Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I contact a JP about our wedding ceremony?
A: As soon as you know the date and place you would like to be married! The officiant is the person who legally marries you (the whole purpose of your big day). Booking your officiant as early as possible is always recommended. I can accommodate a variety of time lines, from over a year away to more immediate needs.
Q: What type of ceremonies do you perform?
A: I perform marriage ceremonies that are legally recognized by the State of New Hampshire. I also perform vow renewal ceremonies for those that are already legally married but would like to have a new ceremony to recommit to each other. Although I am not ordained clergy, I am happy to incorporate spiritual or religious aspects into a ceremony if a couple wishes.
Q: Who will you marry?
A: I am an inclusive Justice of the Peace. I am delighted to marry couples of any sexual orientation, gender expression, race/ethnicity, religion, age, or disability status. A consultation prior to working together will help you and your partner decide if I am a good fit to perform your ceremony.
Q: Do I need a marriage license? How does it work?
A: In order to be legally recognized as a married couple in the State of New Hampshire you will need to obtain a marriage license. They are valid for 90 days from when apply and both parties must be present in order to receive them. You can apply for a marriage license in person at any town hall in the state of New Hampshire. Once the ceremony is performed I will sign, stamp and seal your license and return it to the town hall from which in was issued the next available business day.
Q: What should we expect when working with you as our Justice of the Peace?
A: You can expect an experience that is professional, enthusiastic and tailored to you. My primary purpose is to perform you marriage ceremony where I lead you and your partner through exchanging vows. I also sign your marriage license and file it with the State. Outside of that it will all depend on what you and your partner need and want! Some couples have a very clear vision of what they want their ceremony to be and I am happy to help them bring that to life with a lot of collaboration. Other couples really don’t have any idea where to begin and just know “we want to get married” and they look to me guidance on how to create the ceremony that they want or take care of things entirely so they don’t need to worry about anything. In either scenario (and anywhere in between) I will prepare the ceremony that is right for you and your partner.
There is an initial consultation that is free of charge, our first meeting to establish a framework for the ceremony once there is a signed contract and deposit, a second meeting to finalize the ceremony and then the day of the wedding. Please see my Services and Pricing page for additional information about other options to include to enhance your experience. I am available by text, email and phone to all of my booked couples at no additional charge for the duration of their planning process.
Q: What will you wear to our wedding?
A: I believe in professional, modest and simplistic attire and will wear what is most appropriate for your particular wedding to fit the formality and essence. I default to black but this can be adjusted and agreed upon based on your color scheme and preference.
Q: Will we be able to meet you in person prior to our wedding day?
A: Absolutely. I am happy to meet in person in a mutually convenient public location prior to your wedding day.
Q: When do you arrive and leave on our wedding day?
A: If there are not additional wedding day coordination services (photography, etc.) as part of our agreement I will arrive approximately 30minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony and leave within 15 minutes of the conclusion. No need to include me in the head count if you are serving a meal after. The only thing I need to leave with is your signed marriage license and smiles on your faces because you are now officially married!
