A common confusion when getting married is the distinction between the ceremony and the legal act of marrying. When we think of weddings, we tend to think of the legal and the ceremonial as being intertwined and integral to each other. While this is typically the case, it doesn’t have to be. Just the Paperwork Each state has very specific laws about who may officiate a marriage. There are also other technical details associated with the marriage license process. Similarly, each state determines what the officiant and couple need to say – or more accurately, what they don’t need to […]

Outdoor Winter Weddings
Weddings don’t have to wait, even during the pandemic. They just need a little extra planning, especially because social distancing guidelines are ever changing. To be safe, the best bet is to have your wedding ceremony outdoors. Yes, even during the winter months! To be successful, the trick is to think through potential contingencies. Dress for the Day There are no rules about wedding attire. Sure, formal-styled sleeveless dresses were in vogue, but this is 2020-2021. Let’s be practical. Select an outfit that goes with your theme and location. Wear long sleeves If you do go the formal wedding gown […]
I Do. Again and Again!
Are you a bride or groom having to choose whether to move forward with your wedding plans? Have you had to postpone and reconfigure? If your answer is Yes, you’re not alone. Two Ceremonies Pandemic or not, couples have been celebrating their love and commitment more than once for a long time! In 1983, I got married in California. That is where I lived at the time. However, most of my family and friends were in New York. Want to know what we did? We married twice! Two ceremonies, one on each coast. Double the fun, double the gifts, double […]
Spontaneous Weddings
I absolutely love being spontaneous! And, an added bonus, it takes the edge off of planning for months and months for an extravagant wedding. As a Justice of the Peace I have been asked to officiate many small, intimate ceremonies, especially during COVID. Many couples need to switch gears and do not want to wait. Frequently, it is a last minute decision. They prefer to keep their original date, and have the ceremony at an uncrowded, open space location. The trick is to be flexible. You are with your love, so just make sure it’s a legal ceremony (don’t forget […]
Sound Systems
Can you hear us now? Without doubt, the way we interact with people has changed in recent months. What hasn’t changed for many people, though, is the desire to get married and share their special day with family and friends. Therefore, it is more important than ever that you don’t overlook the importance of being heard. As a former radio and TV broadcaster, I have always felt this is an essential part of every wedding ceremony. I recommend that you add “check on audio equipment” to your wedding to-do list. Then, make a plan well before your big day. Projecting […]
How To Live Stream Your Wedding
You have dreamed of this beautiful and romantic time your entire life. Regrettably, the pandemic has changed your plans. Rules that limit the size of gatherings are currently in effect. Even when they are lifted, your vulnerable loved ones still may not be able to attend ceremony. In reality, couples have always had to limit the number of guests they invite to their wedding. In the past, guest lists were limited by the couple’s budget and the venue’s capacity. The good news is technology now enables you to invite everyone that you care about. Now more than ever, people have virtual guests […]
Six Degrees of Separation
2020 Spring & Summer Weddings Even with these challenging times, your wedding can still be intimate and memorable. With beautiful green lawns, and flowers exploding with color, spring and summer offer a wonderful wedding backdrop. Things to keep in mind… With many businesses and town halls closed to the public, be sure to check out our tips on navigating marriages during the pandemic. This will help expedite the process. Location, Location, Location If you’re thinking about a spring or summer wedding, one of the best venues can be your own home. It’s easy to control social distancing and other safety necessities. In […]
The Value of a JP
More than the Pronouncement In the beginning, “Yes, I will marry you!” Then the fun and a lot of fretting began! You are now planning the wedding of your dreams and everything costs A LOT! Your rings have been chosen with loving care. You are on the hunt for the perfect venue. The most fabulous wedding dress and/or special outfit has got to be found. At any cost! The flowers…oh the flowers! DJ? Band? Or both? You must have the Venetian dessert table – nothing less will do! You are ready to spare no expense for your perfect day. That […]
Love is Stronger than COVID-19
Marriages are About Love COVID-19 is proving that marriages really are all about love. Delaying the big shindig, couples are working with their justices of the peace and getting creative, marrying despite, and oftentimes, because of, the uncertain times. Mariel Mingola and Ryan Rowell found their Justice of the Peace, Angie Scraders, on findaJP.com. The couple had plans for a ceremony and reception, but now, because of the coronavirus, it will be just them. And soon. They didn’t want to wait. JP Angie found an out-of-the-way, scenic spot at a local park for an intimate ceremony. Mariel and Ryan postponed […]
Love Prevails: Getting Married in the Age of the Coronavirus
Social Distancing None of us has experienced what our country, and the world, are facing right now. Fear and anxiety are natural emotions. Add a wedding plan into the mix, and it is understandable if emotions are high. Many couples are postponing their mega-celebration or opting for an intimate ceremony outdoors. For others, the venues have taken the initiative and closed shop, taking the decision-making out of the couples’ hands. For all, these are trying times, when thoughts about the common good must prevail over our personal desires. Safety First First and foremost is safety. At the beginning of the […]
We’re Getting Married. Surprise!
I love surprises, don’t you? As a Justice of the Peace, I’m constantly surprised by some of the unique locations couple choose, unusual requests, last minute elopements. Recently, I’ve had more than a few true, surprise weddings. I was asked to officiate a surprise wedding last fall where the couple was throwing an engagement party for their family and friends. Instead, surprise, it was really their wedding in disguise. I was asked to pretend to be the aunt of a friend of theirs so the Mother of the Groom wouldn’t get suspicious! The couple had just returned from a cross-country […]
Blending Blended Families
Modern families call for modern ceremonies. Often times one or both partners have children from previous relationships. Every couple is unique and every ceremony should be written to accommodate their special circumstances. Do: Consider the children’s ages; Have fun and make it a family affair. Don’t: Make kids do something they are not comfortable with; Discount their feelings toward the other birth parent; Worry if plans don’t go as planned because young children will not cooperate; Be afraid to think outside the box and make your wedding your own. Here are a few examples of ways that have proven to […]
What Wedding Size is Right for You?
Big venue or microwedding? Or, something in-between? Recognizing the pros and cons of different size weddings helps couples decide how they should proceed with their ceremony plan. It’s a balance. Many couples today want to move forward with their lives as a married couple as soon as possible. However, they also wish to have a wedding where they can celebrate their marriage with their loved ones. As a couple, they need to figure out what wedding size is best for them. Medium and Large Weddings Having a medium or large wedding creates opportunities for families to come together to strengthen […]