Church ceremony before marriage for K1 ????

[ckurt 23]

I have a question regarding church ceremonies with k1 before marriage. First of all my fiance got her k1 visa already stamped in her passport and we already bought the tickets. I would like to go back to my country and celebrate with our family and friends before she comes to USA. I would also like to get married in the church in my country before she comes here. I know K1 visa is a fiance visa however I just want to confirm that as long as we are not married legally (with papers) it is ok to have a little ceremony in church. Church can give a certificate saying we are married but it is not a legal document. Do you guys think it would be a problem once she gets here? Perhaps problems at POE? Does anyone here did something similar?

I just want to point out in my country legally we will not be married by having a ceremony in church.

[JohnR! 5,495]

My suggestion is that you explicitly tell the priest at your church that you want a blessing ceremony. Explain to him/her the legal implications and why you can't get married. There is nothing wrong, immigration-wise, with a blessing ceremony or something of the kind. Keep it small and simple. Remember you can go back at any time after your get your greencard in the US, and have a white wedding with all the bells and whistles.

[LmmL 46]

I would also like to get married in the church in my country before she comes here.

Church can give a certificate saying we are married but it is not a legal document.

Why you file for K1 if you want to get married in your fiance/e's (also your) hometown? Can you just wait until you get the Advance Parole/Green Card to go back to have a real wedding ceremony and maybe reception?