Legal marriage before religious ceremony

[jaimekv 0]

Hello everyone. First time poster, but I've been reading these forums for quite some time.

Here goes my story.

I am a US citizen (born in MN), but have lived in Spain since I was six months old. In 2012 I moved to the USA due to work. My spanish girlfriend and I have now decided to get married, and start our lives together here in the USA. We have been dating since 2010.

We are getting married on September 27, at a church in Spain, with all of our friends and family, and a big celebration. But I would like to just go get legally married in the next couple of weeks so we can start the CR1 Visa process as soon as possible. Is this a good idea? I ask because we won't have any wedding pictures, invitations, etc. to "prove" our marriage. We also don't have joint bank accounts, or a lease/mortgage. All we would have are email conversations and pictures from these past years. She has been to the USA three times during the last year to visit, and I also go back to Spain about once a month.

I don't know how much they scrutinise applications from Spain, so I'd appreciate any opinions!

Thanks!

[jessica33162 3]

Hun u will need to have proof of your marriage cert, take some pictures at the location where u guys getting married,affidavits from family and friends at least 3 of them, lots of pictures with friends and family! receipt, and all the pictures with dates on them.You mention you will have your wedding ceremony in September that's fine you can submit those pic at a later time through out the process. Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

That is fine. You can include proof of a bona fide relationship as a newlywed instead of proof of a financially co-mingled marriage. A big party doesn't make a relationship Good luck.

[seanimo 32]

I can only comment on what we have done. We were married in USA at a justice of the peace and plan on religious ceremony in Italy in November. We are currently awaiting I-130 approval. The only proof that I sent with the I-130 was our marriage certificate. I figure if the need more evidence I will provide that when needed. In the meantime I have been collecting all documentation of trips and Skype, text, and phone conversations. I can only hope that this will not delay our petition an in ordinate amount of time.

[jaimekv 0]

Thanks for the replies. I'm really excited to get this process started!