JPs Talk About Exchanging Vows

By Kendra Bobowick

Here comes the bride… the groom, and with greater regularity, a justice of the peace (JP).

“A lot of people don’t want to have a church ceremony,” Marianne Malkin, JP, said. She, among other justices who gathered for a regional conference at Edmond Town Hall on November 3, is eager to help.

Justices love the sound of wedding bells. Patty Lucas, a JP from Fairfield said, “You’re starting a family.” Justice Saul Haffner also enjoys performing ceremonies. He explained, “You walk out of weddings and civil unions feeling great.” Enthusiastic about the ceremonies, he continued, “It’s wonderful. Nothing provides personal satisfaction like officiating a wedding.”

Ms Malkin said, “It’s one of the greatest things a JP can do.” She enjoys the interaction with families she said, and writing the wedding ceremonies specifically. “You can make your own ceremony, it’s not something out of a book.” In a later conversation, Ms Malkin expanded her thoughts. “JPs don’t believe it is a business, but an honor to be part of a couple’s special day and be involved with the couple to write their ceremony and make it personal for them.”

Remembering some of the vows, she said, “There have been many times my eyes filled up with tears as much as the couple’s on their wedding day.”

In keeping with the personalized vows, Mr Haffner’s card states, “Your wedding, your way.”

According to Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia, there are 14 JPs in Newtown. The justices are appointed by political parties and among their responsibilities are taking legal depositions, but most work is wedding ceremonies.

During the regional conference in early November discussion focused on interfaith weddings and finding the right person who respects both religions.