Proving Relationship vs. Bona Fide Marriage + Wedding Questions

[Cdn_to_CO 0]

Hello all! My fiance and I are just starting the beginning of our own Visa journey. I am coming from Canada. I am still sorting through all of the information out there, but these are my initial questions that I haven't been able to find a great answer to yet:

 

1. I believe we have enough evidence to prove our relationship, but how different is it to prove a "bona fide marriage" vs. a real relationship? I have seen the list of evidence for a marriage (i.e. joint bank account, mortgage/lease etc.) but since I am still living in Canada (and would be until the Visa is approved), I wouldn't have any financial evidence. Is evidence to prove a legit relationship enough to prove a legit marriage?

 

2. Regarding a wedding - is this necessary? In Colorado, you don't need an officiant. You can (basically) apply for your  marriage license, sign at the same time when you pick it up, and leave the office legally married. No pictures of a one knee proposal, no dress, no wedding, no tiny ceremony, no photos. If we go this route (which we would prefer tbh), would this cause issues with our application, especially when we won't have any of the financial evidence suggested to prove a "bona fide marriage"?

 

I very much appreciate any advice on these questions! Thank you so much in advance as I am sure I will have many more questions as we work our way through this process