Can I have a fake wedding in my fiances native country?

[AllieLovesJake 0]

I just want to make sure something like this wouldn't result in some kind of fraud.

Me and my fiance decided we need to have a wedding in both countries so neither of our families feel left out. I was planning on visiting him this December anyway, and was wondering if it would be legal to have a FAKE ceremony? like with no papers signed, just the act of a wedding for his family?

This might be a stupid question, but i'm just being cautious.

[Asia 2,498]

Can't you do this after being married in the US?

And just do a big wedding in his country?

Or have just an engagement party in December?

This fake wedding might get you in trouble... And you don't want that kind of trouble while dealing with US immigration, believe me.

[plinkabob 7]

My fiancé and I are going to get married at a registry office as soon as I get to Chicago and have only my Mum and his family there as the flights would absolutely kill my sides bank balances. Then a few months later (once we've settled in and had a chance to plan!) we'll have a massive party in Chicago for his friends and family and then a massive party in London for my friends and family.

I think Asia's idea of having an engagement party first is great! Just make sure to let everyone know that this will be your "wedding event" in that country so everyone remembers to bring all the pressies!!

[bob.sansmal 14]

IANAL, but I have been told that so long as it's not recognized as a legal marriage in whatever country you're in, then it does not change your status for the K1. I have also heard that this is a not-uncommon thing so USCIS has seen it many many times (and it really seems to me to be a very reasonable thing to do given the logistical difficulties of families on opposite sides of the planet.)

It might not be easy finding a priest/minister willing to perform the ceremony (I dunno how ecclesiastical law regards such things.) If you're not doing a church "wedding" then maybe find someone who is good a public speaking but NOT state sanctioned to perform the ceremony as an extra layer of CYA.

I would check Australian law to see what is permitted and how to avoid it being recognized over there.

[MUXAGIRL 69]

Don't do it.

What is fake when a bunch of witnesses perceive it to be 'real' ? I support the idea of a kick as$ engagement party.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Technically, yes you can.

Practically it, is not a good idea because if the CO even remotely thinks you are married, you will be denied for the K1. All it takes is them seeing a photo of you in what looks like a wedding dress, or a friend/ neighbour/ employer they contact for background check saying "oh yeah his wife..." or "oh year at their wedding..." and you;re done.

Nothing wrong with two weddings, but have the fake one after the real one.

[msbau764 245]

I just want to make sure something like this wouldn't result in some kind of fraud.

Me and my fiance decided we need to have a wedding in both countries so neither of our families feel left out. I was planning on visiting him this December anyway, and was wondering if it would be legal to have a FAKE ceremony? like with no papers signed, just the act of a wedding for his family?

This might be a stupid question, but i'm just being cautious.

I heard of someone here in visa journey being denied for this very reason. Don't do it. Is it worth your application being rejected and waiting another 8 months? I am in the same boat. I will have a legal wedding in the US and a year later (or longer) have a wedding in Mexico.

[raven52 233]

WHY, take such a chance? An engagement party is fine, get down on one knee, and propose,.,.,all that stuff we did.,,..,but IF YOU HAVE ANY kind of ceromoney.,.,.,.,.

YOU are taking a huge chance of this "leaking"..,.,.,and you having to answer for it.,.,.,.,.

MANY.,.,.,people are turned down, due to two marriage ""ceremonies"""..,.,..,.even only one may be viable.,.,.,.

PLEASE.,.,.,do NOT take the chance!

[LiliBurd 85]

I just want to make sure something like this wouldn't result in some kind of fraud.

Me and my fiance decided we need to have a wedding in both countries so neither of our families feel left out. I was planning on visiting him this December anyway, and was wondering if it would be legal to have a FAKE ceremony? like with no papers signed, just the act of a wedding for his family?

This might be a stupid question, but i'm just being cautious.

I'm not quite sure what to tell you... Another VJ member suggested something similar, which I thought was a good idea for her situation but totally got shut down by someone else (can't remember who exactly) saying I was totally wrong, stupid, and giving bad advice that would jeopardize the OP's future. Which obviously I had no intention to do.. I'm a nice girl and was just sympathizing with another future bride in the midst of her crisis!!

Therefore I have no actual advice to give you but in my opinion I do honestly believe the US government is smart enough to understand the difference between a LEGAL wedding and a FAKE one. There is no reason for someone to POE on a K-1 when they are actually already legally married... that is nonsense!

I love all the suggestions, but we must consider that this couple actually are worlds apart... They probably want to see each other in December because it will be half way (or something like that) through until they get approved and can POE. Weddings are expensive and so is travelling. Why not kill 2 birds with one stone: Visit the fiance and celebrate their union with the Australian family!

All I know is people often deny or judge others plans or questions with no actual proof. I feel like a lot of VJers make things worst then they actually are. It's a crazy and scary process but in all reality there are just about a million ways to get through this process.

Congratulations and good luck to both of you

Edited September 8, 2014 by LiliBurd

[Fan_Dancer 171]

Yes, you can. It is been done over and over again. Just make sure you have the visa first.

[mcheshi5412 0]

We did this so his family could be present for a cultural/religious ceremony (his family is religious, we are not so much). My immediate family will be present for the legal (courthouse) ceremony...and then we're having a larger celebration later for extended family and friends. We got through USCIS, but we did receive a request for more evidence because of the ceremony -- we had to get a letter from his government, despite having stated in several places in the application that the ceremony was not legal. It worked out and we're still working our way through the process (knock on wood), but it seems like it might depend on the person who reviews your case. I have friends who have done this without issue, which is why we felt safe...but then we ended up with a slight detour because of it.

If you do this, you need to explicitly state in the application - and repeatedly so - that the wedding was not legal. It's just unfortunate that this is the way it has to be - it's such an important event and for those of us with partners far, far away, it's difficult to travel back and forth. We wanted to have something while I was still living in his country because we're not sure when we'll be able to get back. And if I had it to do over, I would make the same decision - it was a really wonderful day for us and for his family.

Best of luck, whatever you decide!

[Mark_Shalini 3]

Would having an engagement dinner party throw suspisions? or would this be acceptable even with pictures etc?