Hi Everyone!
I'm currently thinking of doing the following and looking for advice or thoughts:
My fiance and I have decided that we want to work together to pay down our student debt. We have been trying to purchase a condo but currently we are not attractive buyers as we have to do FHA. Apparently traditional lenders don't take into consideration what you actually pay monthly for federal loans, they instead look at the highest amount you could possibly pay.
We are now considering getting married much sooner than originally planned. We were thinking of August 2017 (we were engaged in December of 2014). We are very laid back and simple people. Our only wishes are to have as many family members present as possible and to also have a weekend wedding with a bon fire and breakfast the next day. We have found the perfect venue and plan on DIY-ing most things.
Our current thought is what if we elope or just go to city hall and get the legal portion out of the way. Then we can have joint accounts and pay off debts collectively. In the mean time we are okay with renting and rent-to-own is a possibility where we currently live.
Has anyone been able to keep a legal marriage a secret? Then throw a party 6-8 months later? Is this worth it? I'm wondering if it takes any of the "special" feelings out of the wedding day? I'm not a girly girl and never planned or imagined a wedding as a child/teen. I just want a day with family and friends around that celebrates our love and relationship.