The Hartford Courant published JPus Managing Member Loretta Jay’s letter to the editor, espousing the professionalism of JPs. Hartford Magazine’s article stressed the importance of officiants to wedding ceremonies, without mentioning the problems when amateurs are involved.
Friends, family members acting as wedding officiants can cause problems
To the Editor:
Nice to see that the Hartford Magazine’s story, Who Will Officiate? The Third Voice at a Wedding Ceremony (Monday, December 23, 2019) recognized that officiants can make or break a ceremony. In addition to bringing flexibility to the service, as the story conveyed, Justices of the Peace (JPs) also bring much needed professionalism.
Practiced JPs work with couples to make their wedding vision come true. Weaving their love story into a memorable ceremony is just the beginning. While a civil rite, JPs can incorporate religious traditions, handfasting, sand ceremonies and more. And, they can accommodate all sizes and venues, from a city hall marriage to large destination weddings. JPs hone their skills to exceed each couple’s expectations.
Notably, the story didn’t address the many pitfalls that may befall a couple when they go with a friend or family member to lead the ceremony. Lay officiants’ blunders can be significant, even resulting in invalid marriages. A pro knows how to manage the unexpected, like if Uncle Al has a bit too much to drink, or the ex-girlfriend makes an unwelcome appearance. And, even more importantly, JPs can be relied upon to correctly process the required paperwork – making the union legal. After all, isn’t that why people tie the knot? Justices of the Peace provide that assurance, and more.
Loretta Jay
Managing Member, Justice of the Peace Association
Related Links
★ Are you looking for a professional wedding officiant? See our amazing JPs at findaJP.com.
★ Are you a wedding officiant? See the benefits of a JPus membership.
★ Read the original article that was published in Hartford Magazine.
★ See JPus’ letter to the editor as published in the Hartford Courant on December 23, 2019.