Getting legally married before all the celebrations take place has become a common choice for couples everywhere. 

If you’re not sure whether this is the right decision for you and your partner, here are four reasons to consider getting the legalities out of the way.

1. Your Wedding Plans Changed

Whether you had to postpone your wedding due to illness, finances, or because there was some other sort of mix-up, why not head to City Hall and tie the knot anyway? You can still invite your closest friends or your parents, get dressed up and make it official! Or you can get dressed up and tie the knot legally in secret.

2. You’re Feeling Anxious

If you’re not great at public speaking and being the center of attention already makes you nervous, you probably don’t love the idea of repeating your official vows in front of everyone. Chances are, you’re not going to mess anything up, but if the thought of it is causing you stress, you may want to do all the legal stuff before your big day. 

3. You’ve Decided on a Destination Wedding

If you and your partner have decided on a destination wedding, you’re going to need to apply for your marriage license in your hometown anyway, so you might as well get legally married before your actual wedding day. If you’re getting hitched in another state, don’t forget to check any requirements. 

4. You Want to Focus on Your Personal Vows

If you’re all about the romance and have spent months writing your vows, why not get all the unromantic verbiage and paperwork out of the way? Plus, this way, you can completely focus on your vows and the love of the people around you. 

And if you’re planning a surprise wedding, getting legally married beforehand is almost always a great idea because then all you need to do is focus on the celebrations. 

Don’t forget to have your photographer there if you do decide to head down to City Hall – this is still a moment you will want to cherish forever!