What a Justice of the Peace Does

A Justice of the Peace is a local official authorized by your state to perform marriage ceremonies. They are not clergy members — they are civil officials, usually appointed or elected at the county or municipal level. When a Justice of the Peace performs your ceremony, they are acting in their official capacity to make your marriage legal under state law.

If you are coming from a marriage license page, you already know that a license is the document you obtain from your county clerk before the ceremony. The Justice of the Peace is the person who witnesses you both sign that license during the ceremony itself, then signs it as an official. Without that signature, the license is not complete and your marriage is not recorded.

Some couples choose a Justice of the Peace because they want a short, straightforward ceremony without religious elements. Others use one because they are getting married on short notice or in a location where finding an officiant is difficult. A Justice of the Peace ceremony is typically brief — often 10 to 15 minutes — and focuses on the legal requirements rather than elaborate ritual.

Key Takeaways

  • A Justice of the Peace is a civil official who can legally perform your marriage ceremony and sign your marriage license in front of witnesses.
  • You find and contact the Justice of the Peace yourself; they do not appear automatically when you get your license.
  • Most Justices of the Peace charge a fee, which varies by location but typically ranges from $50 to $200.
  • Your state and county determine whether a Justice of the Peace can perform ceremonies, so confirm this is an option in your jurisdiction before planning around it.
  • You still need a valid marriage license from your county clerk, signed by both of you and the Justice of the Peace, for the marriage to be legal.

How to Find a Justice of the Peace in Your Area

Start by contacting your county clerk's office — the same office that issued your marriage license. Ask them for a list of Justices of the Peace who perform ceremonies, or ask how to find one. Many clerk offices keep a roster or can point you to the court system's website where Justices are listed.

You can also search online for "Justice of the Peace [your county name]" or call your local courthouse and ask for contact information. Some Justices of the Peace advertise their services online or through wedding directories. If you know someone who was married by a Justice of the Peace, ask for a referral.

Once you have a name and phone number, call and ask whether they perform ceremonies, what their fee is, and what dates and times they are available. Some Justices of the Peace perform ceremonies only during business hours at the courthouse; others will travel to a location you choose. Confirm all of this before you book.

What to Bring and How the Ceremony Works

Bring your signed marriage license, both forms of photo identification, and any witnesses your state requires. Most states require at least one witness, though some require two. The witness or witnesses must be present during the entire ceremony and must sign the license afterward.

The Justice of the Peace will ask you both to confirm that you want to marry each other, may ask you to exchange vows or rings if you wish, and will then ask you to sign the license in front of the witness or witnesses. The Justice of the Peace signs next, in their official capacity. Once all signatures are in place, the license is complete and your marriage is legal.

The whole process is usually very brief. There is no requirement for music, flowers, readings, or any ceremonial elements beyond what the state law requires. If you want to add personal touches — exchanging vows you have written, having someone read a poem, playing music — you can ask the Justice of the Peace whether they allow it, but it is not necessary.

Fees and Payment

Justices of the Peace who perform ceremonies typically charge a fee. The amount varies widely by location and by the individual Justice of the Peace. In some areas, the fee is set by county policy; in others, each Justice of the Peace sets their own rate.

Fees generally range from $50 to $200, though this varies by state and county. Ask about the fee when you first call to inquire about their availability. Confirm whether they accept cash, check, or card, and whether they require payment before or after the ceremony. Some Justices of the Peace may waive the fee if you are a resident of their jurisdiction or if you meet certain conditions, so it is worth asking.

Differences Between States and Counties

Not every state uses the title "Justice of the Peace" in the same way, and not all states allow them to perform marriages. Some states call the equivalent official a "magistrate," "notary public," or "town clerk." Some states have no such role at all, or limit who can perform ceremonies to clergy and a few other officials.

Before you plan a ceremony with a Justice of the Peace, confirm with your county clerk that this is a legal option in your state. The clerk can tell you what officials are authorized to perform ceremonies and what the requirements are. If your state does not allow Justices of the Peace to perform ceremonies, you will need to find an ordained minister, rabbi, or other authorized officiant instead.

What Happens After the Ceremony

After the Justice of the Peace signs your license, you or the Justice of the Peace must return the signed license to the county clerk's office within a specific timeframe — usually 10 days, though this varies by state. The clerk will file it and record your marriage. Once filed, your marriage is official and you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate.

Do not lose the signed license before returning it to the clerk. If it is damaged or lost, you will have to contact the Justice of the Peace and the clerk to file a replacement or amended license, which can delay the recording of your marriage. Some couples take a photo of the signed license as a backup before submitting it.

When a Justice of the Peace May Not Be an Option

If your state does not authorize Justices of the Peace to perform ceremonies, or if you want a religious ceremony, you will need to find an ordained minister, rabbi, priest, or other clergy member authorized by your faith tradition. Some couples also choose to have both a Justice of the Peace and a religious officiant — the Justice of the Peace handles the legal ceremony, and the clergy member performs a blessing or religious rite afterward.

If you are getting married in a location different from where you obtained your license, confirm that the Justice of the Peace you choose is authorized to perform ceremonies in that location. Some Justices of the Peace are only authorized within their own county or municipality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Justice of the Peace marry us if we do not have witnesses?

Most states require at least one witness to be present during the ceremony and to sign the marriage license. A few states allow the Justice of the Peace to serve as the sole witness. Contact your county clerk to find out what your state requires before the ceremony.

Do we have to use a Justice of the Peace, or can we choose someone else?

You can choose any officiant authorized by your state — a clergy member, a judge, a notary public (in some states), or a Justice of the Peace. Your county clerk can tell you which options are legal in your area. Many couples choose based on cost, availability, or whether they want a religious ceremony.

What if the Justice of the Peace makes a mistake on the license?

If there is a spelling error or other mistake on the signed license, contact the Justice of the Peace and your county clerk right away. Depending on the error, you may be able to file a corrected license or an amendment. Do not try to cross out or write over the mistake yourself.

Can we get married by a Justice of the Peace on the same day we get our license?

Some states allow this, but many require a waiting period between when you obtain the license and when you can be married — typically one to three days. Check your state's rules with the county clerk before planning a same-day ceremony.

Is a Justice of the Peace ceremony legally binding in other states?

Yes. A marriage performed by an authorized Justice of the Peace in one state is recognized as legal in all other states. Your marriage license and certificate are valid nationwide.