My bf and I recently got engaged. We were looking into getting married next year. My parents would like us to wait so we (us and our families) are financially able to have the wedding we want. ( I agree on waiting although not just for financial but planning reasons) The thing is he is in the military and could be deployed over the next year thus cutting into planning the wedding. I have thought it over and am considering suggesting we get legally married at the local courthouse and then save the wedding for when he returns from deployment. My parents are very traditional and wouldnt see the point in rushing. Im not trying to rush just this is what I want. I also wouldnt want to tell my parents as I know how excited they are for me to get married (im the oldest of four and first to get married) Any suggestions appreciated.

Personally, I'd wait until the wedding. BUT one good thing about getting legally married is that your fiance will make more money (or BAH) for having a dependant. My husband is in the military, and we thought about doing the same thing, but we waited and I'm glad we did. Usually the guys know a few months in advance before they deploy, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue, plus you could always schedule a wedding for R&R.

Deborah <33

It is your life so do what makes you happy. I know someone whose husband is in the military and that is what they did. They got married in a courthouse at first, then when he got back from deployment they have a huge wedding.