Well, I didn't really know where else to put this, so here it is.
My FH and I have been very stressed out lately because of wedding planning and other issues. One of our ideas on how to relieve the stress of the big day was to go ahead and get married now (about 5 weeks before the Wedding) so that in our minds we know that the wedding is just a party, not the 'big day'. We would keep this a secret from everyone we know, especially my father, until years down the road. We want to keep it a secret because everyone has been looking foreward to the wedding and we just want everyone to be happy. No one will know but us, and probably my boss (changing forms). It will be our little secret.
Our question is, is it legal for me to continue to go by my maiden name until the wedding? Of course I would have to change my tax information with my job and my information with my bank, but I would go by my maiden name in all other ways. Can I do this? Can I keep my ID with my maiden name until then? I run no risk of being pulled over by the police for speeding and having it run through because I can't drive to begin with.
Also, would we need a witness to sign the marriage certificate? Do we even need to do a 'ceremony' at the courthouse?
Any help guys? I can't bounce this idea off of anyone because we want to keep it a complete secret, we can't risk anyone knowing.
ADDED: Maybe it's just the fact that I don't even want this wedding anymore. I just want to get married and have it over with.