How Much Is A Justice Of The Peace Wedding

If you’re curious about how much is a justice of the peace wedding, expect to spend at least $50 to $100. However, this payment depends on where you’ll have the civil wedding ceremony. 

We’ve also discussed below everything you need to know to get married by a justice of the peace. But for comparison, you can read how to hire an officiant for a wedding since there are many kinds of officiants you can have to perform a marriage ceremony. 

how much is a justice of the peace wedding

 

Everything To Know About How Much Is A Justice Of The Peace Wedding

 

Since there is no set fee for a justice of the peace cost, you must check your state’s website to be sure. For example, the justices of the peace in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may charge a maximum of $100 to solemnize a marriage within their home community. 

The fees for the solemnization of a marriage can go up to $150 if the justice of the peace will perform the ceremony in any other municipality. According to the state of Massachusetts, the justice of the peace can also charge an additional fee for the couple’s special requests, like rehearsals and prenuptial counseling. 

 

Why have a justice of the peace wedding?

Couples who want a secular wedding or have an interfaith marriage may have a justice of the peace civil marriage ceremony. And unlike a typical civil wedding, having your JP officiate outside the court is also possible. 

The couple who don’t want to feel limited with the venue or eloping can still have a valid unity from a justice of the peace. Just make sure to know your state’s marriage laws and requirements, such as obtaining a marriage license beforehand. 

 

Is a justice of the peace wedding legal?

The justice of the peace is among the qualified officiants who can perform a civil union. Remember that non-religious officiants conduct these marriage ceremonies like the court clerk, judge, or justice of the peace. 

Legal, religious ceremonies, on the other hand, should be conducted by a clergy member like a minister, priest, or rabbi. But in some states, you can also get ordained online to officiate a wedding legally. 

 

How Much Is A Justice Of The Peace In Ct?

Justices of the peace appointed in Connecticut are among the officiants who can legally perform a wedding in Connecticut. However, there are no set fees indicated for the marriages they conduct. 

Instead, the JP will set their fee, which can be affected by the type of ceremony and other services you may want. Like in most states, there is no standard fee for JPs performing a marriage ceremony in Connecticut. 

 

How To Hire A Justice Of The Peace

If you want a justice of the peace at your wedding as the officiant, here are the steps to do to hire them: 

  1. Talk with your partner and decide if you want to get married by the justice of the peace at the courthouse or a separate location
  2. Plan the type of ceremony you want to have and what other services you might like to request from the JP, such as counseling or them attending the rehearsal
  3. Check your state regulations to know who are the available JPs to officiate marriage ceremonies
  4. Ask the JPs about their costs for officiating a wedding and interview them to help both ends know what to expect 
  5. Make sure your justice of the peace is willing to do the ceremony you want, and their cost is suitable for your budget 
  6. Pay the JP’s fee and obtain the other wedding requirements like the marriage license
  7. Confirm the appointment and services with the JP and/or courthouse

Are you interested in getting married at a courthouse? Here’s what you need for a courthouse wedding to help you prepare everything. 

 

Where to find a justice of the peace for the wedding

Before anything else, please check if your state has an authorized list of JPs who can officiate marriage ceremonies. And depending on the state, you may need to contact the Justice Court, Country Clerk, Secretary of the State, Civil Court, or County District Court. 

You can always contact your county clerk’s office to know the cost and what else to accomplish for a civil ceremony. If your state does not have JPs authorized, you can always find a court officer who can legally conduct your marriage ceremony. 

 

What Is A Justice Of The Peace Wedding?

A justice of the peace wedding refers to a civil marriage ceremony performed by the justice of the peace. The justice of the peace can even officiate outside the court if the couple prefers another venue. 

Some references also use the term “Wedding Notary” synonymously with the justice of the peace. However, please check your state’s list of authorized JPs to ensure the legality of your union. 

 

How to make sure that your justice of the peace wedding is legal?

  • Accomplish all the marriage documents and requirements and ensure that you’re following your state laws
  • Choose a legally recognized JP to perform your wedding by getting recommendations from the Justice Court, depending on your state

 

Conclusion

Was this guide helpful? You just learned how much is a justice of the peace wedding, where it be between $50 to $100, depending on the state, type of ceremony, and other services you may want from the JP. 

There is no standard for the JP fee in some states, but you can always check your government’s official website. Let us know below if you have any questions. 

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