One never knows when the unexpected might happen. A family emergency, illness or an accident can interrupt even the most prepared person's plans. Inclement weather can create dangerous driving conditions. Indeed, there is no good answer when forced to choose between between safety and a commitment. No matter the cause, having a plan will save everyone worry. [wcm_nonmember] This member support information is for JPus members only. If you have a membership, please log in. Purchase a membership here.[/wcm_nonmember][wcm_restrict plans="membership-plan-ultimate, membership-plan-region, membership-plan-neighborhood, membership-plan-hometown, membership-plan-basic"] Create a Network One of the many benefits of a Justice of the Peace Association membership . . .
Member Support
Articles to improve your JPus experience and maximize the power of your membership
Support Topic: COVID-19
Outdoor Winter Marriages
The advice from healthcare professionals is clear. During the pandemic, if you will be around others, it is best to be outdoors where air circulates freely. For this reason, encourage your clients to have their ceremony at an outdoor location. As the weather gets colder, be prepared for winter elements. Tricks of the Trade Wear a robe, and under it dress warmly! For instance, layer your clothing. Start with a good pair of thermals as a base layer to keep you toasty. No matter what is underneath the robe, it provides a professional, put-together presence. Don appropriate foot wear. Not . . .
COVID Violations
You are doing a great job! You understand the importance of social distancing. The training certification on COVID for marriage officiants? Did that, too. Of course, you wear a mask and counsel your clients on safety protocols. Furthermore, you've taken advantage of opportunities to connect with fellow officiants to brainstorm solutions to sticky situations. So, what do you do when you are at a wedding and another vendor is flouting the rules? Naturally, this puts your safety, and that of everyone else present at risk. In addition, it increases the risk of community spread. And, from a business perspective, it . . .
State-by-State COVID Guidelines
Updated November 19, 2020 Stay home orders are changing, depending on the coronavirus' community spread. Governors are redefining guidelines and policies for group gatherings in each state. To help keep track of what the rules are, we are listing them, organized by state, here. We also have a member support article about operations in each state's municipal offices, and what to do if the clerk's office is closed. Please remember, safety is paramount. Social distancing rules continue. When conducting marriages, officiants are working and therefore must wear a face covering. See our 8 Things to Do article on performing marriages . . .
8 Things to do During COVID-19 Marriages
Updated October 28, 2020 If you are performing an essential wedding ceremony during the coronavirus pandemic, being safe is your number one priority. Safety for you, your couple and your community. Keeping with the CDC's prevention measures, these five points will help you achieve this, while still making the day special and fun. Of course, if you, the couple, or another person is experiencing signs of illness, or has been exposed to the coronavirus, the ceremony needs to be postponed. Maintain Physical Distance Six feet apart, or more. Always. It isn't natural. Usually we want to get close. To feel personal. . . .
Don’t Cancel that Wedding: Alter it
Before the coronavirus pandemic (BC), cancelations were frustrating. Especially when an officiant had already spent hours thinking about a couple’s unique love story, and then formulated it into their personalized ceremony – only to be replaced by online Uncle Bill. Now, after COVID-19 has become part of everyone’s vocabulary, they are even more tricky. We are all on edge. Our country is facing a crisis, and the wedding industry is on the economic front line. (We say this with complete reverence to our healthcare professionals, who are battling this virus in the most literal sense.) This is an opportunity for . . .
Town Offices Closing
This page was updated on April 26, 2020. The national, state and local response to COVID-19 is drastic. The message: stay home. If there was any doubt at the seriousness of the direction, it was made abundantly clear when municipal offices started shuttering. Some for just a couple of days. Others indefinitely. Because marriage licenses are issued at Town Clerk's offices, and completed forms documenting solemnized marriages are returned there, this poses new challenges for officiants and couples alike. Many town offices have created "drop boxes" outside of their buildings so documents can be safely delivered and retrieved by employees. . . .
Coronavirus Related Financial Help
Updated March 24, 2020. COVID-19 has reached pandemic levels, and as the country responds to manage exposure, small businesses and the wedding industry are being hit particularly hard. A double-whammy for marriage officiants. This article is one of several JPus is posting to support our members during these difficult times. Financial Assistance Wedding officiants are typically sole proprietors, which are a type of a small business. They are reliant upon themselves and their network to advertise their services, connect with potential clients, and close the deal. As such, officiants are sensitive to fluctuations in the market, and vulnerable if there . . .
Coronavirus and Wedding Officiants
This article is no longer current, and is not being updated. Please see this announcement for current guidance for officiants. Updated on March 17, 2020 Because the situation with the Coronavirus is continually evolving, this article will be updated accordingly. (Text with a strikethrough indicates information is no longer current.) Our goal is to provide marriage officiants with information and guidance so they are safe, and able to carry on the best they are able during this challenging time. The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is creating a new normal for everyone. As we come to terms with significant changes to . . .