Welcome to Susan Pensivy Justice of the Peace
For the DO’s, DON’T’s and I DO’s of your wedding.
For the DO’s, DON’T’s and I DO’s of your wedding.
I have been a Justice of the Peace for 25 years and I am very passionate about what I do. Most people think that JP’s just show up, do a short ceremony and then leave. But I will help you from start to finish.
I specialize in all types of weddings, especially same sex marriages. Let my years of experience help you make your special day even more special. I will walk you through the DO’s, DON’T’s and I DO’s of your wedding.
I Do
You're my sunshine in the mornings,
And my moonlight in the night;
You're the footsteps that I'll follow,
All throughout my life.
I put all my trust in you,
And I gladly take your hand;
I give you all my heart,
By your side I'll always stand.
As we face all these tomorrows,
Through the happiness and tears;
We'll take it one step at a time,
For all our many years.
I promise you my life,
And I promise to stay true;
With this ring I give my heart,
and all my love to you.
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Your wedding is a celebration of the love and commitment that every couple shares. Treasure your hopes and dreams on your special day with a ceremony performed by me, Susan Pensivy.
We will begin with an in-person or telephone consultation. I will write your ceremony, especially for you and I will work with you on traditions you might like to incorporate into your ceremony, whether religious or non-religious.
Let me tell YOUR story of the journey that brought you to your wedding day. Your love is a special gift. Let me help you make your day EXTRA special.
You may prefer a non-denominational ceremony or setting. You might want to express your own feelings by writing your own vows. And for same sex couples, there is no fear of rejection by a clergy person. You can feel comfortable with me and feel assured that I will make your day one you will always remember.
I will perform your ceremony in any location of your choosing. The cost of my services varies depending on location, travel, and how much a couple wants to include in the ceremony. But rest assured my price will be all-inclusive and fair and reasonable.
During the interview, whether in-person or by phone, I will obtain all the information needed to write your ceremony. I will attend the wedding rehearsal the evening before the wedding to ensure that everything goes smoothly on your wedding day, and I will make sure you have all the necessary paper work after the ceremony.
In Massachusetts, you are no longer required to have witnesses be present at your ceremony. The person officiating your ceremony is your witness, so if you want a private ceremony, (just the two of you) you do not have to worry about having a witness.
I always remind couples that if they want an outdoor ceremony, they should look for a venue that has both indoor and outdoor facilities, such as their reception venue. The weather may not always be on your side if you are at a ceremony location that has no indoor facility, then you must reroute your guests to another venue and that will hold up your ceremony. I usually suggest places like the Skyline Country Club, Country Club of Pittsfield, Berkshire Hills Country Club and Tavern at the A, just to name a few.
I am also an ordained minister, so I can do a religious ceremony. If you would like or a special, romantic or fun, relaxed ceremony, let me know and I can work with you on that as well. Some couples may want a short, simple ceremony, while others want to incorporate more in the ceremony and make it a bit longer by using readings, a singer, etc.
Many couples like to express their feelings by writing their own vows. Some are too nervous to do this, so they prefer for me to write the vows exchange and they will repeat them after me.
" We loved the ceremony"
Lezette and Christopher Arbor
"We cant begin to express our gratitude for Susan and her amazing preparation of our Wedding Ceremony. She listened to our needs and put together a beautiful celebration that touched everyone in attendance"
"We couldn't recommend Susan enough to perform your service. The time and attention she put into the service really showed in the emotional response of the audience. Thanks you so much for giving us a tremendous gift Susan"
Norman and Valerie Breault
"Sue your outstanding ceremony during our weeding was so perfect, you were so clear when speaking. Our guests were able to hear every word. The timing was no too long but not too short, it was perfect. Thank you for your service for our wedding ceremony"
Chris and Elizabeth Williams
"Sue made my wedding experience perfect. Before the ceremony, she stayed in touch regularly making sure it was just what I wanted. My grandfather passed a week before my weding and she incorporated his memory into the ceremony, which is something I will be forever grateful for. She is professional and genuine. I enjoyed every moment with her and would recommend her a million time if I could!"
Virginia Southard
Some couples have poems or special readings that are very meaningful to them that they would like to have a family member or friend read during the ceremony.
Is there a song that is special to you that you might like to have sung during the ceremony?
Keep in mind that while Unity Candles are very beautiful they are not always practical for an outside ceremony, but still can be used after the ceremony. When the couple is announced and enters the reception. I have had couples do their unity candle ceremony just before their first dance or dinner.
The Unity Sand Ceremony is the blending of two difference colors of sanding into one container symbolizing your unity as one in marriage.
If your wedding party is very large, I generally will ask you to be sure you have your groomsmen and bride’s maids paired up before the rehearsal so you know who is walking with whom and there is less confusion and time wasted at rehearsal. Also: Will your wedding party walk in as couples or will only the bride’s maids walk in and the groomsmen be waiting with the groom?
These are just some of the important things I need to know to make sure your special day runs smoothly and without any problems. My goal is to make your wedding day very special and one you will always remember.
You both must go together, in-person to any Massachusetts City or Town Hall to apply for a Marriage License. This requirement is applicable to both resident and non-residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
There is a three (3) day waiting period before you will receive your license after you apply for it. Weekends and holidays are included in the three-day period. The waiting period starts the day after you apply for the license. For example, if you apply on a Friday, your license will be issued on Monday.
If you do not apply for the license in a timely manner or you are unable to wait the three days and need your license immediately, you both must apply to the Probate Court for a waiver of the waiting period. Once you have the hearing, you will bring the certificate allowing the waiver of the waiting period back to the City or Town Clerk, then apply for the license and your marriage may then be performed without delay.
Your license will not be mailed to you. You will need to pick it up in person. The reason for this is so you can verify the accuracy of the information on the license.
I generally suggest to couples that they apply for their license at least 15-20 days prior to the wedding date. Depending on where you apply for the license, such as a small town who have abbreviated hours, I suggest you call ahead to check on when they are open. Also, this insures you have the license and one less thing to worry about as your wedding day gets closer.
Your marriage license is valid for sixty (60) days from the date on which the intentions are filed.
The cost for applying for the license in the City of Pittsfield is $35.00, payable by cash, check or money order, which includes the filing of the intentions and a copy of the certified marriage license –which will be mailed to the address given. The fee for the marriage license may vary, so depending on where you plan to file your intentions, you should call ahead and check on the cost.
The minimum age to obtain a marriage license is eighteen (18) years or older. A photo ID or birth certificate may be required to show proof of minimum age. If either party is under the age of eighteen (18), a court order from a probate court or district court, where the minor resides, must be obtained before the marriage intentions may be filed. Proof of residency is no longer required as you will be signing the marriage intention under the pains and penalties of perjury.
After the ceremony, I will complete and sign the original license and return it to the City or Town Clerk where it was issued, and I will provide you with copies of it on the day of the wedding so the party changing their last name can begin the process. Most places will take a copy; however, you will need the original final marriage certificate from the City or Town Hall to change your name with the Social Security Administration.
I will provide you with the application and instructions for this purpose. Social Security will return your original marriage certificate to you along with your new card with your same social security number but in your new name. There is no longer requirement for any couple to obtain a blood test prior to apply for a marriage license.
If either party has been divorced, you must be absolutely sure the divorce is absolute (final). If you are uncertain, contact the court where the divorce was granted. In Massachusetts a divorce is generally absolute upon the expiration of ninety (90) days after the divorce nisi has been granted, regardless of the grounds for divorce.
There are no special requirements for a widow or widower who is remarrying.
I have many connections in the wedding business and can refer you to DJ’s or bands, florists, venues, and much more. So no matter how big or small your wedding is, why not do it right by calling me, Susan Pensivy, Justice of the Peace to make your special day, a day you will always remember.
For the DO’s, DON’T’s and I DO’s of your wedding.
All of Me
I love my customers, so feel free to contact me!
184 Pine Grove Drive, Richmond, Massachusetts 01254, United States
"You’re my downfall, you’re my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can’t stop singing, it’s ringing, in my head for you
My head’s under water
But I’m breathing fine
You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you"
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