Can we elope in the US?

[tevian]

I am American and my British fiance and I want to get married in America, in Texas. Are we legally allowed to get married in the US as people of two different nationalities? If so, what documentation do we need to provide? Will getting married affect his visit visa negatively? We're planning on eloping.

[JAJ]

We're planning on eloping.

Why the need to do that?

[John]

You will be aware that each State of the Union has its own marriage laws. You need to check up on those laws in the State in which you intend to marry.

As far at the visa situation is concerned, as long as the person leaves before the expiry date, there will not be a problem.

Where do the two of you intend to live after the marriage? US? UK? Elsewhere?

[tevian]

We're planning on eloping.

Why the need to do that?

I'm not really sure why you want to know only that?

You will be aware that each State of the Union has its own marriage laws. You need to check up on those laws in the State in which you intend to marry.

As far at the visa situation is concerned, as long as the person leaves before the expiry date, there will not be a problem.

Where do the two of you intend to live after the marriage? US? UK? Elsewhere?

Thanks for the tips about his visit visa not being effected.

We plan to live in the UK. I have read that marrying in the US is a relatively straight-forward process, though we're trying to find out for sure before we attempt getting married there.

[John]

Following the marriage in the States you would apply there for a 2-year spouse visa. Lots of information on the www.BritainUSA.com website.

[yankeegirl]

Yes, you can get married. If your partner is planning on returning to the UK after the wedding (and not settling in the US) he can just come to the US on a visa-waiver. He should have with him proof of ties to the UK though.

Check the office of the County Clerk where you want to marry to find out what documentation is needed, how much (if any) of a waiting period is and so on. The requirements can often cary a bit from county to county.

As John said, after you're married, you'll have to apply for a spouse visa to settle in the UK. Have a good read of that site, and post back of you have any questions.