A justice of the peace wedding is a popular choice for couples who want a simple, secular, and budget-friendly ceremony. It is a legal and non-religious option for couples who want to avoid the stress and expense of a traditional wedding. While a justice of the peace wedding can save couples thousands of dollars, it is still possible to make the occasion feel special. Couples can choose to carry a bridal bouquet, hire a photographer, and even write their own vows to personalise the ceremony. After the civil ceremony, couples often host a celebration with family and friends, creating a memorable and meaningful wedding day.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Affordability | Save thousands of dollars |
Customization | Personalized vows, readings, music, rituals |
Venue | Various locations, from courthouses to outdoor venues |
Guest list size | Small or large gatherings |
Bridal bouquet | Carry a bouquet of fresh flowers |
Photography | Hire a photographer or ask a friend |
Wedding vows | Say your own vows |
Registry | Register for wedding gifts |
After-party | Celebrate with a party after the ceremony |
What You'll Learn
Carry a bridal bouquet
Carrying a bridal bouquet is an easy way to make a justice of the peace wedding feel more special. Although a justice of the peace wedding is often chosen for its simplicity, carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers can make the bride feel bridal, even if she chooses not to wear a traditional wedding gown.
The bridal bouquet is a long-standing wedding tradition, and it is a simple way to make the day feel more special. The bouquet can be as simple or as elaborate as the bride wishes, and it can be made from fresh flowers or artificial ones. The bouquet can be chosen to match the bride's dress, or to complement the colours of the wedding.
The bouquet can be made by a professional florist, or it can be put together by the bride herself. If the bride chooses to make her own bouquet, she can select flowers that have a special meaning to her, or she can use flowers that are in season for a more cost-effective option.
Carrying a bridal bouquet is a small detail, but it can add a touch of elegance and tradition to a simple justice of the peace wedding. It is a way to make the bride feel special and help her stand out, even in an intimate ceremony. The bouquet can also be kept as a memento of the day, dried and preserved, or the flowers can be pressed and framed.
A bridal bouquet is a simple yet effective way to elevate a justice of the peace wedding and make it feel more traditional without adding the stress and cost of a large ceremony.
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Hire a photographer
A justice of the peace wedding can be a great way to save money, but you'll still want to remember the day. Hiring a photographer is a great way to make your wedding feel more special. You can ask a friend who's good at taking pictures, or you can hire a professional.
If you decide to hire a professional photographer, it's a good idea to start your search in the region where your wedding will take place. You can use online resources like FindaJP.com to find a list of JPs in your state, which may also include photographers. It's important to act quickly, as in-demand photographers can book weddings nine to twelve months, or even more than a year, in advance.
When evaluating potential photographers, consider their qualifications, philosophy, experience, and testimonials. It's also a good idea to write down your criteria and checklist beforehand. Some questions to consider include:
- Do you want your photographer to also be your officiant?
- Does their style align with the vision you have for your ceremony?
- Are they able to capture the specific moments and rituals that are important to you?
- Are they experienced in photographing weddings, and do they have references or a portfolio you can review?
- What are their fees, and are you comfortable with their pricing?
Once you've found the right photographer, be sure to confirm your agreement in writing and provide a deposit to reserve your wedding date.
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Write your own vows
Writing your own wedding vows is a tremendous undertaking. You might feel the pressure to perfectly and authentically capture your love, hopes, and promises—a feat that may seem impossible. Here are some tips and tricks to help you write your own vows.
Voice Admiration
When it comes to how to start wedding vows, think about expressing your affection. You've gathered your most beloved friends and family to celebrate your marriage—now is the time to get a little sappy and gush about your partner publicly.
Vision Casting for the Future
What kind of home do you want to build? What do you want to be true of your lives together as a couple? Paint an image for your partner of the life you can't wait to build with them by your side. Incorporating vision-casting into your wedding vow structure is a great way to start your new life stage with your partner.
Include Stories
Pick one or two stories that illustrate your partnership. Pick ones that wedding guests will be able to resonate with, even if they weren't present when the events of the story first took place. Avoid inside jokes as these may be confusing for your guests.
Make Solid Promises
Life together won't always be easy and breezy, and your promises should reflect that. As you're writing your wedding vows, think both about the great heights you want to aspire to with your partner, but also your enduring love that will bind you together in hard times. Voice the commitments you want to stick to for the rest of your life from your wedding day forward, throughout both the good and the bad.
Connect with the Audience and Conclude
Like any good essay or article, you need a section to wrap things up. When it comes to how to end wedding vows, you can use these last few sentences to briefly reiterate the parts of your vows that feel most poignant before neatly tying things up with a bow.
Tips for Writing Vows
- Read plenty of examples.
- Agree on a tone and format with your partner.
- Include stories, but avoid embarrassment.
- Avoid absolute words like "always" and "never."
- Embrace sentimentality.
- Seek inspiration from pop culture.
- Make a fresh copy for the ceremony.
- Stash them in a safe place.
- Practice makes perfect.
- Indicate pauses and intonation.
- Ask a trusted friend to listen.
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Create a gift registry
A justice of the peace wedding is a popular choice for couples who are not religious, who want to save money, or who want to keep things simple. Even though the wedding is simpler, you can still create a wedding registry for gifts. Here are some tips for creating a gift registry for a justice of the peace wedding:
Choose a Variety of Items
When creating your registry, select a range of items at different price points to accommodate various budgets. This can include smaller items like kitchen utensils or appliances, as well as more expensive items such as home décor, electronics, or luggage. This way, your guests will have a variety of options to choose from.
Consider Your Needs as a Couple
Think about the items you need as a couple, especially those that will be useful in your daily lives. For example, if you enjoy cooking together, you could register for high-quality cookware or a fancy stand mixer. Perhaps you love entertaining guests; in that case, you could add nice dinnerware sets, serving platters, or a stylish bar cart to your registry.
Opt for Experiences or Activities
If you're not too keen on physical gifts, you can suggest experiences or activities instead. For instance, you could register for a wine-tasting class, a spa day, or even a romantic weekend getaway. This way, your guests can contribute to creating memorable experiences for you as a couple.
Provide a Mix of Stores
It is a good idea to register at multiple stores to give your guests options and make it convenient for them. You can include a mix of department stores, speciality shops, and online retailers. This way, your guests can choose a store that suits their preferences and budget.
Include a Donation Option
If you and your partner already have most of what you need, you could suggest that guests donate to a charity or cause that is close to your hearts instead of giving physical gifts. This way, you can use your special day to raise awareness and funds for a meaningful cause while still honouring the spirit of gift-giving.
Remember, your wedding registry is a way for your loved ones to celebrate and support your new life together. Don't be afraid to ask for what you truly want or need, and your guests will be delighted to contribute to your happiness.
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Host a post-wedding celebration
Hosting a post-wedding celebration is a great way to make your justice of the peace wedding feel extra special. Here are some tips to help you plan a memorable celebration:
Choose a Venue
Opt for a venue that suits the size of your guest list and the ambiance you want to create. Restaurants or banquet halls are popular choices, as they often include tables, chairs, food, and music, making the planning process easier and more affordable. If you prefer something more intimate, consider hosting the celebration at your home or in a picturesque outdoor setting, such as a garden or beach.
Timing is Key
When deciding on a date for your celebration, consider the availability of your desired venue and guests. Celebrating shortly after the wedding can help maintain the excitement and joy of the occasion.
Create a Guest List
A justice of the peace wedding often has a smaller guest list, so you may want to use the post-wedding celebration to invite additional friends and family to join in the festivities. Consider whether you want a more intimate gathering or a larger party and plan your guest list accordingly.
Set a Budget
Justice of the peace weddings are known for being budget-friendly, and the same can be true for the post-wedding celebration. Determine how much you want to spend on the celebration and allocate your budget accordingly. Remember that you can still have a wonderful celebration on a tighter budget by being mindful of costs.
Plan the Details
Decide on the food, drinks, music, and decorations for your celebration. You can keep it simple or go all out, depending on your preferences and budget. If you want a more casual atmosphere, a potluck-style meal or barbecue can be a fun and interactive option. For a more formal affair, consider a sit-down dinner with live music or a DJ.
Make it Personal
Add personal touches to your celebration to make it unique and memorable. This could include personalised vows, special readings, music, or rituals that hold significance for you as a couple. You can also incorporate cultural elements or traditions that are important to you.
Capture the Memories
Hire a photographer or ask a talented friend to capture the celebration through photos or videos. That way, you can relive the special moments and share them with those who couldn't attend.
Remember, the post-wedding celebration is about commemorating your love and new life together, so focus on what matters most to you as a couple, and don't be afraid to make it your own!
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Frequently asked questions
A Justice of the Peace wedding can be made special by incorporating personal touches such as carrying a bridal bouquet, hiring a photographer, and reciting personalised vows.
A Justice of the Peace offers a legal, non-religious, and affordable option for couples seeking a simple and secular ceremony. They can conduct weddings in various locations, from courthouses to outdoor venues, and provide guidance on legal requirements.
Start by confirming your wedding date and location, then search for Justices of the Peace in your region. Consider factors such as experience, gender preference, and their ability to understand and execute your vision for the ceremony.
You can personalise your Justice of the Peace wedding by incorporating special readings, music, and rituals that hold significance for you as a couple. You can also write your own vows to make the ceremony more intimate and meaningful.