First and foremost, you must obtain a marriage license!

 

1. How do we obtain a marriage license?
You must apply for a marriage license at your local city or town hall. Both partners must be present to file the application. Call them or visit their website for additional information.

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2. What services do you provide as a Justice of the Peace?
I officiate weddings, civil ceremonies, and elopements. I can perform ceremonies in English, Spanish, or both languages. Each ceremony is personalized to reflect the couple's wishes and unique relationship.

 

3. What is included in your fee?

• JP Fee: $100 in home community, $150 outside of home community

• Up to 1 hour of service
  The fee covers the ceremony itself and my travel to your chosen location if required. An invoice will be provided in advance to reserve your date and time.

 

4. Are there any additional fees?

• Travel Fee: $50 and up

• Additional or waiting time over the 1-hour of service will be charged at the rate of $100/hr or $25 for each quarter hour ($25, $50, $75, $100).

• Procurement of additional services, such as locations, photographers, flowers, etc.

 

5. What do we need to bring on our wedding day?
To ensure a smooth ceremony, I will need the following:

• Your city- or town-issued marriage license

• One of the following valid forms of identification for each partner:

  • Driver’s License

  • State-issued ID

  • Passport

 

6. What is the least expensive, least formal marriage option?
This happens often when the couple wants to get married on a special date or plans on having a formal wedding at a later time, and entails the couple coming to my location at 345 Harrison Avenue in Boston’s South End and bringing the following:

• Your city- or town-issued marriage license

• One of the following valid forms of identification for each partner:

  • Driver’s License

  • State-issued ID

  • Passport

• JP Fee: $100

 

7. Can you include personal vows in the ceremony?
Yes! I can pause during the ceremony for you to exchange your personal vows. I highly recommend preparing your own vows in advance, as they will be far more heartfelt and meaningful than anything I can provide.

 

8. Can you perform the ceremony outdoors or at unique venues?
Let's discuss! I am happy to officiate in a variety of settings, including outdoor locations, rooftops, parks, private homes, and other venues. However, for outdoor ceremonies, I recommend having a backup plan in case of inclement weather.

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9. Do you perform ceremonies outside of your home community?
Yes, I do. My home community is Boston’s South End, and I serve all neighborhoods in the City of Boston. I also perform ceremonies within Greater Boston (including Cambridge, Brookline, and surrounding areas).

 

10. How do I book your services?
Follow this link to reserve your date and time. We will follow up with a phone conversation to discuss the details of your ceremony. Once all expectations and details are clearly understood, I will send you a detailed invoice for the agreed-upon amount via email.

Prepayment of the JP and travel fees is required to secure your desired date and time.

 

11. How long does a typical ceremony take, and how long are you available?
Most ceremonies are short and sweet, lasting approximately 5-15 minutes. The timing can vary depending on whether you include personal vows, readings, or other elements. I am available to stay for up to 1 hour to accommodate your ceremony. Additional time will incur an extra charge.

 

12. Do we need witnesses present at the ceremony?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not require witnesses.

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13. What happens if we need to reschedule or cancel?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know as soon as possible. I will do my best to accommodate your new date. If there was a retainer, it will be applied to the new date or refunded.

 

14. What areas do you serve?
As a Justice of the Peace, I serve the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but I primarily serve the City of Boston and the Greater Boston area.

 

15. Can we customize the ceremony script?
Yes! I am happy to work with you to customize the ceremony. Let me know if you want to include readings, cultural traditions, or specific elements that are meaningful to you.

 

16. What is your preferred method of communication?

• Leading up to the wedding: Telephone or email.

• Day of the wedding: Telephone or text message.

 

17. Do you officiate ceremonies for all couples?
Absolutely. I proudly support and celebrate ALL couples who wish to be married. Love is Love is Love, and I hold space for everyone.

 

If you have any additional questions or would like to move forward with booking my services, feel free to reach out. I would be honored to officiate your special day!

 

Contact Information:
 

Alina de Varona
Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
617-213-0703
alinadevarona@gmail.com

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