NauticalVows

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What do we need to get married?

There are three mandatory requirements for a wedding in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
1. The two people intending to get married
2. The officiant
3. A valid marriage license.


How do we go about getting a marriage license in Massachusetts?

You must both apply in person for a marriage license. You must have photo ID’s and provide proof of your age.
This requirement is applicable for both residents and non-residents of the Commonwealth. According to Massachusetts law you must jointly file intentions to marry, and you may do so with the city or town clerk in any community in the state. A marriage license, once obtained, is valid for 60 days from the date intentions are filed and may be used in any Massachusetts city or town. It is not valid outside the state.


Is there a waiting period from the date of application to the date the license is issued?

Yes, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period. While Sundays
and holidays are included in the three days, the day the application
is made is not. So if you apply on Friday, your application should be
ready on Monday, or after. Check with your specific City or Town Hall,
to avoid any confusion.


Do we need any witnesses present at our ceremony?

No. Massachusetts law does not require that witnesses be present at your ceremony.


What is the cost of a marriage license?

Fees in most communities range from $4 and $15 dollars. The state statute stipulates a fee of $4 for a license but allows cities and towns by a vote of their city councils, board of selectmen or town meeting, or by a change in the by-laws, to set their own fee.


Is a medical certificate required before a license can be issued?

On October 29, 2004 the Governor signed into law Chapter 388 of the Acts of 2004, formerly known as House Bill 75. This law repeals section 28 of c.207 M.G.L., eliminating the premarital medical certificate requirement for marriage in Massachusetts. Therefore, effective January 28, 2005 (90 days after signing) medical certificates will no longer be a requirement for issuance of a marriage license.


Are you willing to perform a ceremony anywhere?

Almost anywhere. Since I am a Justice of the Peace in Massachusetts, it would have to take place somewhere within the Commonwealth, or within the navigable waterways of Massachusetts, such as Vineyard Sound, the Cape Cod Canal, Boston Harbor or on the beach in Plymouth. The possibilities for a nautical location are endless. If you own a boat, we can perform the ceremony on board, or I could arrange to charter one. In front of a lighthouse is always a great spot. For locations that call for sound amplification, I can provide a portable audio system with a wireless lapel microphone.


How can we enhance the meaning of our ceremony?

All weddings are special and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make your wedding day memorable and unforgettable. To do this, you can incorporate a variety of elements into your ceremony, such as remembering loved ones, including musical breaks or readings, honoring family and friends, exchanging roses, incorporating a sand ceremony, or lighting a unity candle. This is your special day and together we can create a unique and personalized ceremony that will be unforgettable, to you and to all that attend.


Can we write our own vows and design our own ceremony?

Absolutely. The more involvement that you have in the design process, the more meaningful it will be for you. Designing the ceremony is a joint effort. I encourage you to write all or some of your own vows. Or if you prefer, I can offer you a wide variety of wedding vows that you may choose from. At our initial meeting prior to the ceremony, we can spend some time discussing exactly the type of ceremony that you would like. It’s your ceremony; I'll work with you to design the exact ceremony that you want.


What will you be wearing during the ceremony?

For a nautical theme wedding, I will be happy to perform the ceremony in my full Captain’s uniform. For a summer wedding this would mean my dress white uniform. During the late fall, winter, or early spring it would be my dress blues. If you prefer, I can alter my attire to be more traditional or casual for a non-nautical theme ceremony.


Do we have to speak at the ceremony?

Only if you want to. Massachusetts law provides a lot of latitude in what is, and isn’t, required at wedding ceremonies. You can get away with as little as just saying, “I do.”


Can others be included in the ceremony?

Definitely. There are many ways to include family members and friends in the ceremony. For example, your loved ones can do readings, walk down the aisle, carry the rings, participate in a candle lighting, and more. There are unlimited possibilities.


Do we need rings?

No. While they are traditional, rings are not required. Generally rings are exchanged to seal the vows.


What is your fee for performing the ceremony?

Designing a unique and personalized ceremony often requires a good deal of time and preparation. This planning and preparation, which includes the pre-nuptial meeting, any incidentals involved, the distance I need to travel to your wedding ceremony, as well as filing the required paperwork after the wedding, are all factors that I consider when determining this fee. I would also charge an additional fee if I am required to attend a rehearsal.


Do we have to hold a rehearsal?

This is not a “must.” But a rehearsal would be important if you are planning anything more than just a basic wedding. It gives everyone, not just the couple getting married, an opportunity to become familiar with their roles in the wedding ceremony. It is also a great social event, giving the 2 families a chance to get to meet each other, if they haven't already done so.


Can you renew our vows?

Yes. Vow renewal ceremonies are a meaningful way of demonstrating a continuous commitment to a marital union. It would be my pleasure to participate in your vow renewal ceremony. Allow me to help you design a ceremony to celebrate a renewal of your vows.


Do you perform same sex marriages?

Same sex marriages are the law in Massachusetts and ALL people deserve the
same rights by law. I am proud of being a part of any two people that love each
other so much that they wish to be united in matrimony.

When will your Justice of the Peace commission expire?

My commission expires on August 28, 2009, but I do plan to renew it with the State for another seven year term.


How does your schedule look for 2009?

I've already booked a number of weddings in 2009, so email or call me as soon as you've decided that a nautical theme wedding is the way you want to go for your wedding ceremony.


Can you take us out on a boat to marry us?

I don't own a boat, but I can arrange to charter a boat for a couple of hours if that's what you want to do. I'm only commissioned to solemnize marriages inside Massachusetts waters, so we'd need to stay within 12 miles of the coast. Chartering a boat could get costly, and there's never any guarantee of how the weather will be.