a big reception! Same cost per plate

However I agree with Cary, nice in front of a judge. Many courthouses have lovely fronts for pictures!

Maybe even if you can find a beautiful house to rent for the day? Check on VRBO? Or hotels on the lake perhaps? Or a ski hill chalet, everyone can pitch in and stay a night? They may even chop the price down huge if you just want it for a wedding during the day and not overnight. Biodome? Botanical gardens? Maybe the penthouse at a hotel for one day and night?

[JensJrny2Ray 367]

We got married in a lovely courthouse that had a little marriage chapel inside it. It was great! We then had a tea next door in one of the cafes. Try finding the state capital courthouse or an historic area.

[Protocol417 161]

Just an FYI, you can apply for his work authorization after you are married, you send it with the AOS application. Takes about 90 days to process.

Where in the US are you from? What about in a museum? Or a ski lodge/cabin? What about simply and sweet like city hall?

good luck

I'm aware, but I already live paycheck-to-paycheck, so having to support two people for several months on top of paying for a wedding is going to be risky. Plus, he has to actually find a job once he gets the authorization. So I don't want to spend any money on frippery when that could end up making the difference between paying rent or not six months down the road.

Schaumburg is a suburb of Chicago. It's a beautiful little place with so many gorgeous natural areas. If it wasn't going to be a winter wedding, we'd have dozens of places to choose from! But yeah, I'm thinking a museum would be kind of cool

We're not above getting married in front of the JotP, just trying to have a little fun with it!

[Protocol417 161]

get all to volunteer at a food kitchen, same day. usually, there's a chapel attached.

sure, you'll be there 4 to 10 hours slinging food and whatnots, but it's a good trade off.

Now, that's what I'm talking about. Great idea

Many people get married by a judge right in the courthouse. Can't get much more official looking than that. All you have is the judge's fee, which you'll have either that or a minister's fee elsewhere. Then you pop off to wherever you want to celebrate.

Actually, we have a friend who got ordained through one of those online churches. I was shocked that that was legal but apparently he did it because close friends of his lost their officiant a week before their wedding and he was able to swoop in and save the day *lol* He would probably do it for a few drinks afterwards

But yeah, we might end up going this route anyways. Seems the easiest. We have enough stress dealing with all the other stuff. I don't know how people go through the visa process and plan a traditional wedding at the same time.

We had a lunch at a nice hotel restaurant. Lovely view of Okanagan lake and excellent food! IMO beats having a big reception! Same cost per plate

However I agree with Cary, nice in front of a judge. Many courthouses have lovely fronts for pictures!

Maybe even if you can find a beautiful house to rent for the day? Check on VRBO? Or hotels on the lake perhaps? Or a ski hill chalet, everyone can pitch in and stay a night? They may even chop the price down huge if you just want it for a wedding during the day and not overnight. Biodome? Botanical gardens? Maybe the penthouse at a hotel for one day and night?

I like the idea of renting a cabin or something, and having the attendees chip in to cover costs. That would be beautiful but not too expensive! Thanks

We got married in a lovely courthouse that had a little marriage chapel inside it. It was great! We then had a tea next door in one of the cafes. Try finding the state capital courthouse or an historic area.

Oh, that does sound nice. And gives me another idea: A tea house!

Thanks for all the ideas, guys! No idea what direction we'll go but it is kind of fun just to come up with creative stuff.

[NikLR 13,227]

Oh just so you know... EAD without AOS costs $465 and is only good until the I-94 expires (3 months from entry). !he EAD with the AOS is free (obviously AOS is pricey) but is good until the green card comes in. Something to think about.

[Caryh 5,206]

I don't know how people go through the visa process and plan a traditional wedding at the same time.

Most people just keep muddling along and somehow survive. We were saved by a local marriage chapel that made things easy. It wasn't cheap, but it wasn't too expensive either. Had a small but traditional wedding ceremony without a lot of fuss to set up. Then our reception was at a local hotel with a restaurant/pub attached. For the cost of catering at $20 per head we got a banquet room. The pub had bands on the weekends with no cover charge, so as the band started we all moved there. Now when we see the band that was playing that night, they always remember us and often give us a shout out while performing. I'd not seen the band previously, they don't perform that often, but they're a great band and one of our favorites now.