Author: Loretta Jay

When the officiant is a friend or family member

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

We get it. There is a certain joy when a friend or family member stands before you and your beloved. In front of your loved ones. And you declare for the world that you want to marry each other. Naturally, there is a joy for the officiant-family member, too. The Justice of the Peace Association polled its members and asked what it was like for them, when they officiated their children, parents, friends or other family members.  Not one of our officiants regretted their choice to officiate for their loved ones. 67% said they were proud and honored to be […]

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Ceremonies Celebrating Equality

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Getting married – it is so exciting! Except. Many loving couples’ right to marry is in jeopardy. With the Supreme Court’s most recent decision in the same sex wedding website case, marriage equality is one step closer to being at risk. And this means that we must all stand together to support our friends and family. Because a threat to one is a threat to all. We are sad that the country’s highest court chose to legalize discrimination against gay and lesbian couples. This is a step backwards. To right this wrong we encourage those who care about equality to […]

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Wedding Weather

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day. Weather certainly affects wedding planing, and its effects will determine whether you celebrate inside or out. During the summer or winter. Or, for that matter, spring or fall.  Some aspects are out of our control.  If only there was a way to know what to expect. Now there is a vendor for that. Specializing in “proactive weather planning”, the concierge event meteorologists help wedding couples determine the most likely time for ideal weather conditions. They consider weather patterns for specific locations and determine the probability of precipitation, temperature and more. Nonetheless, it […]

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Summer Weddings

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

The blissful warmth of summer sets the perfect stage for outdoor wedding ceremonies, where love and nature unite in harmonious celebration. With its vibrant colors, gentle breezes, and abundant sunshine, the summer season offers an idyllic backdrop for couples to exchange vows and embark on a lifelong journey together. Summer outdoor weddings continue to captivate hearts. Beautiful Settings One of the most enchanting aspects of a summer outdoor wedding ceremony is the natural beauty that surrounds the venue. Lush gardens, blooming flowers, and breathtaking landscapes create an unparalleled atmosphere. Imagine saying “I do” beneath a cascading arch of vibrant blooms […]

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Get Married on a Hiking Trail

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Adventurous couples are breaking away from traditional wedding venues and opting for unique locations to exchange their vows. For instance, one outdoorsy trend that has captured the hearts of nature enthusiasts is getting married on a hiking trail. Combining the joy of hiking with the celebration of love, a ceremony on a scenic trail promises an unforgettable experience. Favorite Spot Choosing a hiking trail as your wedding venue allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Imagine saying your vows against a backdrop of majestic mountains, lush forests, or cascading waterfalls. Indeed, the natural serenity creates an intimate […]

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Midday vs Evening Wedding Ceremonies

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

The time of day influences wedding ceremony style

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 […]

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African American Wedding Rituals

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Some marriage rituals and traditions are based on African American heritage. In the United States, the devastation of slavery oftentimes denied legally sanctioned marriages. Consequently, Black people performed ceremonies to recognize and celebrate their unions. African American wedding rituals have been passed down through generations. The customs, rich with history, tradition, and cultural significance, are a meaningful way to honor one’s history Jumping the Broom One of the most well-known African American wedding traditions is jumping the broom. This custom dates back to the time of slavery when enslaved people were not allowed to marry legally. Consequently, they would jump […]

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Town Hall Wedding

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Elopement how-to

There are many ways to think about eloping. Indeed, it comes down to this. You want it done quick. And done right. No muss, no fuss. Here is what you need to know. Marriage License Marriage licenses are issued by the city or town clerk. You’ll need ID and there is usually a small fee. Check out these state-specific details: Info on getting the marriage license in Connecticut Florida marriage license information Information to get a Maine marriage license In Massachusetts, marriage license how-tos New Hampshire marriage license information To get a marriage license in Vermont Select Your Officiant All […]

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JP Ceremonies ~ Meaningful with History

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay and Sarah Jay

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 […]

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Holiday Weddings

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Engaged! Now get married, over the holidays.

Holiday weddings are directly correlated with Engagement Season. That is the period between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. Love is in the air, and the holidays remind us how much we value family and being with the people most important to us. Specifically, capture those feelings during your wedding ceremony. That is, pick your special date and start planning! Let’s Get Married – Quick! Once you are engaged (Congratulations, by the way), the next decision is to decide when to get married. You could pick a date in the far-off future, of course. Or, soon! Like, this winter. Keep it simple […]

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Updated Wedding Vows

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Modern wedding vows

Wedding vows today are so much more than the patriarchal declaration of days (not so) long ago. When getting married, your officiant only needs an affirmation of your intention for you to marry one another. Finding the right words and tone for your wedding vows is a personal journey. Yo, Adrian! Marry me? Yes, Rocky. Done. To Have and to Hold On a technical level, to have and to hold means to possess legally, or to have permanent possession of something. The expression also suggests offering oneself to the other physically and intimately. Depending on how the rest of the […]

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Sustainable Weddings

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Make your wedding environmentally sustainable

As the effects of climate change affect our daily lives, each of us can take steps to reduce our carbon footprint on the globe. Simply adjusting some of our choices during the wedding planning process can have a positive result. Following are different aspects of your ceremony to consider. Don’t feel pressure to use them all. Review the options and select what is a good fit for you. Guests A smaller guest list creates a smaller carbon footprint. It is as simple as that. Invitations Go digital. Or, if you your heart is set on traditional stationary, look into recycled […]

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The Perfect Wedding Ceremony Length

Posted on | Author Loretta Jay

Determining how long a wedding ceremony should be

Whether eloping or having a mega-celebration with 150 of your besties, figuring out how long your ceremony should be is something every wedding couple contends with. Of course, the rituals you choose to include (or not include) will affect its length. The wedding ceremony is what makes the day more than a party. You and your guests are gussied up for the moment. You want it to be memorable and meaningful. And, not boring. Terrific! The trend is shorter, especially for secular weddings. What Officiants Say To help determine what is the perfect length for wedding ceremonies, we asked the […]

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