tips & advice
Interview: Jeff DeMarco, Justice of the Peace
Jeff DeMarco is a professional Justice of the Peace in New Hampshire.
He travels all over the state to perform Marriage Ceremonies, Civil
Unions, Commitment Ceremonies, Elopement or renewal of couples’
vows. Jeff takes time to get to know each couple so together they
can create a custom ceremony tailored to their wishes.
Jeff DeMarco JP
Planning a wedding is often a stressful time. Jeff spends a lot of time talking with the couple to try to alleviate the anxiety and pressure of planning. Planning a wedding should be fun. Jeff says, “I tell them to call or email me whenever they need to. When you hire me you get me for the entire time that you plan your wedding. I try and take as much stress off them as I can. I have a bit of practice. I do this fifty times a year while they do this once in a lifetime. “
We spoke with Jeff and asked him a few questions about choosing a Justice of the Peace. Here is what he had to say.
Q. Why did you want to become a JP?
I had been in corporate America for many years (and still am) and I wanted to do something creative and constructive. In business it is the thrill of the hunt that motivates you. Proceeding over weddings is five times the adrenalin rush. As a Justice of the Peace I am a part of the most important day in the couple’s lives. I just have such a wonderful time meeting the couples and helping them to have the ceremony they want.
Q. What are the benefits of hiring a Justice of the Peace?
JP’s are traditionally more cost effective then churches. When you have two different religions it may be hard for them to make a choice. We try and make the ceremony comfortable for both and we have a lot more flexibility when preparing the ceremony. We can customize it to each couple. In New Hampshire anything goes so if a couple would like their dog as the ring bearer we can do it. JP’s are hired by the bride and groom. We need to do everything to make it the way they want it. We work to make the day perfect.
Q. Where can you perform ceremonies?
I am able to perform ceremonies anywhere in the state of New Hampshire. We are so fortunate to have such beauty in New Hampshire. I have done ceremonies in the mountains, lakes and on the beach in Rye. If the couple wants a ceremony in the ocean I’ll hike up my pants and do it in the water.
Q. What is the process of personalizing a ceremony?
It is very interactive. I meet with the couple as soon as they call. We meet in my house at the dining room table where we get to know each other. Sometimes I meet couples a year before their wedding. After the meeting I create a draft of the ceremony and that gets the dialogue going. Together we personalize it.