Wedding of Your Desire
| by Massachusetts Justice of the Peace & Notary Public Carol J. Merletti |
The Process
(Please see my fees at the bottom of this web page OR click on the FEES Link on the left.)
REQUIREMENTS TO MARRY IN MASSACHUSETTS
1. Couple getting married (18 years or older)
2. The Justice of the Peace / Officiant
3. A valid marriage license (Massachusetts Certificate of Marriage)
IMPORTANT:
an "officiant" cannot perform your ceremony until they view the expiration date on your Marriage License. This is required by Massachusetts law.
Secondly, once the ceremony ends, couples are very excited to go and take part in the picture session of their wedding. An "officiant" does not feel
comfortable, nor do they want to interfere in this special part of your wedding. In addition, most JPs must leave to perform other ceremonies.
Therefore, to make it easier for all, it is best to put the "officiant payment" in the same envelope with the Marriage License and give it to the "best man",
since this must be handed to the "officiant" upon arrival of your ceremony. By giving this to the "best man", the "officiant" does not have to overwhelm
the "couple" with having to ask for this when they are so busy trying to get ready for the most important moment of their lives -- their wedding!
time. While it is normal for ceremonies to start a few minutes behind for one reason or another, any additional time after that is going to prove to be
costly to the couple getting married. This could mean additional cost for the reception hall having to pay their catering services / employee salaries for
overtime, the limousine driver, the officiant, photographer, DJ, etc. While I have never, ever charged for additional time, it is becoming more of a timing
problem for me as an officiant when wedding ceremonies do not start on time. I often conduct two ceremonies in one day, so I schedule them with
enough travel time, as well as enough time to get to each ceremony early enough in the event that I am needed for any last minute changes. I would
never, ever want to be late for your ceremony, so I ask that this not happen to other couples who I have committed myself to that day for their ceremony
as well. This is where it is very important that you do your best, as a couple, to make sure that this does not happen. An idea to get your guest to arrive
on time is for you to tell your guest that your ceremony is at 4:00 p.m., when it is really going to start at 4:30 p.m. This way, there will not be an additional
cost to you, at least from my end.
wedding party shows up on time.
IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO ATTEND REHEARSALS BEFORE 7:00 P.M.
in an effort to not insult anyone because I am not familiar with your religion, I never, ever incorporate any religious quotes in a ceremony unless I am
asked to do so. And because I am not familiar with your religion, I will always rely on you to help me with whatever it is that you want me to say or do to
assure that it is done correctly. Each and every one of my vows are special, unique, individualized and very meaningful for each of my clients. Having
said that, if you want me to include a particular religious quote, I am very happy to do so. I am very open-minded towards all faiths and beliefs.
A non-denominational is a ceremony that is not of a particular denomination and is based upon what couples want for their ceremony.
Religious Ceremony
A particular denomination (e.g., Jewish, Catholic, Baptist, etc.) or combination of denominations; characterized by defining religious rituals or traditions
from one or more denominations.
Non-Religious Ceremony
There is no religion attached to this ceremony whatsoever. However, your ceremony is just as meaningful, warm, special, and loving as with any other
ceremony. You can be as creative as you wish with your vows.
Interfaith Ceremony
A combination or blend of religions ranging from only some religion to being entirely religious.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CEREMONY
Do we Have to Speak at the Ceremony
Can we Include Others in the Ceremony?
Do we Need Rings?
Do we Need Witnesses at the Ceremony?
Where the Ceremony is Held?
Do we Have to Hold a Rehearsal?
What does an Officiant Wear at a Ceremony?
How Does a Couple Renew Their Vows?
OFFICIANT FEES
(PLEASE CLICK ON THE FEES LINK FOR MORE DETAILS)
perform your ceremony until I view the expiration date on your Marriage License. Secondly,once the ceremony ends, couples are very excited to go and
take part in the picture session of their wedding. An officiant does not feel comfortable, nor do they want to interfere in this special part of your
wedding. In addition, most JPs must leave to perform other ceremonies. Therefore, to make it easier for all, it is best to put the officiant payment in the
same envelope with the Marriage License and give it to the best man to hand to the officiant upon arrival of your ceremony. I do not charge for writing
your wedding vows. I believe that this should be included in your ceremony fee.
scam has developed – since the "one-day-marriage / special license to marry" has become allowed by some states -- some individuals, certainly not all
by any means, "pretend" to hire a Justice of the Peace to officiate over their wedding ceremony. Once they lock in their date, they receive vows written
by their officiant. Later, they contact their officiant to inform him / her that they have decided to apply for the “one day / special license for a friend /
family member to marry them. “We love your vows, however we no longer need your services.” is the usual line, but not always. While this is, of
course, a special day for them to always remember, what is not being remembered is that these vows were not written by their friend or family
member, and therefore, these vows, are not their property to use. Nor should they feel good about themselves for using them. If a friend or family
member wants to perform the ceremony, that is wonderful and of course, very special, however that friend or family member should write the vows.
In addition, the officiant, very kindly, and without taking a deposit -- based on “trust”, locked in the date of their ceremony in his / her calendar, believing
that his / her services were now booked on that specific date and time. In turn, they tell other potential clients who really want their services that they
are not available, because they believe that they are not.
Having said that, effective immediately, while I do not charge for vows, I now require a $50.00 non-refundable deposit, which is part of your $150.00
ceremony fee. Should you decide to cancel your wedding date in my calendar, regardless of your reason, this fee will not be returned. Once you have
hired my services, I ask that you immediately send out a check payable to: Carol J. Merletti (Address will be given upon our initial conversation.)
I feel horrible that it has had to come to this. I have always been known to work with my clients based on their word, trust, and commitment, because I
truly love what I do. But I have learned quickly that I can no longer depend on this because of a certain few who took advantage of my trust. My time,
and my efforts that I provide to my clients are very valuable and precious to me. It is a great feeling knowing that I am known for the good work that I
provide to all of my clients. I take great pride in the vows that I have written for each and everyone one of my clients to make them personal. But now I
can no longer over look the small number of people who have taken advantage of my good nature. Therefore, I can not, and will not, allow others to take
credit for materials that I have written, and will, without a doubt, pursue the matter legally. If you are using materials written by Carol J. Merletti – I will
pursue it.
REQUIREMENTS TO MARRY IN MASSACHUSETTS
1. Couple getting married (18 years or older)
2. The Justice of the Peace / Officiant
3. A valid marriage license (Massachusetts Certificate of Marriage)
- Cost varies from town to town
- Couple must go together to town or city clerk to fill out an application of intent to marry (Bring proof of age and birth certificate)
- Does not need to be the town you live in or where you are getting married
- There is a three (3) day waiting period before you can pick-up license
- License is valid for sixty (60) days
- When picking up license, make sure all information is correct
- Contact a Justice of the Peace / Officiant
- Marriage license must be left with the JP / Officiant to mail back to the town or city clerk within ten (10) days
- The JP / Officiant cannot give you a copy of the signed license once you hand it to him / her. He / She must return it to the town or city clerk
where it was applied for so that they can stamp the license to make it official. Once this is done, for a small fee, the couple can obtain a copy
from the town or city clerk. However... - I do provide each couple with a Certificate of Marriage at the end of the ceremony, which may be witnessed by members of the wedding party
simply by having them sign on the witness lines. This makes the couple feel a little at ease by having some sort of documentation until they can
pick up a copy of their actual marriage license. This certificate is very attractive and often times the wedding photographer will ask the couple
to pose with it for an additional picture of their wedding album. - In addition to receiving a Certificate of Marriage, I also provide each couple with a typed copy of their wedding vows.
IMPORTANT:
an "officiant" cannot perform your ceremony until they view the expiration date on your Marriage License. This is required by Massachusetts law.
Secondly, once the ceremony ends, couples are very excited to go and take part in the picture session of their wedding. An "officiant" does not feel
comfortable, nor do they want to interfere in this special part of your wedding. In addition, most JPs must leave to perform other ceremonies.
Therefore, to make it easier for all, it is best to put the "officiant payment" in the same envelope with the Marriage License and give it to the "best man",
since this must be handed to the "officiant" upon arrival of your ceremony. By giving this to the "best man", the "officiant" does not have to overwhelm
the "couple" with having to ask for this when they are so busy trying to get ready for the most important moment of their lives -- their wedding!
time. While it is normal for ceremonies to start a few minutes behind for one reason or another, any additional time after that is going to prove to be
costly to the couple getting married. This could mean additional cost for the reception hall having to pay their catering services / employee salaries for
overtime, the limousine driver, the officiant, photographer, DJ, etc. While I have never, ever charged for additional time, it is becoming more of a timing
problem for me as an officiant when wedding ceremonies do not start on time. I often conduct two ceremonies in one day, so I schedule them with
enough travel time, as well as enough time to get to each ceremony early enough in the event that I am needed for any last minute changes. I would
never, ever want to be late for your ceremony, so I ask that this not happen to other couples who I have committed myself to that day for their ceremony
as well. This is where it is very important that you do your best, as a couple, to make sure that this does not happen. An idea to get your guest to arrive
on time is for you to tell your guest that your ceremony is at 4:00 p.m., when it is really going to start at 4:30 p.m. This way, there will not be an additional
cost to you, at least from my end.
wedding party shows up on time.
IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO ATTEND REHEARSALS BEFORE 7:00 P.M.
in an effort to not insult anyone because I am not familiar with your religion, I never, ever incorporate any religious quotes in a ceremony unless I am
asked to do so. And because I am not familiar with your religion, I will always rely on you to help me with whatever it is that you want me to say or do to
assure that it is done correctly. Each and every one of my vows are special, unique, individualized and very meaningful for each of my clients. Having
said that, if you want me to include a particular religious quote, I am very happy to do so. I am very open-minded towards all faiths and beliefs.
A non-denominational is a ceremony that is not of a particular denomination and is based upon what couples want for their ceremony.
Religious Ceremony
A particular denomination (e.g., Jewish, Catholic, Baptist, etc.) or combination of denominations; characterized by defining religious rituals or traditions
from one or more denominations.
Non-Religious Ceremony
There is no religion attached to this ceremony whatsoever. However, your ceremony is just as meaningful, warm, special, and loving as with any other
ceremony. You can be as creative as you wish with your vows.
Interfaith Ceremony
A combination or blend of religions ranging from only some religion to being entirely religious.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CEREMONY
- Definitely. There are a number of sample vows that you can choose from
- You can even write your own vows
Do we Have to Speak at the Ceremony
- Not if you don't want to
- Massachusetts Law provides a lot of room in what is, and isn't required at weddings. If you wanted to just say "I do", that is acceptable
Can we Include Others in the Ceremony?
- Of course
- Family and friends can do readings, take part in the Unity Candle lighting, be a best man, bridesmaid, usher, ring barrier, etc.
- It is the couple's call on what they wish for their ceremony
Do we Need Rings?
- No, but most couples do, since it is tradition
Do we Need Witnesses at the Ceremony?
- Per Massachusetts State Law, witnesses are not required to be present at the ceremony.
- This decision is entirely up to the couple getting married
Where the Ceremony is Held?
- The ceremony is held where ever you wish -- at your home, at a hotel or function hall, at the beach, at a baseball field -- as long as it is in
Massachusetts, it's your call
Do we Have to Hold a Rehearsal?
- This is very important if you plan on having more than a basic ceremony, but not a must. If you are having a small wedding party, e.g., the couple,
maid of honor, and best man, then no. You would be wasting your money. The wedding planner and / or officiant is always on hand before the
ceremony and can instruct you on how to line up beforehand. - It is important if you do have a large wedding party and you want everyone to feel comfortable in their role in the ceremony. This also makes
everyone feel relaxed before your big day - If you are not having a wedding party included in your ceremony, I honestly find this to be a waste of your time and money.
- My fee for attending a rehearsal is $150.00 and is due on the day of the ceremony rehearsal
- No, but it does brings ease to the couple getting married
- It gives them the opportunity to decide on vows
- Provides an opportunity for the couple to get to know the JP / Officiant and the JP / Officiant to know the couple
- An initial meeting with me is considered to be a Pre-nuptial meeting.
- My fee for a Pre-nuptial meeting is $50.00 and is due on the day of the of the Pre-nuptial meeting
What does an Officiant Wear at a Ceremony?
- A black robe for a more formal wedding. If a bride is wearing a gown, and a groom is wearing a suit or tux, the appropriate thing for your officiant
to do is to always wear their robe. (Not their bathrobe -- of course!!!) - Business attire for an informal wedding (beach or backyard ceremony)
How Does a Couple Renew Their Vows?
- Basically it is very similar to a wedding ceremony
- It can be a small or large ceremony
- Renewal vows are available
OFFICIANT FEES
(PLEASE CLICK ON THE FEES LINK FOR MORE DETAILS)
- My fee for officiating a wedding / renewal of vows is $150.00. (This is the minimum fee set by Massachusetts State Law.)
- If however, the ceremony takes place in my hometown of Malden, and the couple resides in Malden, my fee is $100.00.
- If a Malden couple weds outside of Malden, the fee is $150.00.
- My one time, face-to-face meeting, regardless whether it is called a"Pre-nuptial", "Planning", "Consultation" or "Interview" meeting is $50.00.
- My fee for a rehearsal is $150.00. (There will be no additional cost if your wedding party arrives on time.)
- A 50% non-refundable deposit to reserve your wedding date on Carol's calendar is required
- The only additional charge is for parking fees and tolls. If your ceremony is being held in a hotel where you are charged a parking fee, that fee,
whatever it may be for that particular hotel / function hall, must be included as well.
- Payment for a pre-nuptial meeting, a wedding rehearsal, or the wedding ceremony is appreciated on the day that it is scheduled.
perform your ceremony until I view the expiration date on your Marriage License. Secondly,once the ceremony ends, couples are very excited to go and
take part in the picture session of their wedding. An officiant does not feel comfortable, nor do they want to interfere in this special part of your
wedding. In addition, most JPs must leave to perform other ceremonies. Therefore, to make it easier for all, it is best to put the officiant payment in the
same envelope with the Marriage License and give it to the best man to hand to the officiant upon arrival of your ceremony. I do not charge for writing
your wedding vows. I believe that this should be included in your ceremony fee.
scam has developed – since the "one-day-marriage / special license to marry" has become allowed by some states -- some individuals, certainly not all
by any means, "pretend" to hire a Justice of the Peace to officiate over their wedding ceremony. Once they lock in their date, they receive vows written
by their officiant. Later, they contact their officiant to inform him / her that they have decided to apply for the “one day / special license for a friend /
family member to marry them. “We love your vows, however we no longer need your services.” is the usual line, but not always. While this is, of
course, a special day for them to always remember, what is not being remembered is that these vows were not written by their friend or family
member, and therefore, these vows, are not their property to use. Nor should they feel good about themselves for using them. If a friend or family
member wants to perform the ceremony, that is wonderful and of course, very special, however that friend or family member should write the vows.
In addition, the officiant, very kindly, and without taking a deposit -- based on “trust”, locked in the date of their ceremony in his / her calendar, believing
that his / her services were now booked on that specific date and time. In turn, they tell other potential clients who really want their services that they
are not available, because they believe that they are not.
Having said that, effective immediately, while I do not charge for vows, I now require a $50.00 non-refundable deposit, which is part of your $150.00
ceremony fee. Should you decide to cancel your wedding date in my calendar, regardless of your reason, this fee will not be returned. Once you have
hired my services, I ask that you immediately send out a check payable to: Carol J. Merletti (Address will be given upon our initial conversation.)
I feel horrible that it has had to come to this. I have always been known to work with my clients based on their word, trust, and commitment, because I
truly love what I do. But I have learned quickly that I can no longer depend on this because of a certain few who took advantage of my trust. My time,
and my efforts that I provide to my clients are very valuable and precious to me. It is a great feeling knowing that I am known for the good work that I
provide to all of my clients. I take great pride in the vows that I have written for each and everyone one of my clients to make them personal. But now I
can no longer over look the small number of people who have taken advantage of my good nature. Therefore, I can not, and will not, allow others to take
credit for materials that I have written, and will, without a doubt, pursue the matter legally. If you are using materials written by Carol J. Merletti – I will
pursue it.
| (c) Copyright – Carol J. Merletti – Weddingofyourdesire.com. All rights reserved. The information on this page may not be reproduced, republished or mirrored, in whole or in part, on another webpage or website without the expressed written consent of the copyright holder and is strictly prohibited by International Copyright Law. |
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