If they hate the city, why not get married in Hoboken, or Jersey City? That was my compromise. When I wanted to get married in Manhattan my mom wouldn’t even give me addresses of my family to invite, and told me that they’d be the only ones there and that they would have to sit up all night in the train station to come. I’ve been whining about her a lot on here. She is actually lovely, but this has been a real challenge.
I’m getting married in Jersey City now, far from Manhattan, no, but far enough that it doesn’t upset my mom and close enough to be able to get there via public transportation.
If I recall correctly, the OP is getting married at City Hall in Manhattan. NY only has a 24 hour waiting period--NJ's is 72 hours. They want to get married as quickly as possible after entering the country so they can get the visa ball rolling. Also, the actual ceremony at NY City Hall is really easy and you get your marriage certificate immediately. Although, I think that all of the boroughs have facilities for civil ceremonies. What about Staten Island? Less romantic than Manhattan, sure, but much more accessible by car for your parents and same rules as Manhattan, I believe.
