Non-Traditional

Get Married on a Hiking Trail

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Adventurous couples are breaking away from traditional wedding venues and opting for unique locations to exchange their vows. For instance, one outdoorsy trend that has captured the hearts of nature enthusiasts is getting married on a hiking trail. Combining the joy of hiking with the celebration of love, a ceremony on a scenic trail promises an unforgettable experience. Favorite Spot Choosing a hiking trail as your wedding venue allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Imagine saying your vows against a backdrop of majestic mountains, lush forests, or cascading waterfalls. Indeed, the natural serenity creates an intimate […]

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African American Wedding Rituals

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Some marriage rituals and traditions are based on African American heritage. In the United States, the devastation of slavery oftentimes denied legally sanctioned marriages. Consequently, Black people performed ceremonies to recognize and celebrate their unions. African American wedding rituals have been passed down through generations. The customs, rich with history, tradition, and cultural significance, are a meaningful way to honor one’s history Jumping the Broom One of the most well-known African American wedding traditions is jumping the broom. This custom dates back to the time of slavery when enslaved people were not allowed to marry legally. Consequently, they would jump […]

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Updated Wedding Vows

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Modern wedding vows

Wedding vows today are so much more than the patriarchal declaration of days (not so) long ago. When getting married, your officiant only needs an affirmation of your intention for you to marry one another. Finding the right words and tone for your wedding vows is a personal journey. Yo, Adrian! Marry me? Yes, Rocky. Done. To Have and to Hold On a technical level, to have and to hold means to possess legally, or to have permanent possession of something. The expression also suggests offering oneself to the other physically and intimately. Depending on how the rest of the […]

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Gender Neutral & Affirming Wedding Terms

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Gender inclusive wedding terms

That feeling when both you and your guests feel included at your wedding ceremony? Priceless! Be proactive to ensure this is a reality. Using gender neutral and affirming wedding terms is one step to achieve your goal. Think about the words that you are using and if they carry additional (unwanted or unnecessary) significance. For instance, to do this focus on the relationship, rather than the gender. Words matter Your engagement is a special time of your relationship. As your wedding day approaches, the excitement builds. Naturally, you want to enjoy the process. Especially as you begin a new life […]

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Be You – Tradition be gone!

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Your wedding ceremony is all about you and your partner. Making sure it reflects your vision is the most important.  It is your wedding, after all. So the rules are — There are no rules! Focus on what makes you happy. And then do it. Money Doing it your way may mean forgoing the financial benefit of someone else footing the bill. But, what if that generous contribution also means that you are stressed out and the day is not what you’ve envisioned? Or, even worse, it feels inauthentic. Well, it may be time to rethink the arrangement. “The Walk” […]

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Unique Ceremony Spaces

Posted on | Author Cynthia Dumont

Everything about your special day should reflect you as a couple, including the venue. Last month’s blog discussed backyard weddings. If that wasn’t for you we’ve got alternatives! How about this? Think about your passions or a place that represents your love story. Did you meet at a bowling alley? Do you share a love of boating? Is your passion looking up at the stars and dreaming? Well, the sky’s the limit when it comes to places to tie the knot. Pick one that’s uniquely you. And search findajp.com to select a JP who shares that enthusiasm too! Here are a few examples […]

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#Elopements! They’re Trending

Posted on | Author Cynthia Dumont

Findajp.com blog on elopement

Anecdotally speaking, wedding professionals say more and more people are eloping. They would know, because boutique companies offering elopement packages are popping up like tulips in the spring. Why the escalation in elopements? Let’s break it down. Cost Do the math. It’s estimated that a traditional wedding costs $20,000 to $35,000. When you consider that more 30-year-old couples are marrying for the first time, and their average incomes range from $30,000 to $40,000 a year, it’s hard to justify spending nearly a year’s salary for just one day! Instead, couples are choosing to save that money for a house or […]

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Planning a Service for those who Serve

Posted on | Author Cynthia Dumont

Military wedding with couple under arch of swords

Updated November 7, 2022 During this month when we commemorate Veteran’s Day, I thought I’d look at the ways we can bring military customs into the wedding ceremonies of men and women who serve our country. If you are an active service member planning a wedding, or if you know someone who is, consider these time-honored rituals for a unique and inspiring wedding. Ceremony Space Active military are allowed to have their ceremony performed in the chapel on the base where they are stationed. In that case, the chaplain will officiate the ceremony. But a military chapel is not required […]

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Animal Attendants in Your Ceremony

Posted on | Author Cynthia Dumont

Doves at your wedding ceremony

The animals in fairy tales steal our hearts: Cinderella’s songbirds, Bambi’s butterflies and the Darling children’s Nana in Peter Pan. But how about incorporating these icons into your own real-life fairy tale? If you want to bring animals like these into your wedding ceremony, you can certainly do it. But to make sure you get the happy ending you dream of, here are a few important things you should know. Doves Releasing a dove is a symbol of hope. During your ceremony, you could release just two doves to symbolize your union and future together, or a flock to represent […]

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Your Marriage Vows — Real Or Fairytale?

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

You want your wedding day to be a dream come true. But should it also be a fairy tale? When you write your marriage vows or talk to your Justice of the Peace about what s/he will say at your ceremony, are there stars in your eyes or are you taking an honest look at your future together? How realistic should your marriage vows be? You know that half of all marriages end in divorce but you don’t expect yours to be one of them. Still, would it make sense to say “I do promise to do my utmost to love you, for […]

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Make Your Wedding Ceremony Your Own — the Modern Way!

Posted on | Author Dianne Daniels

If you are determined to break with convention by designing your own wedding, you are not alone.  These days, Justices of the Peace are being asked to officiate at more creative and non-traditional wedding ceremonies. This trend is seen in the chosen attire, the wording of the ceremony, the style of music, and even in the way a couple travels down the aisle. Modern weddings often reflect a couple’s lifestyle and personality. Wedding attire, for example. I’ll never forget the couple who dressed quite casually —  in jeans, while the groomsmen wore vests and the bridesmaids wore cowboy boots. The bride placed no requirements […]

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