Is This Marriage Chess Game Legal?: Buddhist Ceremony Then Fiancée Visa To Marry In Usa

[MeeFun]

Ok, this is how my fiancée (and her parents) want to do it: Have the Buddhist marriage ceremony with a big party in the village, but NOT register with the Amphur Mueang. Then she applies for a fiancée visa and we officially marry in the USA. Is it legal to do it this way? I've heard that the US does not recognize the Buddhist ceremony as a legal marriage, only after official registration with the Amphur, true? If immigration found out about the ceremony, would it screw up the fiancée visa? Are there any other risks or problems with this type of marriage chess game? Any input would be greatly appreciated...

[the scouser]

A buddhist ceremony is not recognised in Thai law, so is unlikely to be recognised in US law, too. Consequently, you will be unmarried and the fiancée visa would be the correct option.

Scouse.

[MeeFun]

A buddhist ceremony is not recognised in Thai law, so is unlikely to be recognised in US law, too. Consequently, you will be unmarried and the fiancée visa would be the correct option.

Scouse.

Thanks Scouse, you 'da man!