Nancy Martin Binder – Justice of the Peace
It is my pleasure to assist you in creating the wedding ceremony you desire. I encourage those who wish to personalize the ceremony by writing part or all of the vows, special readings, or anything else that makes the ceremony unique to you. I also have a simple standard ceremony for those who simply wish not to worry about such things.
These are my policies regarding bookings of wedding ceremonies:
- What is the fee? Massachusetts law provides that a Justice of the Peace may charge $100.00 dollars for a ceremony in the community that the person lives in and $150.00 dollars if the Justice of the Peace must go out of town. Therefore, if the ceremony is in Gardner, the fee will be $100.00 and if outside of Gardner, $150.00.
- When is the fee due? The fee must be paid at the time of the booking of the wedding ceremony. The fee must be paid in cash or by money order for weddings booked within two weeks of the ceremony.
- Your place or mine? Wedding ceremonies can be performed in my home or yours, halls, backyards, parks, etc. A nice idea in summer weather is Dunn’s Park.
- What happens to the fee if the wedding is canceled? The fee will be refunded upon prompt notification of a canceled ceremony. No refunds will be available for weddings canceled within seven (7) days of the wedding date.
- What do I need to bring to the wedding? Assuming the fee has been paid in advance, all you need to bring to the wedding is the marriage license. You do not need witnesses as Massachusetts law does not require witnesses.
- How long does the ceremony take? This can vary widely depending upon how much personal input the parties choose. A simple ceremony should be completed in about fifteen minutes.
- How do I obtain my marriage certificate after the wedding? Go to your local city or town hall a few days after the wedding to pick up a certified copy. If you need a certificate immediately, let me know.
- Please be prompt! Remember weddings are usually on weekends and holidays. I may have several weddings scheduled for a particular day. Your wedding ceremony should begin within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. I will wait no more than 30 minutes. It is unfair to make my next scheduled wedding late.
- For the larger weddings: I do appreciate your thoughtfulness in including me for the meal. Please do not order a meal for me unless we have specifically discussed this. I feel terrible when people have paid for a meal for me, only to find out that I need to leave for another wedding.
- Please complete the attached form and mail to me with your check to cover the fee. Weddings will not be booked until the form is completed and the fee received.
- Please telephone me to confirm plans 3-5 days prior to the wedding. As you well know, anything can happen to your plans or mine and a final confirmation can go far in relieving anxiety.
- REMEMBER there is a three day waiting period between application for marriage license and the issuance of the license so don’t wait until the last minute to obtain your marriage license.
- If your wedding ceremony is to take place in a location unfamiliar to me, please include a map or a good set of directions – I want to be on time and I don’t want to get lost!
- Rehearsals: I have been a Justice of the Peace for twenty years and have performed hundreds of wedding ceremonies. It is not usually necessary for me to attend a rehearsal. Usually, you just tell me where to stand when I arrive at the wedding. If, however, you wish me to attend a rehearsal, there will be an added fee of $100.00 in Gardner and $150.00 if the rehearsal is outside of Gardner.
- I do work with associates in performing marriage ceremonies. Therefore, if I am unable to perform a wedding due to a scheduling conflict, it may be possible to refer you to another duly authorized individual to officiate at your wedding. Please indicate on the booking form whether you wish that I personally perform the ceremony or if you would like to be referred to an associate, if I am unable to accommodate your plans.
Please do not hesitate to call me if you have questions, or if you need help or suggestions. If you wish, I can schedule a meeting with you prior to the wedding date to review the ceremony. There is a consultation fee of $100.00 per hour, provided under the Massachusetts General Laws.
Best wishes for a wonderful and memorable wedding day!
