Can You Get Married for 15K? 15 Budget-Friendly Wedding Ideas
Getting married is a huge milestone. Planning the celebration can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to stay on budget.
You might wonder if it’s really possible to have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.
You can absolutely have a meaningful, memorable wedding for $15,000 or less. Careful planning and smart choices make a huge difference.
This article breaks down what goes into a wedding budget and how to make your day special without overspending.
1) Understanding the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
The K-1 visa lets your fiancé(e) come to the U.S. so you can marry within 90 days of their arrival. It’s only for couples planning to marry after entry.
You must be a U.S. citizen and have met your fiancé(e) in person in the last two years. This visa helps you start your life together legally.
Learn more about the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa process.
2) Filing Form I-129F to Start the Process
You’ll need to file Form I-129F to bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. This form shows you both plan to marry within 90 days of arrival.
Filing starts the visa process and helps prove your relationship is real. Double-check that you meet all requirements before submitting.
Learn more about filing Form I-129F here.
3) Must Marry Within 90 Days of Entry
When you arrive in the U.S. on a fiancé(e) visa, you have to get married within 90 days. If you don’t, your fiancé(e) must leave the country.
After the wedding, you can start the green card process by filing the right forms. This rule keeps your plans on track.
For more info, see this 90-day marriage rule guide.
4) Meeting in Person Requirement
You usually need to meet your partner in person within two years before filing for a fiancé visa. This helps prove your relationship is real.
Sometimes, you can get a waiver if meeting is super hard for cultural or hardship reasons. Check if you qualify before applying.
Learn more about the in-person meeting rules here.
5) Proof of Genuine Relationship
You need to show your relationship is real. Bring proof like photos, messages, or records of visits.
Letters from friends or family can help confirm your bond. This is to prove you’re not marrying for money or benefits.
6) Role of the Petitioning U.S. Citizen
As the U.S. citizen spouse, you play a key part in the process. You need to file a petition to prove your marriage is real.
Start by submitting Form I-130 to the government. You’ll also provide documents showing your relationship is genuine.
Your support helps your spouse move toward permanent residency and citizenship.
7) Applying for the K-1 Visa Abroad
Start by filing Form I-129F to bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. After approval, your fiancé(e) must complete a medical exam and attend a visa interview in their home country.
They’ll need to bring documents like the I-129F approval, passport, and DS-160 confirmation. Once approved, your fiancé(e) has six months to enter the U.S. and marry you.
For more details, see visas for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens.
8) Traveling to the U.S. on a K-1 Visa
When you travel to the U.S. on a K-1 visa, you need to marry your fiancé(e) within 90 days. The K-1 is a single-entry visa.
You can’t leave and re-enter without special permission. Stay in the U.S. and file for your green card after marriage to keep your status legal.
For more details, visit K-1 visa travel rules.
9) Limitations: No Extensions on K-1 Visa
You must get married within 90 days of entering the U.S. on a K-1 visa. There’s no way to extend or renew it.
If you don’t marry in time, you need to leave the country quickly. Overstaying can seriously mess up your future in the U.S.
10) Marrying in the United States
You can get married in the U.S. whether you’re a citizen, visitor, or from another country. Each state sets its own rules, but you usually need a marriage license from the local government.
Many states don’t require a waiting period, so you can often marry soon after applying. Check the laws where you plan to marry.
You don’t have to be a resident, but you’ll need proper ID and sometimes a witness.
Learn more about the legal steps for marriage in the U.S. here.
11) After Marriage: Adjusting Status to Green Card
Once you’re married, you can apply to adjust your status and get a green card if you’re in the U.S. This lets you become a lawful permanent resident without leaving.
You’ll submit forms and attend an interview to prove your marriage is real. The process usually takes several months to over a year.
12) Employment Authorization After Marriage
After marriage, you can apply for a work permit while waiting for your green card. File Form I-765 for work authorization.
It usually takes about five to seven months to get approved. Once you have your permit, you can work legally.
Check more about the timing and process for work permits after marriage here.
13) Common Reasons for K-1 Visa Denial
Your K-1 visa might get denied if your relationship looks fake or you don’t have enough proof. Not meeting your fiancé in person as required is a big issue.
If you don’t meet income rules or don’t plan to marry within 90 days, your visa could be rejected. Criminal records or missing medical info can also lead to denial.
See more details on common reasons for K-1 visa rejection.
14) Same-Sex Fiancé(e) Visa Eligibility
You and your fiancé(e) must both plan to marry within 90 days after they enter the U.S. on a K-1 visa. You need to be a U.S. citizen to sponsor your fiancé(e).
The visa lets your partner come to the U.S. even if same-sex marriage isn’t legal in their country. After marriage, your fiancé(e) can apply for a green card.
Learn more about the same-sex fiancé visa requirements.
15) Alternatives to K-1 Visa: Marrying Abroad
You can marry your partner outside the U.S. before you even start the marriage-based visa process. This route usually costs less than going through the K-1 visa.
Once you’re married abroad, you’d file a petition for an immigrant visa to bring your spouse over. The process sometimes drags on a bit longer, but you might end up saving on fees and paperwork headaches.
Curious about the details? Check out more on marrying abroad and visa options at What If I Get Married Overseas?.
