1) Why you? What makes you different from any other JP or officiant? *I am honored to be a JP and have the privilege of uniting couples in marriage. I have fresh ideas, good energy, and a commitment to making sure your ceremony suits you perfectly and that you feel comfortable and supported along the way.
*My background in public speaking and creative writing lend themselves very well to a never-dull and always well-delivered ceremony. My ceremonies are like listening to a friend, not a politician :)
*I will compose your unique story to incorporate into your wedding -- a key element in truly personalizing your ceremony (*custom package option). Your wedding ceremony should be as unique as you are!
*I am committed to being easily accessible to my clients. I am most easily reached by email. In busy seasons, wait times may be longer, but I won't ever leave you hanging.
*I am a member of the MA Justice of the Peace Association and know multiple JPs that may be able to stand in as a “back up” in the unlikely event of an emergency that would prevent me from attending your ceremony.
2) We just want to "make it legal" and aren't looking for a formal ceremony. Can you accommodate us? Absolutely! Justices are often called to perform civil ceremonies for couples who are not planning a formal wedding but want something more personal than going to City Hall. These ceremonies are often performed on relatively short notice, but not always. Couples looking for a quick, non-custom civil service can be married in a location of their choice with only me or with a handful of friends/family present. Couples may come to my country home in Grafton if that is convenient -- we have an amazing sunset view from our front porch! Rates for a simple elopement are $100 at my home in Grafton, $115+ elsewhere (depending on location and customization).
3) When should I meet with you and book my ceremony? It is not uncommon for popular wedding dates to book over a year in advance, particularly holiday weekends or special calendar dates.
Due to the nature of my other job as an ASL interpreter, formal events from June through September are not booked until February of the same year, which is when my summer availability becomes clear. Couples are welcome to contact me if they would like to be "penciled in" for a particular date, but with the knowledge that there is no guarantee I will be available and I cannot confirm for sure until February. In cases where I am not available, I offer ceremony writing services.
4) Where can I have my wedding or elopement ceremony? How far do you travel? *The options are endless! In addition to formal wedding venues, parks, private homes, rustic woodsy locations, the beach, grassy commons, a rolling green hillside, a gazebo, lake, and gardens are beautiful options. Get married in a boat in the middle of a lake or on a gondola in Boston...the choice is yours. *In terms of travel distance, I travel throughout most of central MA, metro west, and Boston. Generally, I prefer to stay within 1 hour of Grafton. I do not travel to the North Shore, South Shore, Western Mass, or the Cape. I occasionally service Rhode Island, depending on location.
5) We can elope at your house? Can our photographer come? And can we bring guests? *Yes, yes, and yes! Elopements are held outdoors on my covered farmer's porch, which boasts a beautiful country view. I live in a private, wooded area at the top of a hill. I can't guarantee you won't hear a horse neigh or a goat whinny, but I can guarantee a secluded, country backdrop to your elopement. *Guests are welcome in a limited number due to limited space for cars. *Photographers are welcome to take photos during the ceremony as well as a few shots afterwards on/near the porch. The rest of my property is not available for pictures. Family wedding portraits should be taken at an alternative location -- there are a few free spaces within a few minutes drive (the Grafton Common and gazebo, various conservation land/hiking trail heads, etc.). 6) Are you LGBTQIA friendly? 110% and with joy. I am honored to serve the Commonwealth in a way that unites anyone who wishes to be married.
7) Can we involve family members or friends? Certainly, spread the love! Special people in your lives are welcome to recite readings during the ceremony. We can involve your family and friends in other ways too, such as in a remembrance ceremony in honor of a departed loved one or their participation in a symbolic gesture or ritual.
8) There are special children in our lives, can they be involved in the ceremony? A million times Yes! The involvement of children can only make a ceremony more special. I would be happy to describe to you numerous ways to involve children of varied ages. As a mother of two, seeing kids involved in a wedding is awesome!
9) Can we write our own vows, or even our whole ceremony? Yes! I encourage couples to exchange words during their ceremony, but am sensitive to the fact that emotional public speaking is not for everyone! Want to write your own vows, but need some guidance? I'm there for you...don't panic :) If a couple would prefer to write their entire ceremony, I will recite their words exactly as they are provided.
10) Whoa...your prices are higher than some other JPs. Why are you more expensive? As required by our statutes, I offer a standard (but beautiful, so it's anything but "standard"!) wedding ceremony that is $100 within my hometown of Grafton/$150 outside of Grafton. As with any wedding vendor (or any professional), additional costs reflect my level of experience, expertise, professionalism, and the outstanding personal quality of the customized ceremonies I write. In comparison to most other wedding vendors, my prices are often the least expensive a couple will encounter in budgeting for their big day. My prices continue to be significantly lower than wedding Celebrants, who offer a comparable personalized service.
11) Do you tip a Justice of the Peace? Are JPs salaried State employees? Couples sometimes ponder this question and, naturally, it can be awkward to ask. Ah, the internet is great for these kinds of moments, right? JPs are appointed by the Governor's Council but are not paid or technically employed by the Commonwealth. Income comes solely from the regulated fees we charge for weddings. Like with any wedding vendor, if you feel your JP has served you well, then you should feel comfortable tipping. Tips are never required or expected, but are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Tips in the form of donations to a favorite charity are always appreciated as well. I believe greatly in the power of charitable giving.
12) Okay, let's talk about what's really important here....what will you wear to our ceremony? :) I have dresses and suits to match weddings ranging from casual to black tie. I will wear a dress (usually black or a solid color), or suit. If you have a particular color or style in mind, I can probably make it happen.
13)Do we have to have a rehearsal? And do you have to be there? Do only what makes you feel comfortable and prepared for your wedding. I am happy to attend your rehearsal, pending my availability, if you choose to have one.
14) Should we invite you to our reception or rehearsal dinner? While I am flattered, I politely decline in advance. I prefer that couples use money that would have been spent on my guest seat at their reception and instead make a charitable donation or go out to a special dinner. But I would love a picture with the couple after the ceremony!
15) How do I apply for a marriage license? According to Massachusetts law, you must jointly file intentions to marry with the City/Town Clerk in any community in the state. You do not have to file in your city/town of residence. Note that cities/towns have different fees for this service. There is a mandatory 3-day waiting period, though that can be waived with a court waiver. A marriage license, once obtained, is valid for 60 days from the date intentions are filed and may be used in any city or town in the Commonwealth. Keep in mind, NO officiant in Massachusetts can solemnize your wedding without a proper marriage license. It is your responsibility to apply for and obtain your marriage license in a timely manner. See Links for more information.
16) Do we need to get a blood test? No, a blood test is no longer required in Massachusetts.
17) We want to elope, but do we need witnesses? No, Massachusetts law does not require witnesses at a wedding ceremony. Your officiant is the only witness you need.