Elaine Baskin Justice of the Peace Worcester, MA
I love being a Justice of the Peace. It has a special meaning to me.
I love being a Justice of the Peace. It has a special meaning to me.
About Me
I've been a Justice of the Peace for more than 30 years. My varied background allows me to think out of the box. I began as a middle school teacher Then transitioned to life as a COBOL programmer. Leaving computers, I received Certification in Gerontology and began working with senior centers, with the blind, and with hospice. Next, I ventured into real estate primarily as a property manager. After 13 years, I slid into retirement and now volunteer in several places. I will always be a Justice of the Peace.
I love being a Justice of the Peace. I am flexible and willing to help plan what is important to you. Being a Justice of the Peace means helping a couple start life together. I will listen to you about the location, the role of your attendants, and your ideas of the ceremony. I probably can't help with bridesmaid colors or flowers, but I might have an opinion. I will answer as many questions as I can.
When a bride and groom ask me to be their JP, we create a bond, we work together with dreams and ideas that will create the wedding ceremony that is perfect for them I appreciate their trust to make the day perfect. We work together to create a unique ceremony that uses their ideas and my experience.
Finding the Perfect Justice of the Peace
What do you expect of a JP?
A Justice of the Peace will create a ceremony, officiate at the ceremony, and sign and return the wedding license.
What should you know before contacting a JP?
You should know the date of your marriage and the location. These may be flexible, but are guides to the availability of the JP. I ask that you complete a short contract for my records and include a deposit that seals our working together. I then reserve the date and time for you.
Other considerations.
- Will your wedding be formal or casual?
- Approximately how many guests?
- Do you want a brief ceremony just to be legally married or are you planning for a longer ceremony with options?
- Do you want to incorporate religious or family customs?
- Will the JP incorporate those customs or will a guest help with those?
- Will you write all or part of the ceremony or will the JP write a personalized ceremony for you?
- Will you write your own vows?
- Will you want family who cannot be with you remembered?
- Will friends or family participate in the ceremony?
- Will you exchange rings?
- Will you require a translator?
Thoughts on the ceremony
The Ceremony
Every part of your wedding ceremony reflects you as individuals and as a couple.
These are some of these parts that enhance your ceremony.
- readings: I have many. You may have your own..
- music: Something soft and beautiful or meaningful
- sand Unity streams: One of many small parts.
- rose First gifts: A small part which we can discuss.
- unity candle Commercially made or something you created.
- memorial services For people you have known and loved.
- your ideas.
I encourage incorporating old family traditions and creating new ones.
As part of the ceremony, I will help your attendants to be comfortable. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen will receive all the attention they need prior to the ceremony. The Maid of Honor will know when to take the bride's bouquet and when to straighten the bride's gown. She will know where to stand and when to follow the newly married couple away from the ceremony site.
Whether your ceremony is interfaith, same sex, a first marriage for both, or not, I will work with you to make your wedding day one to remember. I am flexible and looking forward to helping you with your exciting day.
Each ceremony is individual to the couple marrying. Almost anything can be incorporated into the ceremony.
- Interfaith: An interfaith marriage ceremony is created with respect to both religions or beliefs. Customs such as breaking a glass, repeating vows that are relevant to each religion, and wearing a head scarf will add to the cementing of the various religions.
- Same sex: Ceremonies are the same as any wedding.
- First marriage: Remember that marriage is not a Cinderella fairy tale of prince meets beautiful princess and live happily ever after.
- Marriage is compromise with respect to the person you love.
- Blended family: Small gifts can be given to the children, each receiving a necklace, ring or other symbolic item.
A button for a sample ceremony is at the top of my website
Brief outline of a wedding ceremony.
Procession
The CEREMONY begins with a welcome to guests,
and a discussion of marriage.
Often followed by music, a poem, or other contribution by family or friend.
There is an EXCHANGE of VOWS
and a bit more CEREMONY.
RINGS are exchanged
followed by the
Pronouncement of MARRIAGE.
FEE SCHEDULE
Small local wedding
$150.00
This is for a couple wanting to be legally married quickly. Often a larger ceremony will be held later
Ceremony with special instructions.
$200.00
The ceremony will include several attendants, sand pouring, glass breaking, family introduction and more. The ceremony is written specifically for the couple.
Complex ceremony beyond local area
$250 - $300
Much the same as the $200.00 ceremony with more input and more personal meetings. The ceremony may be anywhere in Massachusetts. Tolls, parking, and other specific expenses included
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