About Me

In 2002 I agreed to help a friend who was preparing to be a career counselor and as part of her training she asked me this question, "If you could choose to do anything - regardless of educational or training requirements - what three jobs would you like to do?" I've always loved weddings and I enjoy public speaking but I surprised myself when one of my answers was to be a Justice of the Peace. I used that response as a springboard to become a Justice and I have enjoyed the job more than I could have imagined.

I am always honored to be chosen to officiate at a couple's ceremony. All weddings are the same because they are happy and momentous occasions yet each one is different because each couple is unique. A wedding should reflect the personalities and interests of the couple and I will work with you to make the ceremony exactly as you wish.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve Got Questions — I’ve Got Answers

How do you work with couples who are planning to get married?

One we have agreed on the date and time of the wedding, I will send you a sample ceremony for you to review. It will contain suggested wording for the main components of the wedding:

• The Declaration of Intent (this is where you say, "I do")
• The Exchange of Vows and the Exchange of Rings

I will also suggest places where a song or reading can be inserted. You are free to select from the choices I offer, to edit or rewrite parts of the ceremony, or to decide on a ceremony entirely of your own creation.

A couple of weeks before the wedding, I will talk with you about what makes you unique. How you met and the interests you share, for example and I will incorporate this into the greeting to your guests.

If you want a simple ceremony without guests or witnesses, I am happy to accommodate this.

There are many lovely venues on the South Shore for a wedding and I perform weddings at locations outside, at restaurants, and function halls, and private homes.

What types of ceremonies do you perform?

I want your wedding to be exactly as you wish it to be. I am happy to do traditional or contemporary ceremonies. You are free to incorporate a religious theme or to have a secular ceremony. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has few requirements for a marriage so couples have a lot of flexibility in creating their ceremony.

Do you perform same sex ceremonies?

Absolutely!

Can our children participate in the ceremony?

Yes, I am happy to work with you and the children so they can have a role in this happy occasion.

What happens at the end of the ceremony?

I complete the officiant's portion of your marriage license and return it to the clerk in the city or town where you applied for your license. The clerk will certify the document as your marriage certificate. You can get a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the clerk.

Fees

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts sets fees for Justices of the Peace. The state says that a Justice may charge a fee of One hundred ($100) dollars to perform a marriage in their home community which for me is Scituate or a fee of one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars if the ceremony is performed in any other municipality. I charge the rate stipulated by Massachusetts.

I am happy to meet the couple and plan the ceremony at no additional charge.

I am also happy to participate in a rehearsal. The rehearsal fee is $100 if the wedding is in Scituate or $150 if the wedding is in another town.

Contact Me

Please contact me at 617-610-1979 or via email at maryloubutlerjp@gmail.com. I'm looking forward to helping you make your wedding perfect.

-MLB

Photos by Aimee Grace Photography