Posted by MelissaM_FL on 3/25/06 6:19pm
Msg #108566

Weddings.

I had two today. I love doing them, seeing the happy faces of the couple as they get married. But these today were polar opposites.

First wedding, held at a sea side bar here, actually across the street on the beach. Keep in mind that it is mid-70s for the temp, but the wind blowing off the ocean makes it about 60 degrees. The bride (early 30's) is in a bikini and the groom has on swim trunks and a shirt that says "How many licks does it take?" I arrive, they offer me a beer, which I decline. We shoot the breeze a little until all their guests arive and then walk over to the beach to perform the ceremony. They were a great couple and look like they'll be very happy together.

Second wedding, I arrive at 4:30 for the 5:30 ceremony, per their request. At 6:30 the bride finally arrives and she was worth the wait! Beautiful dress, flower girl in a miniature of the bride's gown and the bridesmaids were stunning! The groom was in a tux with tails. I felt completely under-dressed compared to him, much less the bride! They were in their early 20s and just a great couple!

Both weddings were beach side, but couldn't have been more different had the couples planned it! I had a blast.

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/25/06 6:47pm
Msg #108571

Hi Melissa! I wish in Tx we had such powers. Maybe since we cannot do the HELOCs I could go back to the Judiciary Ctte and ask if they'd let us perfom marriages! That would be a trade the lawyers/title co's might accept.

Do you just set a flat fee, or is it set for you.

Reply by Danny_FL on 3/25/06 6:58pm
Msg #108575

State set fee: $30

However, there are incidentals that can be negotiated, such as trip fee, flowers, etc, etc...

Danny

Reply by MelissaM_FL on 3/25/06 7:34pm
Msg #108590

I charge $30, which is the state fee and a trip charge depending on where the wedding is being held.

I'm seriously considering offering some kind of nice certificate, suitable for framing, as an add-on. The Clerk sends out copies as recorded, but those are so utilitarian that most folks don't really want to frame them. I haven't decided what to charge for those since I don't know what I'll use as a "base" for the certificate.

Reply by Korey Humphreys on 3/25/06 9:19pm
Msg #108612

Weddings sound fun. In the past I was appointed as Justice of the Peace, however I didn't follow through with the Oath of office and as a result, my chance expired.

I decided not to go along with it just yet. In the future, maybe. Now, no. I'm too young and I don't think people would take me seriously when it would come to me performing their wedding.

I'm surprised Massachusetts hasn't converted the office of Justice of the Peace into that of the Notary Public. A Justice can perform the duties of a Notary and vise versa. The only difference really is the solemnization of a marriage.

Reply by Dorothy_MI on 3/25/06 9:43pm
Msg #108617

My niece was married in VA by a "Wedding Commissioner" and his fee was a statuary one in that area, however, he was able to charge for the "rehersal". That fee was not set by the state and he actually got more for the rehersal than the real ceremony! FL notaries might want to also check out this angle.

Reply by LkArrowhd/CA on 3/26/06 8:45am
Msg #108644

Re: Weddings.-



I think doing marrying couples would be a great assignment. I did a loan signing several months back for couple (HUSBAND AND WIFE), both ministers in Big Bear. They has a series of suites (wedding packages), the guests get married in their chapel then they offer other suites for sleep over (family members) perhaps a dozen suites, very clever, not sure how busy they are throughout the year but this was their business.

Reply by Chgo_notary on 3/26/06 6:29pm
Msg #108704

Is this done in Illinois?