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 COVID-19 situation, before it became a pandemic, we encouraged couples and officiants to think about a small ceremony. No longer. You want to keep you and your beloved healthy – not to mention the rest of your friends and family.

Any group of more than ten people is discouraged. Even so, the reality is that we need to Flatten the Curve. That means staying home and avoiding all unnecessary outings. And, for events in the immediate future, postponing your wedding. Of course, this is upsetting. Especially when you’ve had your heart set on your special day for so long.

Moving Forward

Wedding venues are working with couples and rescheduling events. Town clerks are honoring marriage licenses that have passed their expiration date. The professional officiants on findaJP.com are brainstorming with couples to find the best alternative plan. We are all in this together.

For those who must go forward, one option is to meet with your JP at an outdoor location for a private ceremony. Couples who decide to proceed should follow the CDC’s guidelines on prevention, including maintaining the 6 foot rule and appropriate hygiene. You could even Facetime Live or video record the event.

Keep your wedding guests in-the-know with updates to your website, emails or personal phone calls. It may help to recognize that making alternative plans is an act of love. None of us wants to put our loved ones at risk. Naturally, that extends to others’ loved ones too. Remembering that the love between you and your fiancee is what your marriage is all about; this will help put things in perspective. And, don’t forget the love from the guests you’re thinking of, too. Love is what is important.

An added benefit of working with a professional marriage officiant is they have the expertise and resources to support you when things don’t go as planned. All of us at findaJP.com understand the heart-wrenching decisions couples are facing. And we are here to support you so we all come out on the other side, together.

Coronavirus Guidance from the Experts

We’ve compiled reliable information about COVID-19 from reputable sources to explain why all the fuss.

• The CDC’s guidance on prevention
• More CDC information, mitigating risk
• Dr. Assan Bitton’s explanation of what social distancing looks like
• The Washington Post provides an interactive model that simulates why social distancing is effective

Find your perfect JP at findaJP.com

Loretta Jay is the Managing Member of the Justice of the Peace Association. This is the membership organization for professional marriage officiants. All officiants’ profiles are searchable at findaJP.com, the place where Couples who Click can find their perfect JP.