The following op-ed was published in the New Hampshire Union Leader on July 17, 2020. It calls for Governor Sununu to issue an executive order to undo the temporary marriage officiant authorization. Loretta Jay: Amendment undermines marriages… literally ON THE second to last day of the session, the New Hampshire Senate tacked an unrelated amendment onto a guaranteed-to-pass bill. This move, done without notifying constituents, gives anyone temporary authorization to officiate a marriage. This will increase the risk of coronavirus spread. The House passed the bill the next day. New Hampshire needs Governor Sununu to step in and halt this […]
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Massachusetts JPs
Looking for a Massachusetts wedding officiant? Visit findaJP.com to learn more about Massachusetts wedding laws and to search for a Justice of the Peace. Becoming a JP In Massachusetts, a justice of the peace is appointed by the Governor for a seven year term and confirmed by the Governors Council. Each city/town is allowed one justice for every 5000 residents. In addition to affirming marriages, JPs may take affirmations, oaths, and depositions. Sometimes they may call meetings. Here is a summary of duties. Applications may be obtained from the Governor’s Council. Non-residents, including JPs from other states, can marry people in […]
About Massachusetts JPs
Looking for a Massachusetts wedding officiant? Visit findaJP.com to learn more about Massachusetts wedding laws and to search for a Justice of the Peace. Are you a Massachusetts JP? See the state’s summary of duties for commissioned JPs Learn more about the benefits of a JPus membership. Becoming a JP In Massachusetts, a justice of the peace is appointed by the Governor for a seven year term and confirmed by the Governors Council. Each city/town is allowed one justice for every 5000 residents. In addition to affirming marriages, JPs may take affirmations, oaths, and depositions. Sometimes they may call meetings. Applications […]
Conference 2021 – Attendee Help
Our first virtual conference is powered by Accelevents and can be attended via computer, tablet or mobile device. Answers to general questions about the conference can be found below. A detailed guide for attendees by AccelEvents can be found here. AccelEvents has also provided an introduction to virtual events. FAQs How do I purchase a ticket to the conference? Get your tickets here. To take advantage of early-bird pricing purchase your ticket Feb. 15th, 2021. How much do tickets cost? JPus members: $25 until February 15, 2021. Price goes up to $30 for members after that date. Non-members: $40/ticket. New […]
NH Special Marriage Officiants 2020 – House Ways and Means
HB1599 is Fiscally Unsound The Justice of the Peace Association submitted this written statement to the New Hampshire House Ways and Means Committee opposing HB 1599, An Act Establishing a Special Marriage Officiant License. This committee may only consider matters that affect the state budget. Consequently, our position is fiscally focused. Additional information about the bill and JPus’ activity is below in Related Links. Related Links Learn about the problems with amateur marriage officiants here JPus submitted alternative language to HB 1599 to address the problems with the bill Read the text of HB 1599 here. JPus’ blow-by-blow behind-the-scenes activity to stop […]
Requests for Proposals 2021
Conference for Civil Marriage Officiants The Justice of the Peace Association is celebrating 20 years with a virtual conference. This event will bring together keynote speakers and workshops in an informative and engaging format. The 2021 Conference is intended to provide a creative environment where civil officiants can hear about relevant news, re-imagine weddings, learn new skills, and nurture relationships with others through networking opportunities. Request for Proposals JPus members and invited guests may submit a proposal to present a workshop at the Justice of the Peace Association Conference 2021. Include in Proposal ★ Introduction: What will the participants learn […]
JPus Conference 2021
March 13, 2021 The Justice of the Peace Association celebrated 20 years with our first virtual conference. This event brought together keynote speakers and workshops in an informative and engaging format. The 2021 Conference provided a creative environment where civil officiants were able to re-imagine weddings, learn new skills, and nurture relationships with others through networking opportunities. Activities included keynote speaker, a legislative panel, interactive workshops, networking breakout rooms and more. It is amazing what a virtual conference can do. It was exciting to bring our members from different states together in a way that was not possible before. Spending […]
NH lay officiant bill fiscally flawed
Ways and Means Committee Hearing JPus continued its opposition New Hampshire’s House Bill 1599, which would permit special marriage officiants. The House Ways and Means Committee will consider testimony on the bill on March 4, 2020. As a result, JPus presented testimony to all members of the Committee. Read more.
Ask the Legislators
Questions for Legislators – Tell us what YOU would like to ask! On Saturday, March 13, 2021, the Justice of the Peace Association will hold a virtual conference for marriage officiants. The morning keynote will be a moderated panel discussion with state legislators from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Topics of discussion will include: amateur officiants child marriage virtual ceremonies and more. Including your questions, comments and ideas will make the conversation more meaningful. What questions do YOU want to ask? Please tell us here. Related Links Click Here to Visit the Conference Site & Register Frequently Asked Questions about the conference. […]
Maine raises age to wed
Children must be 16 to marry in Maine Not quite what we were hoping for, but a step in the right direction. The minimum age to marry in Maine is now 16. Prior to this new law going into effect on January 1, 2020, any child, no matter how young, was allowed to marry if their parent and a probate judge approved. Read more about JPus’ work to end child marriage Stay current with other changes to marriage laws
Unchained At Last
Amplifying Voices The Justice of the Peace Association established a partnership with Unchained at Last, a non-profit dedicated to promoting social, policy and legal change to end forced and child marriage in America. Unchained at Last helps women and girls leave or avoid arranged/forced marriages and rebuild their lives. JPus recognizes the ethical dilemma marriage officiants would find themselves in if asked to perform a child marriage. Our members have clearly stated their opposition to child marriages. Child marriage is legal in all of the states that JPus operates in. Only two states (Delaware and New Jersey) have banned it. Unchained at […]
Child Bride Survivor
Officiants Can Make a Difference This story is about Maria, a girl who was forced to marry her cousin when she was 16 years old. Marriage officiants have a responsibility to assess the couple before them, and confirm that both parties to a marriage are willing participants. Sadly, Maria’s officiant didn’t. Maria’s story is one of 20 in the 2020 report Child Marriage in the U.S.: Survivor Story Compilation. We are grateful to the Tahirih Justice Center for shedding light on these stories, and for sharing its report with JPus. Related Links Read more about JPus’ efforts to end child marriage, including […]
Support to End Child Marriage – NH
18 to Wed – No exceptions The Justice of the Peace Association submitted written testimony in support of HB 1516. The bill would end all marriages in the state of New Hampshire for anyone younger than 18. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 1:30. See JPus’ statement and read more about our work to end child marriage.
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