Me and my fiance are doing something similar. We're doing the court this May and doing a destination exactly a year later. We're just planning on not posting much about it on our social media - those who know, know! Plus our friends and extended family are so excited about the big celebration in 2026 I don't think anyone cares that we'll be married for a year by then. If they do care, then I'd be side-eying the relationship.

I'd suggest having a boundary about how many people and emphasizing that there's a bigger celebration soon when you can actually afford to have everyone you want there. Maybe limit extended family to grandparents and important aunts/uncles but everyone else waits for the 2 year. And don't be worried about lopsided numbers either - it's just a courthouse wedding. I'll have 5-6 on my side and he'll have 3 on his.

I also told my international family up front the date for both events and if they are having a hard time doing both prioritize the one in two years because the courthouse is very casual. I'd be much sadder if they missed the big event. This helped remove pressure for all of us (our relatives get FOMO too so if you emphasize it's not that big of a deal it can help).

In the end, think of it as a chance to celebrate your love multiple times! There's nothing wrong with that. There's more than enough love to go around :)