Wedding Ideas for a Justice of the Peace Wedding
If you and your fiance perform a small wedding ceremony performed by the Justice of the Peace, there are a number of ways to make this occasion meaningful and memorable. There are also different ceremonial styles to choose from that will celebrate your and your spouse-to-be's taste and preferences.
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Civil Ceremonies
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Justices of the Peace are qualified to perform civil ceremonies for couples, which means you can go to the courthouse to become legally married. These ceremonies are very small, and in some cases, only one or two witness are present. A poem or special reading can be performed before the Justice of the Peace leads the bride and groom in the exchanging of vows and pronounces the couple man and wife. You will also be allowed time to say something special to your spouse during the ceremony as well. Civil ceremonies usually do not include religious elements, and are more legal than spiritual.
Interfaith Ceremonies
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Couples can also choose to have an interfaith or interdenominational ceremony performed by the Justice of the Peace. Prayer and scriptural readings from friends and loved ones are welcomed for this event, and the bride and groom can request that the Justice of the Peace read passages from books such as the Bible or the Torah concerning the union of marriage. This is an ideal ceremony choice for couples who are spiritual, but of two different faiths. Incorporating the elements of both the bride and groom's religion will make the wedding especially meaningful for the couple and their families.
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Multicultural Ceremonies
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If you and your spouse-to-be are of different ethnicities, a wedding celebration can honor this. The Justice of the Peace can perform part of the ceremony in the native language of your or your future spouse's ethnic group, or you can both wear authentic wedding attire that represents the country you are from. There are also a number of symbols and significant actions you can include in the ceremony, such as the passing of 13 coins to the bride to symbolize the groom's willingness to provide for her (a practice common in Mexico), or extending wedding favors that symbolize prosperity called "confetti" to the small number of guests after the ceremony (an Italian tradition). Multicultural ceremonies do not have to have a religious element to them, but you may want to include this, as it is a vital part of some people's heritage and ethnic identity.
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