Does anyone have any regrets of just going to the Justice of the Peace to get married? ?

Question

My boyfriend and I of 4 years are thinking about getting married with a Justice of the Peace...only the two of us and NO ONE ELSE! Has anyone else done this? Do you regret it?

Answer 1

Yes, and no. It was just the 2 of us as well and only cost $75 plus dinner. (We did take a little weekend trip to Niagara Falls for a honeymoon though) In that aspect, I don't regret it because it didn't cost us much of anything to get married. But in another aspect, I miss some of the other stuff, like a wedding album, keepsakes to display, video to watch... etc.. When I see wedding in movies & tv, it just makes me regret doing it that way, because now I want the white dress and the memories... But it does cost a h**l of a lot of money.

I should add, for my first wedding, I did have all of that. But the memories are not the ones I want (obviously) because they contain my ex husband. (We were young, what can I say)

So, the choice is really yours. If you can't afford a wedding, then the JP is the way to go. But if you have the means of paying for one, I say go for it. You'll want to look back at the pretty photos and memories. It's worth it...

Answer 2

my boyfriend and i are having a baby in dec and were thinking about getting married before hes born but in any case we would get married by a JP so that were just  married lol but we would like a big party so were saving up so that we can have a big ceremony later on :)  

Answer 3

The only thing I ever regretted out my JP marriage ceremony was the person I married.

Look at it this way, if you get married by the JP, you could have a huge reception party.

Or, you could invite the JP outdoors for a ceremony, then have the reception afterwards.

Answer 4

You only regret it if you really want a formal wedding.  Most guys haven't built up this wedding *fantasy*, so we really don't give a c**p.  

Answer 5

My husband and I did that and I do regret it. The ceremony lasted all of 5 minutes and in no way was anything special. The judge just read off a piece of paper and we kissed and went and got in the car like - OK what do we do now?? It was really weird and not at all cool. Not that I wanted a big wedding by any means but it would have been better if it had of been a little more exciting and it was special because we got married but you know I mean just something better than the way it went down. Good luck to you!

Answer 6

I would only do this if having a traditional wedding is not important to you. meaning if you are going to the JP just because you want to be married without the wedding- why should you regret it if that is the type of person you are (no fuss, etc). If you ARE the type that really does like a traditional wedding but cant' afford it- is there a reason you need to be married right now? If so, go to the JP and have a party some other time. If you don't have an immediate need to be married right now, save up and wait.

Answer 7

Nope.

Considerably less fuss and its all legally binding. No need for a fancy ceremony. Its all frills and c**p anyway. Besides...if you're looking for a nice get together for family and friends afterwards you've just saved a bundle on flowers, limos, tuxes, etc.

Good luck

Answer 8

that is how i got married both times i got married and yes i regret it, so now my wife and i are planning a regular wedding at disney world

Answer 9

My husband and I got married that way. The only reason my mother and her husband came was because she wanted pictures. Otherwise, it would've just been my husband to be and me. We got married that way because we had already been living together and didn't feel the need to spend money for an elaborate wedding, like I did with my first marriage. With my first marriage, it took us YEARS to pay off the expenses and I regretted that. I didn't at all regret getting married with a JP. In fact, it was my suggestion.  

Answer 10

I was married in Vegas with no guests.  It was GREAT and I have no regrets.  All the money we saved on not having a wedding went towards a great house!

Answer 11

My sister did, and she's regretted it. They are planning on a 2nd wedding. So family and friends can be there. She is the baby of a large family and we wanted to see her get married it was her choice tho and now she wants to redo lol.

Answer 12

I must say to you that in most states you actually need a witness in addition to you, your husband, and the JP.  

We got married by a JP, however friends and family were there -- very small, only 40 people.

I do know a couple who got married just the two of them, the JP, and the JPs friend.. and they have been married for 26 years and do not regret a second of it.  

If you don't want a big wedding, or even a wedding at all, don't force yourself -- you'll regret it.  Do what makes you happy.

Good luck!

Answer 13

we went to justice of the peace. it was lame but it's okay because at least we didnt spend a lot of money, it would have all been a waste. i can now save money for the divorce because our marriage is more like a dictatorship, its so over!