Search Results for "MA-Massachusetts/town/capecod/Orleans"

Vermont Membership Rates

Find the right fit for your listing on findaJP.com. This guide will help! We’ll help you choose from one town, one region, or multiple regions. Even the entire state of Vermont! Use the guide below or mix and match towns and regions according to how much exposure you want on findaJP.com. The higher-level plans include more towns, photos, and testimonials. When purchasing a Vermont membership at JPus.org, please use coupon code VERMONT to receive a 50% discount at checkout. Prices below reflect reduced rate. Please note, the number of towns listed by name in each state are limited. For this […]

About Connecticut JPs

Looking for a Connecticut wedding officiant? Visit findaJP.com to learn more about CT wedding laws and to search for a Connecticut Justice of the Peace. Are you a Connecticut JP? Learn more about the benefits of a JPus membership. The Connecticut Justice of the Peace Manual How to become a Justice of the Peace in Connecticut Connecticut JPs are authorized to perform the following functions: Marriages When a secular ceremony is desired, a JP is frequently called upon to be the officiant. The rules for obtaining and filing marriage licenses are: The marriage license must be obtained in the town […]

Oppose Temporary Marriage Officiant in NH

Your Voice Counts! HOW TO SUBMIT TESTIMONY The New Hampshire legislature held public hearings about HB295-FN-A, an Act establishing a special marriage officiant license. JPus created this guide for JPs and town clerks, because the legislators needed to hear from stakeholders to get their perspective of this legislation. All the effort paid off, and the bill died without passing. Written Testimony You may submit written testimony by email to your own legislators so they are aware of your position. If you don’t know who your Senator is, click here. Please also send a copy of your testimony to JPus at [email protected] so we can submit it to […]

Who Should be Your Officiant: A JP or Your Best Friend

Friend officiating wedding ceremony

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 […]

VT Action Alert – Child Marriage

CALL TO ACTION in VERMONT End Child Marriage Ask the YOUR REPRESENTATIVE to Vote YES on H 148 Please take a few minutes to email or call your Representative and ask them to vote YES on H 148 Raising the Age of Marriage to 18. The House Committee on Judiciary is meeting on Thursday, February 16, 2023. There is no need for 16 & 17 year old children to marry – this isn’t about maturity, it is about legal rights. A child cannot retain an attorney, access domestic violence shelters, or sign a lease on a rental. New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey have already passed legislation making the age of marriage […]

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 […]

2020 Legislative Wrap-up

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Is A JP Right For You? Five Reasons To Say YES

So you are ready to select your wedding officiant and you are wondering if you should forgo the pomp and circumstance of a religious ceremony and choose a Justice of the Peace instead. But how do you know for sure if a JP wedding is right for you? To help you decide, take a look at the five most common reasons couples choose a JP as their wedding officiant. You want simple and quick. Finding a JP who can preside over a simple wedding at your town hall or local park for a modest fee is easy. If you wake up one morning with a […]