Post # 1
Member
16 posts
Newbee
So my husband and I got married in January of 2018. We were originally going to have a small elopement in April 2018 with less than 10 people. But due to some personal things going on we thought it best to get married earlier. So we cancelled our elopement and just signed the papers. Which means we didn’t have a courthouse wedding or any type of ceremony. At the time, it didn’t bother me at all and my husband even asked if I wanted to still do the elopement. But I felt like we were already married, so it wouldn’t have any sentimental feelings to me.
Recently, I’ve been really regretting not having a ceremony and I’m not sure what to do. I want to have a ceremony because I feel like it’s something I missed out on. But the other half of me feels like the time has passed and I personally feel no sentimental feelings toward it because we’ve already been married for a year and a half and I feel like it’s too early for a vow renewal.
Has anyone had a ceremony after getting married? Did you feel weird about it or feel like the wedding excitement wasn’t there since you were already married? If so, did those feelings change the day of the ceremony? I’ve been feeling really down about it lately so hearing from others would be nice.
Post # 2
Member
1815 posts
Buzzing bee
Why don’t you hire an elopement company/photographer to do a two year vow renewal and some nice photos, just the two of you? It might be a nice compromise…something special/memorable, but not standing up in front of 100 people and acting out a wedding ceremony that probably won’t have much meaning to you or to your guests.
Post # 3
Member
480 posts
Helper bee
I agree with PP – why not do a bridal/elopement photoshoot? It will give you the keepsakes that it sounds like you feel that you’re missing.
Post # 4
Member
5663 posts
Bee Keeper
How long has it been? My friends got married and are having a reception end of year and it sounds like fun. Could you do that?
Post # 5
Member
9152 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
mrsamber : What papers did you sign though? If you’re in the US, most states require you to have some kind of ceremony, even a self-solemnizing one where that’s allowed, but something where you agree to vows. Did you sign for a marriage
license, or do you have a marriage
certificate?
Post # 6
Member
625 posts
Busy bee
Yes, we got married for visa reasons at a courthouse and had a full wedding 3 years later. Both meant a lot to us, both were really special.
Post # 7
Member
10218 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
Sure, have a reception whenever you like. It won’t be a wedding, but if it’s important to you to have, then absolutely do it. What you originally planned was not an elopement btw, not with 10 people there lol.
I don’t know what you mean by ‘just signed the papers’…. it was in a registry office / courthouse or similar l assume? Well, wherever it was, it was your legal marriage ceremony and not to be despised, though there is no reason you can’t have a party, wear a white dress if you want, and announce it as a celebration of your marriage.