FAQs
You may have a lot of questions while planning for you big day. Hopefully the information below will provide you with some helpful guidance to assist you in this process.
Q. How do I find a Justice of the Peace?
A. The quickest way is to go to the Massachusetts Justice of the Peace website at MJPA.org Click on the MARRIAGE INFORMATION option on the top banner and then select HOW TO LOCATE A JP. This will provide you with a search screen that will list infomation about all of the Justices available based on the information you put into the search options. This site also contains a lot of other useful information for your wedding planning.
Q. How do I select a Justice of the Peace?
A. I suggest that you talk to several potential Justices about officiating your wedding. Everyone's style and fees are different and you'll want to select a person that you feel comfortable with, one who will help you plan you wedding ceremony and provide helpful information along the way. If their fee is the first thing they mention, you probably want to keep searching.
Q. What are the fees for a Justice of the Peace?
A. In Massachusetts, the fee structure is defined by law. JPs may charge up to $100 for officiating a wedding in their home town/city and up to $150 for officiating a wedding ceremony in any other town/city in Massachusetts. They are allowed to charge up to the same amount for attending a rehearsal. In addition, they may charge for customizing your wedding if both parties agree to these additional fees at least 48 hours prior to the wedding. They may not charge fees related to travel or for providing other wedding services. They may also accept any gratuities that you may choose to give them in addition to the agreed upon fee. Each Justice has their own fee structure, and these can vary greatly, so I suggest you talk with several Justices before you make your decision.
Q. Does a JP have to marry us if asked?
A. In Massachusetts, all JPs are required to perform marriage ceremonies without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, religious or other preferences. However, a JP does have a right to say no based on scheduling conflicts or other factors which would cause undue stress or potential danger to themselves (e.g. performing a marriage in a hot air balloon). Again, my suggestion is to find a JP you feel comfortable with and one who will keep your needs in mind while working with you.
Q. Where do we obtain our marriage certificate in Massachusetts?
A. If you are 18 years of age or older, you can go to any town or city clerk's office in Massachusetts to file your intentions to be married. Both parties have to apply in person and present identification. You do not have to apply for your certificate in the same town or city that you will be married in. There is a 3-day waiting period from the time you apply to the time you can pick up your certificate.
Q. Where do we obtain our marriage certificate in New Hampshire?A. If you are 18 years of age or older, you can go to any town or city clerk's office in New Hampshire to file your intentions to be married. Both parties have to apply in person (unless one is in the military) and present identification. The filing fee is $50 for all cities/towns in New Hampshire.You do not have to apply for your certificate in the same town or city that you will be married in. There is no waiting period in New Hampshire.
Q. Can Massachusetts JPs legally officiate marriages in New Hampshire?
A. Massachusetts JPs are recognized by the State of New Hampshire but they must file for an on-line authorization from the State of New Hamshire prior to officiating the ceremony. The fee for this filing is $25.00.
Q. When should we apply for our marriage certificate?
A. Your certificate is only valid for 60 days from the date you apply for it. I suggest that couples apply 30 days before their wedding date to provide some flexibility in case the wedding date has to be changed. I would also suggest that you take a picture of your certificate and send it to your officiant prior to your wedding just in case.
Q. What if we are not 18 years of age?A. Any party that is not 18 years of age will need a court order to allow them to be married in Massachusetts.
Q. Do we need witnesses?
A. At one time, Massachusetts required two witnesses. Today this is no longer required - your wedding officiant is now the only required witness.
Q. Are we required to get a blood test before getting married?
A. Massachusetts no longer requires blood tests (or any medical tests) prior to marriage.
Q. How will COVID-19 affect our wedding?
A. JPs abide by all city/town, state, and federal mandates and guidelines regarding COVID-19. Additionally, each venue may have its own rules about COVID-19. We follow these requirements, but also try very hard to ensure your ceremony is as special and "normal" as possible.