Hi, I'm writing because my boyfriend and I want to get married. We really want the big church wedding and invite everyone, the thing is that can take over a year to plan. My boyfrien is 39 and wants a couple more kids. He really doesn't want to wait anymore. We already have one child.
Here's my question... do we need to take marriage classes if we are not getting married in a church? We want to get married outside, but I'm not sure about the marriage classes.
Thank you

You did not state where you lived,

In TN for example if you take the marriage classes then you get your marriage license a lot cheaper. But if you don't want to take the classes, you can get the license in the morning and get married by lunch.

Next planning a wedding takes as long as you want it to take.

If you are catholic the priest will require classes before he does the service

A outside wedding can be great, also there are a lot of places to run off and get married, we have a lot of wonderful marriage chapels here in TN

I planned my wedding in 4 1/2 days, and got married at my father's house. It was the most beautiful, meaningful ceremony I have ever seen in my life - and even our minister said the same thing. I think it all depends on what is most important to you. Remember... it's about the marriage, not the wedding. :)