Wedding Venues

Wedding Weather

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 […]

Summer Weddings

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 […]

Get Married on a Hiking Trail

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 […]

Midday vs Evening Wedding Ceremonies

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 […]

Town Hall Wedding

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 […]

Spontaneous Weddings

I absolutely love being spontaneous! And, an added bonus, it takes the edge off of planning for months and months for an extravagant wedding. As a Justice of the Peace I have been asked to officiate many small, intimate ceremonies, especially during COVID. Many couples need to switch gears and do not want to wait.  Frequently, it is a last minute decision. They prefer to keep their original date, and have the ceremony at an uncrowded, open space location. The trick is to be flexible. You are with your love, so just make sure it’s a legal ceremony (don’t forget […]

What Wedding Size is Right for You?

Image of large wedding party at outdoor wedding ceremony

Big venue or microwedding? Or, something in-between? Recognizing the pros and cons of different size weddings helps couples decide how they should proceed with their ceremony plan. It’s a balance. Many couples today want to move forward with their lives as a married couple as soon as possible. However, they also wish to have a wedding where they can celebrate their marriage with their loved ones. As a couple, they need to figure out what wedding size is best for them. Medium and Large Weddings Having a medium or large wedding creates opportunities for families to come together to strengthen […]

Plan Your Romantic Winter Elopement or Tiny Wedding

winter wedding with vermont Justice Carmen

If you aren’t keen on a big wedding, winter is a wonderful time to sneak away and elope or host a tiny wedding. It’s easy, simple, fun, less expensive, and may be a better fit for your personalities. You can always have a big party later with family and friends. Here are the steps to making it a reality. What Do You Want? Talk to your future spouse about what you would like your ceremony to be like. And where it should be. Each of you should write how you imagine your wedding day. Things to consider: Do you want […]

Unique Ceremony Spaces

Everything about your special day should reflect you as a couple, including the venue. Last month’s blog discussed backyard weddings. If that wasn’t for you we’ve got alternatives! How about this? Think about your passions or a place that represents your love story. Did you meet at a bowling alley? Do you share a love of boating? Is your passion looking up at the stars and dreaming? Well, the sky’s the limit when it comes to places to tie the knot. Pick one that’s uniquely you. And search findajp.com to select a JP who shares that enthusiasm too! Here are a few examples […]

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 […]

Make the Most of Getting Married: Do It Again and Again!

People in the wedding biz are noticing a strange movement afoot. More and more couples are choosing to have several wedding ceremonies. Indeed, a recent ABC news article confirms that this “serial wedding” formula is becoming fashionable among the younger set: “One of the hottest trends when it comes to weddings…is for ‘nearly-weds’ to plan for multiple wedding ceremonies.” Most bride-groom marriages in the U.S. are recognized in all 50 states. So why are so many couples getting married twice or thrice, or even more times? Because they want to! Are you considering the multiple-wedding route? Here’s a typical scenario that […]

How Small Was the Wedding? Only Thee and Me!

With the pandemic, tiny weddings are increasing in popularity. That makes this throwback even more relevant for today ~ editor, July 2020. My favorite (actually, only) weddings are the smallest possible: only the couple and me, the officiant. In my years as a Justice of the Peace, I’ve only officiated at two weddings but I’ve married three couples. Yes, one of the weddings was a double ceremony. (And one other thing made this event unusual: they were all women.) That wedding took place at the home of one of the couples. The four women had created a moving ceremony in which […]

I Love Small Weddings

I’ve married people in all sorts of places – from town halls to “posh” venues. Yet so often the weddings that move me deeply are the small, unassuming affairs. They are the kinds of weddings that I think about again and again, over a cup of coffee the next morning or the next year.  These lovely little weddings occur in the corner of someone’s living room in front of a china cabinet or in a back yard under a blossoming apple tree. The bride is always beautiful in a freshly ironed dress. The groom is always handsome in a freshly […]