Economical Marriage Options: How to Save on Your Wedding Day

Have you ever heard of getting married before the big day without everyone knowing? Many couples take advantage of this cost-effective strategy, saving a significant amount of money on their wedding without compromising the legal binding of their marriage. Here's how you can save and still have a memorable celebration!

How to Get Married Before the Wedding

Weddings aren't the only option for getting married; in fact, many states allow you to obtain a marriage license and get married at the town or city clerk's office in a matter of days before the ceremony. This practice saves the couple a considerable amount of money on venue, catering, and other wedding expenses.

Here's a detailed guide on how you can get married before the wedding:

1. Obtain the Marriage License

First, both partners need to present their birth certificates and a government-issued identification. The process typically involves a small fee, ranging from a few dollars to a dozen or so in certain states. After providing the necessary documents, the couple can receive their marriage license.

In some places, such as Florida, you can even get your marriage license signed by a Notary Public at a place like the UPS Store. This makes the process incredibly quick and hassle-free.

2. Get Married a Day or Two Before the Wedding

You don't need to wait until the wedding day to get married. Many couples opt to get married a day or two before their wedding, performing the ceremony in a quiet, private setting. This allows them to save money on the large-scale celebration while still having a legally binding marriage.

3. Celebrate the Same-Day Wedding with the Wedding Party

Instead of the entire wedding party, couples can choose a few close friends and family members to celebrate the marriage with them. The celebrant can perform the ceremony at the location of their choice, thus saving on venue costs and ensuring an intimate and personal experience.

4. Nominate a Celebrant to Perform the Ceremony

If you prefer to have the wedding ceremony before the actual wedding day, you can choose a celebrant who will preside over the ceremony. This celebrant can perform the same service as the official wedding officiant, making sure that the couple and the guests believe it is the actual legal marriage.

5. Plan the Big Day

With the marriage legally obtained, the focus can now shift to the grand celebration. You can spend the remaining time on planning the perfect wedding day, incorporating all the elements you couldn’t afford due to the smaller same-day wedding.

Steps to Follow After Getting Married Before the Wedding

Once the marriage is finalized, there are a few steps you'll need to take to complete the process and ensure that you have a fully legal marriage:

1. Submit the Marriage Certificate

After the ceremony, the celebrant will issue you a marriage certificate. It's essential to submit this document to the relevant authorities within the required timeframe to ensure that your marriage is recognized and legally binding.

2. Inform Your Loved Ones

As a wedding is a significant life event, it's important to inform your loved ones, friends, and family members about the marriage. This will prevent any confusion or concerns if they hear about the marriage before your actual wedding day.

By following these steps, you can legally get married before the wedding, allowing you to save a considerable amount on the ceremony while still having an intimate celebration. This approach ensures that you have a memorable and cost-effective wedding that won’t break the bank!

Keywords: marriage license, same-day wedding, cost-effective wedding