I know that this has been asked before, but I have different circumstances. My fiancée and I (both in 40's) have both been married before, but neither of us had religious ceremony and want one. We have it scheduled for a year from now and have booked hall and church.
Here is our idea. He pays $600/month for health insurance and will be added to mine when we marry for no additional $. So we were thinking to secretly go to JOP and legally get married to save that $ and not tell anyone, so that when formal ceremony happens, it will mean as much to them as it will to us. I welcome all opinions

I know that this has been asked before, but i have differenct circumstances. My fiancee and i (both in 40's) have both been married before, but neither of us had religious ceremony and want one. we have it scheduled for a year from now and have booked hall and church.
Here is our idea. He pays $600/month for health insurance and will be added to mine when we marry for no additional $. So we were thinking to secretly go to JOP and legally get married to save that $ and not tell anyone, so that when formal ceremony happens, it will mean as much to them as it will to us. I welcome all opinions



It's justice of the peace, not justice of the peach.

Lots of people get married by a JOP for any number of reasons and follow up with a religious ceremony.

Check with the person scheduled to perform the religious ceremony, though. My niece went through this and the Priest gave them a rather difficult time, wanted to do some sort of ratification ceremony instead of a marriage ceremony.

From a financial standpoint it makes sense. You do have to think of the consequences if anyone finds out - hurt feelings and such.

I suggest that if you do this, do it on the same date as your scheduled wedding ceremony. Then there will be no confusion as to the date of your anniversary. ;)

It's justice of the peace, not justice of the peach.

Lots of people get married by a JOP for any number of reasons and follow up with a religious ceremony.

Check with the person scheduled to perform the religious ceremony, though. My niece went through this and the Priest gave them a rather difficult time, wanted to do some sort of ratification ceremony instead of a marriage ceremony.


Sorry, I know the spelling, was just typing too fast. Thanks for the info, I will check into that!

Sorry, i know the spelling, was just typing too fast. Thanks for the info, i will check into that!



I kind of thought so - :)

(And congratulations - somewhat in advance)

Are you currently living together? If so, you might want to check with your employer(s) or state government to see if they honor domestic partner agreements. These generally provide health insurance coverage to unmarried people living together.

If not, and you're married in a civi ceremony, will you then live together? What will you tell your friends?