Frequently Asked Questions
Massachusetts Justice of the Peace / Wedding Celebrant Regina M. Pacitti

 

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What must we have to be married?

How old must we be to get married?

Do we need witnesses for the ceremony?

Can we write our own vows?

How long is the ceremony?

Where can we be married?

Can we be married Christmas or New Year's Eve?

We are being married for the second time and have children. Can they be including in the ceremony?

Must we have a rehearsal?

Should we invite you to our reception?

What if you become ill and are unable to perform my ceremony?

How can I contact you for more information?
 

What must we have to be married?

*Valid Massachusetts marriage license obtained any city/town clerk's office not necessarily where couple lives or works
*Mandatory 3 day waiting period after both people apply together with IDs
*Only way to circumvent waiting period is court order
*Blood tests no longer required
*License valid 60 days

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How old must we be to get married?

*18 and birth certificate may be required

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Do we need witnesses for the ceremony?

*No, not with a JP

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Can we write our own vows?

*Yes, but this constitutes a customized ceremony if JP's Questions of Consent and formal Vows are omitted as JP must ascertain evidence of a promise
*JP's final pronouncement is still required

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How long is the ceremony?

*Depends on what you want and size of processional
*Basic cermony with no processional 10-15 minutes while extras of customized could make it 20-45 minutes

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Where can we be married?

*Couple provides location which can be their home
*Public parks require permission and sometimes have application and fee
*Ask about my home as location

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Can we be married Christmas or New Year's Eve?

*I often officiate holiday weddings but remember winter weather may be deterrent

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We are being married for the second time and have children. Can they be including in the ceremony?

*Many ways to include children in meaningful way in customized ceremony

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Must we have a rehearsal?

*No. Some venues have coordinator to line up processional
*Will facilitate a rehersal for an extra charge but not needed unless large wedding party or readers/ritual doers need to practice

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Should we invite you to our reception?

*Sweet gesture but unnecessary as I will not know your guests
*Photos, favors and gratuities are welcome

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What if you become ill and are unable to perform my ceremony?

*In rare event (based on 28 year record), I would try to secure replacement from colleagues of professional association who provide designated ceremony for same price

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How can I contact you for more information?

Phone: 781-894-5277
E-Mail: jpgina53@gmail.com

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