Q. What do we need for our wedding ceremony?
A. The mandatory requirements for a valid wedding ceremony in Massachusetts are:
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- Two persons legally entitled to be married - the two of you
- A qualified Officiant - me
- A properly issued license - the "Certificate of Marriage."
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CLICK HERE
For information
on how to obtain
a Massachusetts Marriage License.(Link opens in a Separate Window)
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Q. Do we need any witnesses?
A. Massachusetts does not require any witnesses other than the officiant.
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Q. What if one of us is divorced? Do we need copies of the divorce decree?
A. No. However, you must state on your application for a Marriage License if you are divorced or widowed.
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Q. Do same-sex partners have to live in Massachusetts to be married?
A. This is a somewhat gray area. As I understand it, you must live in Massachusetts, state your intention under oath when applying for your Marriage license to reside in Massachusetts after your marriage, or live in a state in which same-sex marriages are recognized.
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Q. Where can we be married?
A. Anywhere you like. As a Massachusetts Justice of the Peace, I can officiate at wedding ceremonies anywhere in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in any state with which Massachusetts has a reciprocal agreement. (Same-sex marriages may be conducted only within the borders of Massachusetts.) A Marriage License issued by any city or town in Massachusetts is good throughout the Commonwealth. As a Minister of the Universal Life Church, I may officiate at weddings in any state.
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Q. Do we have to have a rehearsal? And are you available for it?
A. Yes, I'm available for your wedding rehearsal, either to conduct it myself or to work with the coordinator from your chosen venue. There are two reasons for a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner:- To ensure each member of your wedding party is comfortable with their role in the ceremony, and
- To provide you, your families and your wedding party with an opportunity to have dinner together in a less formal atmosphere than that of your wedding reception.
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Q. Can we write our own vows?
A. Certainly. I provide you with a brochure that includes more than a dozen examples of wedding vows. You may choose one or a combination of those. Or you may speak your own words from your hearts.
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Q. How about rings?
A. While not a legal requirement, rings are traditionally considered the "something of value" that seals the contract represented by your spoken vows as well as being your individual wedding gift to each other. Here, too, my brochure includes several examples of words to speak when exchanging rings.
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Q. How much speaking must we do in the ceremony?
A. As much or as little as you wish. You may choose simply to respond with a simple "yes" to vows that are in the form of questions. Or you may repeat your vows individually. And there's no memorization required, unless you wish to. Usually, brides and grooms repeat their vows after me, phrase by phrase.
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Q. We're of different faiths. Can we include elements of both in our ceremony?
A. Absolutely. I urge the partners in a multifaith marriage to include elements of their individual faiths that are important to each of them and to their families within the ceremony you and I will prepare together. Each element of your ceremony is explained, so that those who may be unfamiliar with any particular tradition will understand it.
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Q. Does everything have to be in English?
A. No. In fact, I urge you to include material in non-English languages that may be more comfortable to your loved ones. However, anything that is not in English should also be translated so everyone will understand what's said.
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Q. How about including children and/or other people important to us in the ceremony?
A. There are any number of ways children and others can be included. They can read materials that have inspired you spiritually. Your vows may include a promise to welcome your partner's children to the new family you are creating by marriage. Or the children may perform musically. I've had bride's children escort their mother to be married, and groom's sons act as their dad's best man.
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Q. How long is the typical wedding ceremony?
A. Generally speaking, a wedding ceremony lasts 20-30 minutes.
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Q. How often will you and we meet before the ceremony?
A. That's up to you. I'm available to help at any time during the planning process. We do need to get together for at least one pre-nuptial conference about 10 days before your wedding to go over all the details of the ceremony.
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Q. What will you wear?
A. I'll be dressed appropriately to the formality of the occasion and the venue. This means my judicial robe is worn over a tuxedo or business suit. If appropriate, the robe is not required.
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Q. It's a big room, with lots of guests. Will everyone hear you?
A. I have my own cordless microphone that can be attached to the sound amplification system provided by your venue. No sound amplification available? I'm proud that my trained voice is one that can carry so everyone will hear.
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Q. Can we renew our vows on a special anniversary?
A. Of course. I've conducted several ceremonies for those who wish to renew their vows - both privately and before large gatherings of family and friends.
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Q. What's your attitude toward same-sex marriages?
A. I welcome the concept. Marriage in Massachusetts is regulated by the civil laws of the Commonwealth. Any two persons wishing to be married and legally entitled to do so deserve to have that decision honored and respected.
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