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 […]
Search Results for "NH-New/town/sullivan/Washington"
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 […]
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 […]
JPus Statement Responding to HB295
The bill would have authorized special marriage officiants in New Hampshire. JPus provided oral and written testimony opposing it on January 16, 2019. Learn more about the bill and why lay officiants are a problem. Read about JPus’ behind-the-scenes activity opposing the bill. JPus provided written and oral testimony to the NH House Judiciary Committee opposing HB295
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 […]
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. […]
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.
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 […]
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
Gender Neutral & Affirming 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 […]
Introducing JPus.Training
Where Marriage Officiants Go to Learn The Justice of the Peace Association is pleased to announce JPus.Training, its new online learning center. Here we will host educational courses for JPs, notaries and other professional marriage officiants. Visitors to JPus.Training can log into the site and sign up for courses of interest. The first training that we’re offering is COVID-19 Best Practices for Marriage Officiants. We developed the training in consultation with OSHA for two purposes: ★ to provide officiants the information needed to safely navigate marriage ceremonies during the pandemic ★ to provide assurance to couples that the professional officiants they […]
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.
Unplugged Weddings
An unplugged ceremony is not about an acoustic guitar accompaniment – however lovely it would be. Having an unplugged wedding is a not-so-new trend. It means guests are asked to turn off all electronics. No texting. No posting to Instagram. And, no photos, either. Just. Be. Present. There are many reasons to ask wedding guests to put electronics away. Being present and focused on the special moment is certainly a worthwhile motivation. A no phones rule is one of the simplest ways to create an environment for all attendees to be mindful of the event. Encourage opportunities for your friends […]