Justice of the Peace Services
Congratulations!
I would be delighted to guide you through the legal process of getting married, help you develop a ceremony that reflects who you are as a couple, guide your "JP for a Day", and/or perform your wedding ceremony.
"JP for a Day": In Massachusetts, a special friend or relative can apply to be appointed "Justice of the Peace for a Day," with the legal authority to marry you. If you are interested in this option, the application should be submitted at least six weeks before your wedding date. The cost is $25. Contact the Governor's Office for more information, and an application form.
Legal Process: Both of you must go to a town clerk's office in Massachusetts, and submit an application for a Marriage License. Different towns have different requirements, so you should call the clerk's office to check on fees, hours, and documentation needed. You must wait three days (or obtain a court waiver) after applying before picking up your Marriage License, which is valid for 60 days. Your wedding can be held in any town in Massachusetts.
Your marriage must be solemnized by a JP or other appropriate officiant, who will sign the license, and return it to the issuing clerk's office. The clerk will register the marriage, and for a fee, you can receive a certified copy of your Certificate of Marriage. If one or both of you are changing your last name through the marriage process, you will need certified copies of your Certificate of Marriage to send to government agencies, which should be updated on your new name(s).
Ceremony Options: You can have any type of ceremony you would like - from the minimal legally required with only the two of you and your officiant present to an elaborate ceremony with hundreds of guests, or anything in between. It's really up to you.
Fees: A. The Ceremony Fee has been set by statute:
1. Ceremony in Brookline (my hometown) - $100
2. Ceremony in any other Massachusetts town - $150
There is no charge for the initial discussion about what kind of ceremony you want, where you want to get married, when you want to get married, and whether I am available to officiate your ceremony. For those who want a minimal ceremony, the ceremony fee is the total fee. To hold your wedding date on my calendar, I require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the ceremony fee. The balance is due before the ceremony on your wedding date.
B. Pre-ceremony fees will be charged at an hourly rate of $90 per hour.
This includes time to guide you through the development of your own personalized ceremony, coordinate participants, rehearsal, and travel. It also includes time to guide your "JP for a Day", if that would be helpful.
Questions: Please contact me if you have any questions or want to check my availability.