Military- Courthouse now, Wedding later??

I know several people who did a courthouse wedding days before deployment and then had a church wedding or at least a huge reception after the deployed person got back. I also know non-military people who were married for months before the wedding. (Haven't known of years though-at that point you may just want to call it a vow-renewal) While most people are supportive you may find that you will have friends/relatives who think you are just doing the big shindig for the gifts or for the "bride experience". Good luck and best wishes with whatever you decide.