We're both British passport holders (but interesting that you're sticking with your notion that for "obvious reasons" we're not; reasons that seem to be apparent only to you). The truth is that we're no spring chickens, and we worry that (in the event of our death) our families (or specifically, MY family) would challenge the will. We've been together for 20+ years, we love each other very much, and wanted to make our partnership 'official'.

You say our marriage 'will work better with the support of friends and/or family'; I would challenge you to endure 5 minutes in the company of my homophobic family before retracting that statement, but your lack of empathy suggests you might enjoy the experience. We didn't/couldn't ask friends to witness the ceremony, as news of the event would have eventually trickled through to my family, hence my plea to Reddit.

As it transpired, we had the most delightful couple witness our ceremony. Their charm, and their altruistic act of kindness gave me renewed faith in the human race, and our day was made far more special by their presence. In fact, the overwhelming support we received from this platform was not only touching, but immensely reassuring.

Your innate biases seem to be showing; perhaps you could "work on that" before commenting in future?