In the early spring of 2025, the Justice of the Peace Association launched a survey to quantify what some members reported: many same-sex couples rushed to marry after Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election. Following are the findings of our survey.
Increase in Same-Sex Weddings
- 31% of officiants reported an increase in the number of inquiries or bookings for LGBTQ+ weddings
- 61% reported no noticeable change in the number of weddings
- 56% of respondents said that same-sex couples reported the political or social climate influenced their decision to marry.
- Since the election, only 14% of officiants changed the way they officiate or promote same-sex weddings
It makes sense that all marriage officiants didn’t observe this trend. One of the wonderful things about findaJP.com is the ability for couples to search different officiants, read their profiles, see testimonials and photos, and determine who is the perfect person to lead their ceremony. So naturally there are some officiants who are more sympatico with gay and lesbian couples, and they will get more of those contacts. Likewise, some couples are more apt to establish an affinity with their officiant, and consequently may share their anxieties. Other officiants do a quick, down-and-dirty ceremony and may not create an opportunity to build a trusting connection. Therefore, they are less likely to hear about couples’ worries.
About the Survey-Takers
- Understandably, 80% of the officiants who took the survey are JPs or notaries public (in Maine, Florida or South Carolina) since JPus is an organization for civil officiants. In addition, 42% are ordained on-line to perform marriages and 4% are religious officiants with a congregation. Note: Survey respondents were permitted to check more than one category, so the total is greater than 100%.
- The respondents are an experienced bunch! Most (78%) of the officiants have been performing marriage ceremonies for more than 10 years. Another 17% for six – 10 years. Only five percent have been doing weddings for one to five years, and none for less than one year.
- Almost all (86%) of the officiants are from the northeast. The remaining 14% are from the midwest and east coast.
Related Links
- Using inclusive terminology in your ceremony
- JPus is an ally and advocate to protect marriage equality
- See the details of how JPus sought to change Connecticut’s terminology on its marriage licenses.
- Make sure your JP Profile lets couples know that LBGTQ couples are welcome