Updated June 12, 2020 The House of Representatives failed to secure a 2/3 majority to suspend its rules and allow the vote on HB1599 to go forward. The bill is stalled, for now. We will proceed with our planned Zoom call on Monday, June 15th (see below) to respond to any questions and prepare for next steps, if needed. All the behind-the-scenes details are here. Special Marriage Officiant Bill During the spring of 2020, the Special Marriage Officiant bill (HB1599) worked its way through the New Hampshire General Court, despite JPUs’ efforts to block it. We haven’t given up, though. […]
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How To Live Stream Your Wedding
You have dreamed of this beautiful and romantic time your entire life. Regrettably, the pandemic has changed your plans. Rules that limit the size of gatherings are currently in effect. Even when they are lifted, your vulnerable loved ones still may not be able to attend ceremony. In reality, couples have always had to limit the number of guests they invite to their wedding. In the past, guest lists were limited by the couple’s budget and the venue’s capacity. The good news is technology now enables you to invite everyone that you care about. Now more than ever, people have virtual guests […]
Love is Stronger than COVID-19
Marriages are About Love COVID-19 is proving that marriages really are all about love. Delaying the big shindig, couples are working with their justices of the peace and getting creative, marrying despite, and oftentimes, because of, the uncertain times. Mariel Mingola and Ryan Rowell found their Justice of the Peace, Angie Scraders, on findaJP.com. The couple had plans for a ceremony and reception, but now, because of the coronavirus, it will be just them. And soon. They didn’t want to wait. JP Angie found an out-of-the-way, scenic spot at a local park for an intimate ceremony. Mariel and Ryan postponed […]
A Winter Solstice Wedding Ceremony
Aren’t you smart to have chosen December for your wedding! Your celebration will match perfectly the festive mood of the holidays. But could there be another reason why this time of year feels so right, one stirring deep in your DNA? Quite possibly! What is it about the month of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year for those who live north of the equator? In ancient times, our ancestors celebrated the solstice with a long night of revelry and feasting. Living closer to the rhythms of Nature, they understood that the solstice marked the beginning of lengthening […]
Planning a Service for those who Serve
Updated November 7, 2022 During this month when we commemorate Veteran’s Day, I thought I’d look at the ways we can bring military customs into the wedding ceremonies of men and women who serve our country. If you are an active service member planning a wedding, or if you know someone who is, consider these time-honored rituals for a unique and inspiring wedding. Ceremony Space Active military are allowed to have their ceremony performed in the chapel on the base where they are stationed. In that case, the chaplain will officiate the ceremony. But a military chapel is not required […]
Midday vs Evening Wedding Ceremonies
Choosing the right time for your wedding ceremony does not need to feel overwhelming. Simply break down the pros and cons of each option and the right decision will soon become apparent. Many factors come into play, such as availability of the venue, guest schedule, and budget. To keep it simple, we’re comparing midday to evening ceremonies. The choice is yours, so think about what aspects of the day are most important to you. To start, let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Midday Wedding Ceremony Pros: Budget: Hosting a midday wedding ceremony can be a cost-effective option for […]
Zoom – Nightmare Scenarios – What to do?
July 29, 2021 Have you ever had one of those moments? You know, the kind that can keep you up at night. Someone objects to the union. An intoxicated guest. An ill bride. Members talked through strategies on how to keep your cool and work your way through the plight – before it happens. Creativity! Solutions! We built upon each other’s ideas and brainstormed together. Whether it is something that makes your job easier, or a fix that couples will appreciate – JPus members have your back. Exchanging ideas makes us all better at what we love to do! Staying […]
Changes to the Laws
Don’t be caught behind the times. Stay current on new laws that affect JPs and notaries. Connecticut Gender Neutral Terms on Marriage License Effective July 1, 2021, the terms Bride and Groom are no longer on Connecticut marriage licenses, replaced with Spouse 1 and Spouse 2. Read how JPus took action to make this validating change happen. Race Information Not Collected The marriage license application will no longer seek a couple’s race, effective July 1, 2021. Probate Judge Required for 16, 17 Year Olds to Marry Effective October 1, 2017, in addition to parental consent, anyone under the age of […]
Backyard Weddings
So should you do it? There are many good reasons to marry in your backyard, including the special memory that will come to mind every time you look at the place where it all happened. Before you decide, consider this: Weather Warm weather Position chairs in the shade for the ceremony. Provide water packed in ice buckets in a few key places. Use fans Hand-held can do double-duty by printing your programs on cardstock and giving them a wooden handle. Large fans (with misters?) can be rented for the day. Obtain enough of them to place strategically in each corner […]
Getting Married Later in Life? Anything Goes!
If you’re a mid-life (or later) bride or groom, “Relax” might be your mantra. That’s how one 55-year old bride (third wedding) was able to cope when she realized she’d left her bridal bouquet at home in the refrigerator. “My first two weddings were about pleasing other people,” she told Match.com. “But I ended up being very pleased this time around …. We both felt it was our ceremony.” Turning the ceremony into our ceremony can really make the difference when you are getting married later in life. Your ceremony can be anything and everything both of you want it to be. Find a JP who will help make that […]
Wedding Readings that Tell Your Story
To create a beautiful and powerful wedding ceremony, your wedding officiant will strive to weave together your past, present, and future as a couple. A collection of just the right words, placed in just the right order, tells the story of who you are, touching the hearts of everyone within earshot. Readings play an important role in that narrative. Yes, you may already know you want to incorporate readings to help define this moment, but perhaps you don’t know where to begin. Readings and quotes can come from almost any source, but here are some classic sources to consider. The […]
Coronavirus Update #5
COVID Upticks: Be Prepared As the weather gets colder, health officials anticipate the coronavirus will spread more aggressively and faster. Indoor spaces and group gatherings are prime areas for the virus to thrive, and infect more people. Data has shown that private gatherings are high-risk settings. Governors have again increased restrictions, and fines are now being imposed. Weddings, even the small backyard type, can become spreader-events. We need to remain diligent, despite covid-fatigue. In addition, as professional marriage officiants, we are leaders and influencers. During the wedding ceremony, all eyes are on us. Inherent in our role is to help couples […]
Coronavirus Update #1
Rapidly Changing Situation Updated 3/31/2020 We are facing unprecedented times. The collective good of our community, and our country, depends on the actions of the individual. We must Flatten The Curve. At this critical juncture, our movement – or lack of movement will determine how the coronavirus spreads. The gravity of the situation is clear. Governors are taking drastic measures, ordering the closure of municipal offices and dining-in establishments. Some wedding venues have taken the initiative to reschedule bookings. JPus’ previous member support article is already outdated. It was written with the expectation that we would be able to continue to perform weddings, […]
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