I am 18 years old and a freshman in college... me and my boyfriend are engaged to be married next June but are thinking about going to the courthouse sooner and getting married... could we keep this a secret and still have our wedding in June or is there a legal issue with a second marriage?

Of course you can get it done at the courthouse and then have the ceremony later? But why keep this a secret?? This is a horrible way to start your life together.

I got married at the court house (it wasn't a secret though) and we are going to have a big bash huge wedding sometime in the future. We're thinking for an anniversary or something. Does your family know you're engaged? If so, then they might not care that it's earlier. Like the poster before me said, don't start it out in a secret. It's bad karma.

I had a pastor who would SUGGEST this very thing to couples who were stressed by their upcoming nuptials. Sex is very relaxing, and being able to morally sneak away from it all for some relaxing "us" time without technically being wrong was a great idea, and several couples I knew took advantage of the idea.

Now, what you're suggesting sounds much harder since June is so far away. You think you can keep the secret for that long? Maybe you can, it might even be fun. It will definitely be a bonding endeavor... and if the secret ever got out, it would ultimately be harmless.

There are no legal bars to holding public wedding ceremonies after your actual private marriage. However, your presiding pastor will have to be informed what is going on. Technically, though, this is no different from "renewing your vows" ceremonies.

Can I ask why you are thinking of doing this? And why you want to keep it a secret? The reasons may change some answers.

But from a legal standpoint, there is no problem. You will need to notify the clergyman who will perform the service since he would normally prepare and sign a license.

Why keep it a secret??

If you are ashamed to let people know you are married, don't,

If you are too afriad and childish to wish to hide it from parents, you are not ready to be married.

Next you can not have two Marriages, you can have two services, but there will not be a marriage license with the second. And in most they will merely bless your marriage not do the actual complete wedding.

You both need to re-think why you want to be married if you will not admit it.