All of the legislation that JPus has been following has wrapped up for the 2020 spring session. A summary of each follows. Amateur Officiants Massachusetts The Resolve for a commission study to evaluate the one-day solemnizer rule passed out of committee favorably at the end of February. But, then it got stuck and died in March. In order to plan for next year, we’ve spoken with Senator Cyr’s office and requested that the bill be resubmitted in January. More about our work to address one-day solemnizer problems. New Hampshire After the special marriage officiant bill died in the House, it […]
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Who Should be Your Officiant: A JP or Your Best Friend
Your wedding: imagine that magical moment when you say “I do” and your life changes forever. Who could be better than your best friend to join you in marriage? STOP. Are you sure about that? In recent years, some states have relaxed the rules for who can officiate a wedding, authorizing almost anyone to be “officiant for a day.” Fill out a one-page form, bring it to your town hall, give them a check, and voila! For one day, you’re official. From the government’s perspective, it’s an easy way to generate a little revenue. In Vermont, for $100 any adult can now […]
Membership
JP Ceremonies ~ Meaningful with History
For many, the term Justice of the Peace (or JP or JOP) has become a catchall phrase on discussion forums, social media and blogs referring to any civil marriage officiant. “Going to the JP” means to hie oneself (or selves) to town hall for a quickie marriage. This is a disservice to the many Justices of the Peace. Especially, members of the Justice of the Peace Association. They are professional marriage officiants who customize beautiful and personal ceremonies. Beyond that, these pros guide their couples in every aspect of the wedding service. Professionals All Around In addition, members of the […]
Governor Baker Signs Child Marriage Bill
It is official, and the Justice of the Peace Association is deeply honored to witness the momentous and long-overdue occasion. On September 9, 2022, Governor Charlie Baker ceremoniously signed the bill that ended child marriage in the state of Massachusetts. After the private bill signing, speeches and celebration followed on the interior steps of the State House. It was an exciting day recognizing all of the hard work that went into protecting the state’s children from the human rights abuse of child marriage. Photos JPus managing member Loretta Jay with Representative Kay Khan. Rep Khan and Senator Harriet Chandler led […]
JPs By State
About JPs by State: Connecticut JPs | Florida Notaries | Maine Notaries | Massachusetts JPs | New Hampshire JPs | Vermont JPs A Brief History of JPs Along with their meager possessions, the early English settlers brought to the new world a well-developed set of ideas about laws and justice. And though they sought freedom from an oppressive monarchy, they kept one of the king’s institutions: the Justice of the Peace. In the American colonies, every state had a Justice of the Peace system at one time or another, although specific duties varied from state to state, and still do. Since they […]
Registration Open – JPus Conference 2021
The Justice of the Peace Association is celebrating 20 years with our first virtual conference. This event will bring together keynote speakers, presentations and workshops in an informative and engaging format. We’re striving for a creative environment where civil officiants can re-imagine weddings, learn new skills, and nurture relationships with others through networking opportunities. Tickets Get your conference tickets here and take advantage of our early-bird pricing. This conference is for professional marriage officiants and Town Clerks. Early-bird registration is open until February 15th at 5:00 pm. At that time full-price registration and ticket sales will open until March 12, 2021 at […]
Zoom – Favorite Traditions
On June 16, 2021, members of the Justice of the Peace Association took advantage of the opportunity to talk with each other and exchange points of view. Discussion Included Some ceremonies that were discussed included the traditional ring ceremony. And candle and wine box ceremonies. Members related enjoying processes that engage the couple. Sand ceremonies were a fav, especially if children are involved since it gives them a way to be included. How much time officiants spend creating a ceremony. (JPus polled members on Facebook in 2019 and 69% spent three or more hours for a simple, in-town wedding.) Incorporating extra […]
Win-Win Solutions on 1-Day Rule
Today the Justice of the Peace Association presented to Governor Charlie Baker’s office a white paper outlining win-win solutions to the problems associated with Massachusetts’ One-Day Solemnizer rule. Read the white paper here.
Member Testimonials
See what our members say about the JP Association … and then Join! Connecticut | Florida | Maine | Massachusetts | New Hampshire | Vermont
MA Networking to be rescheduled
Unfortunately we have had to reschedule the networking event that was scheduled to take place in Waltham, Massachusetts. Stay tuned for new day and time. Our Connecticut networking event is still on for December 19th in Newington.
Conference 2021 – Sponsors & Exhibitors
Highlight your products and services with civil marriage officiants before, during and after the JPus 2021 virtual conference. The Justice of the Peace Association is celebrating 20 years with a virtual conference. This event will bring together professional marriage officiants and town and city clerks who are eager to learn more about their profession and hone their skills. In addition to Sponsoring, which gets your brand in front of our attendees, we will host opportunities for Exhibitors to connect with attendees in interactive booths. This is a unique opportunity to get in front of a very specific target audience. Join […]
New Hampshire Networking 2019
Make new connections and nurture opportunities! Mix and Mingle with your fellow JPs and other stakeholders. New Location: We hope to see you in Manchester, New Hampshire for our Networking Event! Wednesday September 11, 2019 5:30-7:30 pm at the Portland Pie Company, Manchester. Getting together with our colleagues creates new opportunities and connections – and it’s fun! JPs, town clerks and other stakeholders are all invited to attend. This will be a terrific opportunity to meet and connect with our fellow officiants, municipal and state leaders on a social level. Let’s build upon our shared interests and find new ones. Getting to know some […]