Free Marriage Ceremonies (Only) Available For Active Duty Military Personnel
PLEASE NOTE that although the Massachusetts Justices of the Peace are offering this to Servicemen / Servicewomen who are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, that I am offering my ceremony services free of charge (This excludes Prenup Meetings and Rehearsals. Those fees still apply.) to anyone who is currently active in the military regardless of where they are stationed, providing that the appropriate paperwork from the Military is presented.More than 170 members of the Massachusetts Justices of the Peace Association, Inc. (MJPA) have volunteered to officiate free of charge at weddings of any U. S. serviceman or woman currently on active duty serving in or being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.Justice Elizabeth Brennan Gemelli, President of the MJPA, who announced the service, explained that the serviceman or woman must be or soon will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. This service also applies to those active duty military personnel who are home on leave from Iraq or Afghanistan and wish to marry.” She said, adding, “This offer is being made in recognition of their service to our country.”She explained that MJPA members are volunteering their time and expertise “to qualified active duty military personnel who provide proper documentation and a valid Massachusetts Marriage License.”A list of Justices of the Peace who are participating in this service can be found on the Massachusetts Justices of the Peace Association website http://www.mjpa.org/ by clicking on the “Click here for the 2006 – 2007 JP’s who volunteered to officiate at Military Weddings – Pro Bono”.The list, which is updated frequently, is prepared alphabetically by city and town of the participating Justice of the Peace. Servicemen and woman are encouraged to call the Justice of the Peace closest to where the wedding will take place. Justice Carol J. Merletti of Malden has volunteered to provide this service. She can be contacted at 781-322-8857 or by e-mail at carol@weddingofyourdesire.com.
Free Marriage Ceremonies (Only) Available For Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters (This excludes Prenup Meetings and Rehearsals. Those fees still apply.)
In the summer of 2007, on my way to a wedding on the Odyssey Cruise Ship in Boston, I got stuck in the typical, hectic, Boston traffic, as well as, trying to maneuver around a major construction project which simply would not allow me to get to the ship. I left my home an hour and a half beforehand, but started to panic as the ceremony time was approaching. I finally saw two police officers sitting at a red light. I literally chased them as they started to move when the light changed. I was not going to be late for this wedding. After finally capturing their attention, I explain my dilemma. They were the nicest and coolest guys. They let me follow them to the ship. They showed me where to park, pointed out the ship, I thanked them and they left. Unfortunately, when I approached the ship, it turned out the be the Seaport Elite! I was instructed to walk to the Odyssey, which turned out to be quite the walk! I was not going to go back to my car and waste time. As I was running, I heard sirens. It was the two police officers coming back for me because as they were leaving, the spotted the Odyssey and realized that they left me at the wrong place! I couldn't believe it! They came back for me and they didn't even have to do that! Fortunately, they got me to my wedding on time, and as a result, I am going to be officiating one of the police officer's wedding ceremony in August -- and for free at that! He so deserves it! I gave them my business card and told them to spread the word to their fellow officers that because of their kindness, I will marry any police officer free of charge. (There is still a fee for a Prenup meeting and a Rehearsal, if needed.) I am also a very fortunate person to have four fire fighters and a fire Captain for neighbors, who have been very helpful to my family many times, therefore, I am offering my ceremony services to firefighters as well.
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