(Please view fees at the bottom of this web page OR click on the FEES Link to the right of this page.)

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 INFORMATION

Marriage License and Officiant Payment: are due before the ceremony begins. There are two reasons for this. First, and most importantly, 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!

Ceremony Time and Guest Arrival: It is extremely, extremely important that all guests arrive on time so that the ceremony can start on 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.

Rehearsals: There will also never be any additional cost to you other than my fee of $200.00 for my attending your rehearsal, if however, your wedding party shows up on time.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I WORK FULL TIME, THEREFORE, WITH THAT IN MIND, AND BECAUSE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO ATTEND REHEARSALS BEFORE 7:00 P.M.

RELIGIOUS / NON-RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

While I am Catholic, I am not a practicing Catholic. Therefore, I will and do perform all types of ceremonies based upon your religious belief. However, 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.

Non-Denominational Ceremonies: A non-denominational is a ceremony that is not of a particular denomination and is based upon what couples want for their ceremony.

ReligiousCeremonies: 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 Ceremonies: 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.

InterfaithCeremonies: A combination or blend of religions ranging from only some religion to being entirely religious.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CEREMONY

Can a couple select their own vows?

• 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?

• While you do have to repeat a few things after your officiant, your officiant does most of the speaking.
• 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, I strongly encouragage you to include others in your ceremony.
• 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., just 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 $200.00 and is due on the day of the ceremony rehearsal.

Is it necessary for a Pre-Nuptial Meeting With Our Officiant?

• 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 TO THE RIGHT FOR MORE DETAILS)

STANDARD CEREMONY

• The fee for a Standard, yet Meaningful Wedding Ceremony consisting of ~ exchanging of wedding vows, exchanging of wedding rings, a blessing, and the pronouncement of marriage / renewal is:

$150.00

Ceremony takes place outside of my hometown of Malden.

$100.00

• The fee for a Customized Wedding Ceremony includes all of the above Standard Wedding Vows, as well as other options, such as the exchange of personal vows written by the couple, personal vows spoken from parents to their children in second marriages, readings by family members, and / or friends, Unity Candle, Sand Ceremony, Stone Ceremony, Wine, Box, and Love Letter Ceremony, Hands of the Bride and Groom Ceremony, Rose Ceremony, Handfasting, Remembrance of Loved Ones Poem, Breaking of the Glass, Signing of the Ketubah, etc.

$200.00

(Ceremony takes place outside of my hometown of Malden)

$150.00

(Ceremony takes place in of my hometown of Malden)

HOLIDAY CEREMONY

• If your ceremony takes place on a holiday, or the evening before a holiday, if I am available, regardless of it being a standard or customized ceremony, or where ever I have to travel, the straight fee is:

$300.00

WEDDING REHEARSAL

$200.00

• There will be no additional cost if your wedding party arrives on time.

• There is a lot involved in a wedding rehearsal, therefore, because most rehearsals are held on a weeknight, it is very important to inform your wedding party that they must keep weekday traffic in mind. If they are aware that a rehearsal starts at 7:00 p.m, it is wise for them to leave at a reasonable hour to arrive by 6:45 p.m. This also gives the couple getting married plenty of time to drop off any items that they will need to leave at their ceremony venue beforehand.

DEPOSIT

$50.00

• A $50.00 non-refundable deposit to reserve your wedding date in Carol's calendar is required. Please note that this deposit will be deducted from your balance due, and you will indeed receive a confirmation of deposit via email for your records.

• Once your date is entered into my calendar, and should you cancel my services, this deposit will not be refunded.

FACE-TO-FACE MEETING

$50.00

• This is a one time fee regardless whether you are shopping around for the right fit with an officiant, or it is considered a:

* Pre-nuptial
* Planning
* Consultation

OR

* Interview

• This payment is due at the completion of our meeting. This also applies to meetings with me when you are, what is known as, "shopping around" for an officiant. While I absolutely respect you for looking to "find the right officiant" who you will feel most comfortable with for your special day, as you should, because this is a very most important day in your life, at the same time, my time is precious to me, as well as very limited, but it is still time that I am providing to you, regardless of your hiring me. In addition to working full time, marrying couples, and attending wedding rehearsals, I meet with lots of couples. I could not possibly do this without charging. I know of no other wedding officiant who does not charge a fee for meeting with couples.

• Having said that, a Face-to-Face Meeting is not always required, nor necessary. We can chat via phone to see if this is even needed.

• You should also feel comforted in the fact that what you see on my website is me. This is my personality. I like to consider myself as being unique, fun, and very caring. Each and every one of my clients have, and are, treated as individuals and with special care. While some of my clients have required lots of my time, and others have not, each couple has always been treated with my utmost respect and attention. With my experience of marrying over 600 couples, I am confident in my ability to provide all couples with a high quality wedding of their dreams.

NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES OTHER THAN PARKING AT VENUES WHO REQUIRE A FEE

• The only additional charge is for parking fees. 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. Finding a parking spot in Boston / Cambridge is extremely difficult, and in order to keep me from being late, it is always best to be able to park at the venue where the ceremony is taking place.

GRATUITIES / TIPPING YOUR OFFICIANT

• I am often asked the question if I should be tipped for my services. My answer to them is that is up to you. I am uncomfortable with answering this question. There is no correct answer for this question. This is basically based upon what you believe your officiant is worth, as well as, what you believe, is the right thing to do. However, keeping in mind that your officiant is the person who is providing you with a service for the most important part of your wedding day -- your wedding vows -- tips / gratuities are always appreciated. This lets your officiant know what you thought about their services, and is a minor fee compared to what you are paying to your other wedding vendors. In addition, some people are under the impression that a Massachusetts Justice of the Peace is a paid employee by the State of Massachusetts. We are not. We are appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts, however we do not receive any monies, or salaries, from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

NOTES

• 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.

CEREMONY VOWS

I do not charge for writing your wedding vows. I believe that this should be included in your ceremony fee. However.......

Ceremony Vows that are written by me, an officiant, are the sole property of Carol J. Merletti, Weddingofyourdesire.com and are copyrighted. Sadly, a 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, whichwill be deducted from yourceremony 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 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.