There is one thing all weddings need, whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand soiree: an officiant. In New Hampshire, that generally means a religious leader or a justice of the peace. We reached out to Wayne Sevin, one of the board members of the New Hampshire Justice of the Peace Association to find out what goes into the job and what couples should consider when planning their wedding.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in New Orleans and am a native of Raceland, Louisiana: a Cajun by heart. I reside in Pittsfield with my lovely wife of 47 years. Debbie and I met in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1975 while I was serving in the United States Army. We are the parents of three sons and the grandparents of eight beautiful grandchildren between the ages of 11 and 18.
In April of 2022, I retired as the Recreation Director at Granite Ledges of Concord, a Senior Living Community affiliated with Capital Region Health Care and Genesis HealthCare. I love to sing, so in my spare time, I enjoy participating in New Hampshire Community Theatre, preferably musicals. I thoroughly enjoy having fun, laughing, and smiling a lot.
For the past seven years, I have been a commissioned New Hampshire Justice of the Peace (JP) and Notary Public. I am a member/officer of the New Hampshire Justice of the Peace Association, and I also serve as a Universal Life Minister.
Becoming a JP was easy for me as I love meeting new people and planning events. It was something I should have pursued years ago. I genuinely love what I do! As they say, there is always a time and a place for everything, so here I am.
How does one become a Justice of the Peace?
To become a JP in New Hampshire, you must be a resident of New Hampshire and a registered voter in the state for at least three years immediately before the date of your application.
After becoming a JP, I highly recommend joining the New Hampshire Justice of the Peace Association (nhjpa.org). Through this organization, you can learn more about being a Justice of the Peace, and you will have the opportunity to meet other JPs from our state while learning valuable skills.
What does a JP do? What does a typical ‘work day’ look like for you?
As a JP in the great state of New Hampshire, you can work around your life schedule. Your duties can include performing a few official acts within the state, such as: Administer oaths and affirmations; take verifications upon oath or affirmation; acknowledge instruments; witness or attest a signature; certify or attest a copy; note a protest of a negotiable instrument; take depositions; issue warrants and of course, performing marriage ceremonies.
What’s your favorite thing about being a JP?
Hearing the joy and excitement in the voices of my couples about their wedding ceremony has to be my favorite part about being an officiant. No matter my couples’ ages, the experience of planning their ceremony with them leaves my heart full. After being married for 47 years to my wife, if asked my opinion, I always tell my couples that marriage is a job that you both must work at. Through all your years together, always remember what brought you to your wedding day. LOVE! Always keep it strong and healthy.
When planning their ceremony, what should a couple keep in mind? Are there different ‘features’ to consider?
Over the decades, so much has changed when planning a wedding ceremony. There are so many aspects of planning a wedding ceremony that all couples need to work together on. Whether setting that particular date or working on your budget, the most important thing to do is to put together a comprehensive list of all your plans and stick to it.
From one couple to the next, wedding ceremony features differ. Even though you may include special features in your ceremony to please others, remember that it is most important to please your wishes for your special day. So, “Do you,” and this will make your ceremony extra special.
In your time as a JP, what are some notable changes you’ve witnessed in the wedding industry?
Even though COVID is still with us, but being viewed in our rearview mirror, it has been so nice to have some normalcy when working with my couples. For the last few years, it has been a trying time for making wedding plans and worrying about keeping everyone safe. The wedding industry, especially the venues, has been wonderful with complying with all the rules and regulations.
What’s the most common thing people forget or don’t know (but should know) when it comes to getting a marriage license?
Couples should always make sure to get the marriage license as soon as they can before their special day. In New Hampshire, you can do this 90 days before the ceremony date. Oh yes, I know there are many vendors to book before a ceremony. I want to stress to those engaged or making plans to book an officiant before the last few months of their big day. Your officiant is essential when you think of it. Do it now! “Let’s Get Started!”
Can you share your favorite or most memorable wedding moment(s) from your time as a JP?
The most memorable part of a wedding ceremony for me is when my couples exchange their vows. Whether writing their vows or choosing to “repeat after me,” there is no comparison to the love and feelings they share at that moment. I am so lucky to see this firsthand in any ceremony I perform. Nothing can beat the memories of this moment in a wedding ceremony.
How about any wedding catastrophes you’ve witnessed? (And maybe how couples planning their wedding now may avoid a similar situation?)
It may be strange, but I have no horror stories or wedding catastrophes to share. I do always make sure to learn all I can about my couples before their ceremonies. Doing this has always made it easy for me to navigate through the happiness of their special day.
Anything else you’d like to share?
“I Do” love what I do! In my job as a Justice of the Peace/Officiant, I love that it is always exciting. It involves interacting and communicating with two exceptional people on one of the happiest days of their lives. You can beat that!
(Wayne Sevin can be reached at nhjpwayneasevin.com, 603-738-6055 or nhjp@metrocast.net.)