1. Can I write my own Vows?
Yes, I encourage you to write your own vows. By writing your own vows it brings out your personalities and has special meaning for the both of you.
2. Can I get Married outside in a Garden or by the Ocean?
Yes, vows that reflect the beauty of the wedding setting, mountains, beaches, forests, gardens or at sea are absolutely beautiful. Every wedding should be special and unique.
3. Should I have a rehearsal?
It is your choice if you require a rehearsal. By having a rehearsal it gives the couple, wedding party, and family members a chance to go over their wedding day. Everyone should be aware of his or her part in the Wedding Ceremony. If you are having a small, informal ceremony a rehearsal is not usually necessary. A rehearsal, however, is recommended for larger and more formal ceremonies.
4. Do I need a Justice of the Peace at the rehearsal?
Yes and No. If a rehearsal is required, then it is a good idea to have everyone there. You will need someone familiar with how weddings are set up and to help guide you with the process. This person can be anyone from a wedding planner, J.P., Minister, Coordinator, etc.
5. Do you perform same sex marriages?
As far as I am concerned, any one who loves each other deeply and is commited to one another. I would be honored to marry you.
6. What kind of clothing do you wear?
I wear a black robe with a suit underneath. If requested by the couple I will wear just a suit and no robe.
7. Should we meet prior to the wedding?
It is not necessary to meet. But I prefer to meet the couple I am marrying. Usually we meet at my house at a convenient time for everyone. I like to get to know the couples I am marrying. The meeting usually lasts about 1/2 hour. This meeting will set the tone for the ceremony. All elements of the service will be reviewed and approved by the couple. Date and times will be reserved for the ceremony and rehearsal if one is to be required.
8. Do you perform Commitment Ceremonies or Renewal of Vows Ceremonies?
Absolutely, I think these ceremonies are just as important and beautiful as wedding ceremonies.
9. How Can I get a copy of the marriage license after the ceremony?
After the ceremony, I will complete the section of the license for the Officiant and return it to the City or Town Hall that issued it, I usually mail it out within 1-2 days. Once city or town hall receives your license in the mail they record your marriage. After they record your marriage, you will be able to get a certified copy from them for a small fee.
10 How long does the ceremony usually take?
This will vary according to what a couple wishes to include in their ceremony. The typical ceremony however, will be 10 to 20 minutes
11. My fiance is in the military and cannot apply for a license in person. How can
we get a license?
When one party is in the military and cannot apply in person to file intentions, the other party may file intentions as long as he/she can provide proof that the other party is on active duty in the military.
12. I forgot the marriage license. Can we still get married?
Sorry, but no. Massachusetts law prohibits me from legally marrying you without a license in hand.
13. How do we reserve our wedding date with you?
First, contact me via email or phone to see if your date and time is available. Once you decide to use my services, I will require a $25. (non-refundable) deposit to hold your day in my calendar
14. Why are the deposits non-refundable?
I am reserving this date and time for you. Other services on this date may have been turned down, due to your reservation. This fee is deducted from the total cost so only the remainder is due on or before the day of the event.
15. What will happen at our meeting if we DO choose to meet?
We start out with a casual conversation. Lasting around 20- 30 minutes and gives you an opportunity to ask me any questions you might have. The meeting generally takes place in my home on weekdays or weekends. I also supply you with handouts for information on your wedding day that you can take home and view at your leisure.
16. What time will you arrive at our ceremony?
I usually arrive anywhere from 30-60 mins. prior to the wedding, for rehearsals about 30 mins. prior to the start.
17. What if you are unavailable for our wedding date and time?
I have 4 other Justices of the Peace to whom I can refer. These Officiants are very professional.
18. Do you stay for the rehearsal dinner and/or reception?
Please do not feel that you have to ask me to attend your rehearsal dinner or reception! It is not expected. Allowing me to be a part of your ceremony is a honor and I truly appreciate you thinking of me! And most of the time I have to leave to attend another wedding ceremony and or rehearsal!
19. Can I have a friend, relative or Justice of the Peace from out of town perform
my wedding?
Yes, they need to apply for a 1 day license. They can log onto the web address below for further details
20. For a friend or relative one day license click here:
21. How to become a Justice of the Peace
