How to Make Your Justice of the Peace Wedding Special
A Justice of the Peace (JP) Wedding is a quick and simple way to say “I do,” Choosing a JP wedding signifies a desire for a straightforward and often intimate path to marriage. However, this simplicity doesn't necessitate a lack of personal expression or celebratory spirit. In fact, the very nature of a JP wedding provides a unique canvas upon which you can weave deeply personal touches, transforming a legal formality into a profoundly meaningful and unforgettable moment for you and your partner. In this guide, we'll share creative ideas to add personal touches to your Justice of the Peace wedding and turn it into a beautiful, intimate celebration that reflects your love story.
5 Creative Ideas to Make Your JP Wedding Special
1. Capture the Moment: Photography for Your JP Wedding
Just because a JP wedding is simple doesn't mean you should skip capturing the memories! Choose a scenic location, such as charming wedding chapel or a picturesque outdoor spot, for beautiful backgrounds that elevate your wedding photos.
Hire a Professional Photographer for Stunning Wedding Portraits:
Consider hiring a photographer who specializes in intimate weddings or elopements. They possess the skill to capture not just posed portraits, but also the subtle glances, the shared smiles, and the raw emotion of your ceremony. Discuss your vision with them, highlighting the intimacy and personal touches you're incorporating. A skilled photographer can suggest creative angles, utilize natural light to its advantage, and deliver a collection of images that you'll treasure for a lifetime. Think about capturing details like your attire, the setting, and any special elements you've included.
Ask a Friend or Family Member to Take Candid Photos:
If a professional photographer isn't in your budget, enlisting a trusted friend or family member with a good eye and a decent camera can be a wonderful alternative. Task them with capturing candid moments throughout the ceremony and any post-ceremony celebration. These unposed shots often reveal the most genuine emotions and tell the story of your day in a natural and heartfelt way. Provide them with a shot list of key moments you'd like documented.
Do DIY Wedding Photo Session:
For the truly budget-conscious or those who prefer complete privacy, a well-placed tripod and a smartphone with a good camera can work wonders. Explore apps that offer remote shutter control or consider setting a timer. While you might miss some candid shots, you can still capture beautiful portraits in a setting you've carefully chosen.
Pro Tip Expanded: When selecting your location, consider how the backdrop will enhance your photographs. A charming wedding chapel offers inherent romance, while a park or garden provides natural beauty and soft light. Historic landmarks add a touch of timeless elegance. Even your own home can be transformed with thoughtful décor. Scout your chosen location beforehand to identify the best spots for photos, considering lighting and potential distractions. If your ceremony is indoors, ensure the lighting is adequate for good-quality photos.
2. Choose a Meaningful Location for Your JP Ceremony
Many couples opt for courthouse weddings, but you can make your JP ceremony even more special by choosing a location with sentimental value or breathtaking scenery. Consider:
The Allure of a Cozy Wedding Chapel:
Many smaller chapels offer intimate settings specifically designed for meaningful vow exchanges. These spaces often have inherent charm and require minimal additional decoration. They provide a dedicated atmosphere that feels more ceremonial than a typical government building.
A Beautiful Park or Garden:
For couples who feel a deep connection to the outdoors, a park, a botanical garden, or even a scenic overlook can provide a breathtaking backdrop for your vows. Consider the time of year and choose a location that reflects the season's beauty. Ensure you have any necessary permits for an outdoor ceremony.
A Historic Landmark Wedding Venue:
A historic landmark, whether it's a charming old building, a museum with beautiful architecture, or even a significant spot in your town's history, can add a unique sense of character and timelessness to your wedding day. Research local landmarks that might allow small ceremonies.
Your Home or Barckyard Wedding:
Your own home or backyard offers unparalleled privacy and the opportunity to personalize every detail. You can decorate the space to reflect your style and create a truly intimate and comfortable atmosphere. This option is particularly meaningful if your home holds special memories for you as a couple.
Destination Intimacy:
Consider a mini destination wedding with just the two of you and your officiant in a place that holds significance for your relationship or a location you've always dreamed of visiting together. This could be a beach, a mountain retreat, or a charming European city.
Pro Tip Deep Dive: When considering locations, think about practicalities such as accessibility for any guests, parking, and the availability of restrooms. If you choose an outdoor location, have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Research any fees or permits required for your chosen venue. Visiting potential locations together can be a fun part of the planning process and help you visualize your ceremony.
3. Invite Close Friends & Family for an Intimate Celebration
While a JP wedding is often small by nature, carefully considering who you want present can significantly enhance the emotional resonance of the day.
Have a Few Witnesses:
Even if your state doesn't legally require witnesses, having a few close friends or family members present can add a layer of warmth and support to your ceremony. Choose individuals who have played a significant role in your relationship.
Capturing Memories Through Loved Ones:
Asking a close friend or family member to take on the role of photographer or videographer can be a meaningful way to involve them in your special day. Ensure they are comfortable with the task and have the necessary equipment.
Plan a Virtual Wedding Ceremony:
A virtual wedding allows loved ones who cannot be physically present to witness your vows. Set up a laptop or tablet and use a video conferencing platform to stream your ceremony live. Make it interactive by asking virtual guests to share their well wishes or toasts.
The Beauty of Elopement: For couples who cherish absolute privacy, an intimate elopement with just the two of you and your officiant can be incredibly romantic and personal. You can then celebrate with family and friends at a later date in a less formal setting.
Pro Tip Refined: When deciding on your guest list, consider the size of your chosen venue and your desired level of intimacy. Communicate your plans clearly to those you are inviting and those you are not to avoid any misunderstandings. If you are having a virtual component, send out digital invitations with clear instructions on how to join the live stream.
4. Write Your Own Vows for a Personal Touch
Even though a JP wedding ceremony is typically short and straightforward, you can make it deeply personal by exchanging heartfelt vows.
Keep Your Wedding Vows Short but Meaningful:
Your vows don't need to be lengthy to be meaningful. Focus on expressing the core of your love, your commitment to each other, and your hopes for your future together. Speak from the heart and let your genuine emotions shine through.
Add Personal Anecdotes to Your Vows:
Incorporate personal anecdotes, shared memories, or inside jokes that are unique to your relationship. This will make your vows feel deeply personal and resonate with your partner on a profound level.
Make Unique Wedding Promises Specific to Your Relationship:
Instead of relying solely on traditional vows, consider making promises that are specific to your relationship and your shared values. These could be promises to support each other's dreams, to always communicate openly, or to continue to nurture your connection.
Pro Tip: Consider writing your vows separately and sharing them with each other for the first time during the ceremony. This adds an element of surprise and emotional impact. You can also choose to share them privately with each other before the ceremony as a special moment of connection.
5. Plan a Small Celebration After Your Ceremony
Your Justice of the Peace wedding may be simple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in style. Here are a few ways to make your wedding day feel extra special:
Have a Romantic Dinner for Two After Your Wedding:
A romantic dinner for two at a restaurant you both love or a gourmet meal enjoyed in the comfort of your home can be a wonderful way to savor your first moments as a married couple. Consider choosing a restaurant with special significance to your relationship.
Host a Small Family Gathering After JP Wedding:
Hosting a small gathering with close friends and family allows you to share your joy and celebrate with the people who mean the most to you. This could be a casual brunch, an afternoon tea, or an intimate dinner party. Don't forget the cake and champagne!
Plan a Mini Honeymoon After Your Simple Wedding:
A mini honeymoon provides an immediate opportunity to escape and enjoy quality time together as newlyweds. Whether it's a relaxing weekend at the beach, an adventurous trip to the mountains, or exploring a new city, this dedicated time allows you to connect and celebrate your new chapter.
Throw a Post-Wedding Party Later:
If you desire a larger celebration but prefer the simplicity of a JP ceremony for the legal aspect, consider hosting a post-wedding reception at a later date. This allows you to celebrate with a wider circle of friends and family without the pressure of a full traditional wedding.
Pro Tip: When planning your post-ceremony celebration, consider your budget, your personalities, and the overall tone you want to create. Don't feel pressured to have a large or elaborate event if that doesn't feel right for you. The most important thing is to celebrate in a way that feels authentic and joyful. Even small touches, like a special playlist or personalized favors, can make the celebration feel more meaningful.
Making Your JP Wedding a Day to Remember
A Justice of the Peace wedding offers a beautiful opportunity to prioritize the essence of marriage – the commitment and love between two people. By thoughtfully incorporating personal touches, you can transform this simple ceremony into a cherished memory that reflects your unique love story. From carefully chosen locations and heartfelt vows to intimate celebrations and captured moments, every element can be infused with your personalities and your journey together. Embrace the freedom and flexibility of a JP wedding to create a day that is truly, authentically yours.
Say "I Do" with Heart at Truehart Wedding Chapel 💕
For couples seeking an intimate and elegant venue for their Justice of the Peace wedding in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Truehart Wedding Chapel provides a romantic sanctuary for a stress-free and beautiful ceremony.
Affordable and thoughtfully curated wedding packages designed to simplify your special day.
An elegant and cozy chapel setting that exudes warmth and intimacy, perfect for meaningful exchanges.
Personalized ceremonies tailored to reflect your unique love story and preferences.
Book your cherished Justice of the Peace wedding at Truehart Wedding Chapel today and begin your forever in a setting as special as your love.
