Massachusetts Justice of the Peace
Stoddard H. Melhado
Massachusetts Justice of the Peace
Stoddard H. Melhado
A Unique Approach to Weddings
A Unique Approach to Weddings
The Process:
The Process:
To be married in Massachusetts, you must obtain a Massachusetts Marriage License, plan a ceremony, and select someone to officiate
To be married in Massachusetts, you must obtain a Massachusetts Marriage License, plan a ceremony, and select someone to officiate
Learn and understand the process of getting married with the help of Personalized Marriage Ceremonies in Littleton, Massachusetts.
Obtaining a Marriage License:
Obtaining a Marriage License:
- Appear jointly before any town or city clerk in Massachusetts -- it does not have to be the town or city where you will be married
- Bring identification and a valid proof of age -- birth certificate or driver's license
- You must be 18 years old to obtain a marriage license
- Blood tests are not required
- There is a three day waiting period (weekends and holidays included)
- The license is valid for 60 days from the date that you first applied
- Fees are set by the individual cities and towns
Your Ceremony:
Your Ceremony:
- Contact me to reserve your date
- Meet with me to begin discussing the elements that will make your ceremony special and personal -- usually an hour
- Continue planning through telephone conversations and/ or e-mails -- readings, vows, ring statements, and special ceremonies like the wine box and love letters or handfasting -- until the ceremony is precisely the way you want it
- Have a rehearsal with me and all parties involved in the ceremony to make certain that things will go perfectly on your special day
- Have the wedding of your dreams -- your wedding, your way
My Fees:
My Fees:
The fees for Justices of the Peace officiating at a wedding are set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Initial Consultation...$50.00
- Officiating at a wedding in the Town of Littleton...$100.00
- Officiating at a wedding outside the Town of Littleton...$150.00
- Attending a rehearsal in the Town of Littleton...$100.00
- Attending a rehearsal outside the Town of Littleton...$150.00
- Vow renewals in the Town of Littleton...$100.00
- Vow renewals outside the Town of Littleton...$150.00
A $50.00 deposit is required to secure a specific date.
A $50.00 deposit is required to secure a specific date.
I am not allowed to charge for mileage; however, if your venue is more than 30 miles from Littleton, I hope you will consider some compensation.
I am not allowed to charge for mileage; however, if your venue is more than 30 miles from Littleton, I hope you will consider some compensation.
All fees must be paid prior to the ceremony.
Parking fees to be compensated. ​
A portion of every fee I receive is donated to Greyhound Friends, Inc.
References gladly provided upon request.