The following bills have been submitted to the Massachusetts General Court SD1181 establishes a commission study to evaluate the One-Day rule (Gobi) SD1517 increases application fees for 1-Dayers by $100 (Gobi) SD1518 broadens JP’s advertising to include in “any public media” (Gobi) SD1412 increases the fees a JP may charge (DiDomenico) HD718 and SD292 would increase the age to marry from 16 to 18 – no exceptions (Rep. Khan & Senator Chandler) Background: One-Day Rule 2021 – 2022 Session: Senator Anne Gobi took the baton from Senator Cyr, and she resubmitted the Resolve providing for an investigation and study by special […]
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Wedding Ceremonies that Unite and Heal
One of the most significant parts of planning your wedding ceremony is determining what is said. You can write your own vows or ask your Justice of the Peace (or notary) to do so. Or, do it together! Professional marriage officiants are adept at talking with couples to elicit just the right information to be incorporated into the ceremony and achieve your vision. If you are struggling, they’re available to help you find your voice and create messaging that is all you! Let the Sun Shine In After a year of hardship and loss, consider your ceremony and its significance. […]
State-by-State COVID Guidelines
Updated November 19, 2020 Stay home orders are changing, depending on the coronavirus’ community spread. Governors are redefining guidelines and policies for group gatherings in each state. To help keep track of what the rules are, we are listing them, organized by state, here. We also have a member support article about operations in each state’s municipal offices, and what to do if the clerk’s office is closed. Please remember, safety is paramount. Social distancing rules continue. When conducting marriages, officiants are working and therefore must wear a face covering. See our 8 Things to Do article on performing marriages […]
Testimony Template: HB295-FN-A
Testimony before the House Judiciary Committee January 16, 2019 [Date] HB 295-FN-A AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL MARRIAGE OFFICIANT LICENSE Dear Chairman Marjorie Smith, Vice Chair Sandra Keans, and members of the Judiciary Committee: My name is _______ and I am a registered voter in _______ , a justice of the peace, as well as a member of the Justice of the Peace Association. I am here to testify in opposition to [or strongly oppose or something similar] House Bill 295-FN-A, specifically as it relates to authorizing lay people to perform a single marriage ceremony. Share your story about your […]
Testimony Template
Testimony before the Judiciary Committee March 9, 2018 S.B. No. 396 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING JUSTICES OF THE PEACE WHO MAY SERVE AS MARRIAGE OFFICIANTS. Good afternoon Senator Doyle, Senator Kissel, Representative Tong and members of the Judiciary Committee, My name is _______ and I am a registered voter in _______ ; a justice of the peace, as well as a member of the Justice of the Peace Association. I am here to testify in opposition to [or strongly oppose or something similar] the Raised Bill S.B. 396, specifically as it relates to allowing justices of the peace to be […]
COVID Marriages Discussion
Staying safe during the pandemic. It is easier with the support of fellow members. We hosted a Zoom call for JPus members on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. It was an excellent opportunity for officiants to talk with each other and exchange points of view and strategies.
New Hampshire – End Child Marriage
Background Even though New Hampshire’s minimum age to wed was 13 (girls) and 14 (boys), 2017 efforts to raise the age were unsuccessful. In 2018, the New Hampshire legislature voted to increase the state’s minimum age to wed to 16. That law went into effect on January 1, 2019. Efforts continued to eliminate marriage for all minor children under the age of 18. The push behind the 2018 bill was Cassandra Levesque. She was a high school graduating senior and girl scout, pursuing her passion. The experience is what led her to run for office, and she is now a […]
Beyond “I Do”: Incorporating Religious Elements (or Not) in your Wedding Ceremony
If you are planning a wedding, you may be wondering which elements of your marriage ceremony are absolutely required by law and which are optional. How much of the ceremony can you create from scratch to reflect your and your fiancé’s beliefs and sentiments? Saying “I do” before a person licensed by the State to marry you is all you need to get married. But that is not nearly enough for most couples. Most desire a much richer ceremony, one that is particularly meaningful to them. And we Justices of the Peace are eager to help you fashion the wedding ceremony that you […]
Here Comes the Sun: Is it Time to Renew your Wedding Vows?
Spring is just around the corner, right? Isn’t the season of renewal a great time to renew your marriage vows? With the help of a Justice of the Peace, you can design a special ceremony – as elaborate or intimate as you choose – to celebrate the life and love you’ve created together. Why renew? Many experts believe that the decision to renew your vows should arise from a feeling of shared joy and fulfillment, not from a need to fix a marriage that may be broken. However, if you have weathered a difficult time in your marriage and emerged […]
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 […]
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