Wedding Extravaganza

Package deal helps couples tie the knot on Valentine’s Day

By Rebecca Lavoie
NH Mirror Contributor

Every couple in love dreams of a wedding day they will remember forever, a day that is a unique testament to the commitment they’ve made.

For some, this means a big wedding and reception, often costing tens of thousands of dollars. For others, a trip to Vegas is in order, where one can get married to just about anyone at any time, with bedazzled Elvis impersonators as witnesses and slot machines in the chapel to try out their marital fortune.

On Feb. 14, New Hampshire couples looking to marry in an entirely new – and economical – way have the opportunity to do something that’s never been done in the state. The New Hampshire Justices of the Peace A-List Organization is throwing its first Valentine’s Day Wedding Extravaganza, where for $175 couples can get married by a licensed Justice of the Peace, toast their union with sparkling cider and enjoy a mini-reception with as many as four guests of their choice.

Lee Laroche, founder of the NHJPA Organization, is hoping Granite State couples will embrace the idea of an easy, pre-packaged wedding on the most romantic day of the year.

“This is not a mass wedding,” she said. “Instead, we hope it will be an intimate opportunity for couples to get married in a romantic and comfortable way with individual, personalized ceremonies.”

The NHJPA was founded by Laroche to provide a forum for New Hampshire justices to share their experiences and provide resources for those looking to become JPs.

“When I became a JP, I looked for any resource that would give me some ideas on how to be a good one, and there wasn’t anything,” Laroche said.

The organization’s Web site, www.nhjpla.org, is also a venue for its member justices to market themselves to New Hampshire couples looking for a civil wedding ceremony. Laroche is hoping the Wedding Extravaganza will expand on that outreach, as well as provide a way for couples that may have considered elopement to have their weddings closer to home.

Laroche’s idea to create a comfortable and easy atmosphere for the Valentine’s Day event doesn’t mean she is forgoing all the traditional trappings. Apryll & Reed, a popular guitar and flute duo, will perform, and recorded music by Aubrie Dionne and other New Hampshire ensembles will also play. Couples are encouraged to wear whatever they are most comfortable in. Traditional wedding attire will not be required.

“The whole idea behind this is for couples to get married in a way that is easy, but that is also personal,” she said. “The justices of the peace in our organization each have their favorite ceremonies, and we hope to pair couples with the justice that is best suited for the kind of ceremony they hope to have.”

The Wedding Extravaganza, which will take place at the Radisson Hotel, 700 Elm St., Manchester, will welcome walk-ins, but reservations are encouraged. Five members of the NHJPA Organization will be on hand to perform the weddings, and the $175 fee includes the ceremony, a slice of cake from Sweet Cierra’s of Manchester and a sparkling cider toast. Flowers will be provided by Creative Gardens in Lee. Ceremonies will take place from noon to 8 p.m.

Couples planning on getting married at this event must have a valid New Hampshire marriage license. Laroche recommends applying for one at least a week in advance, although she does admit she’s seen couples who’ve obtained their licenses on the same day as their weddings.

“Some people just can’t wait to make it official!” she said.

And are New Hampshire couples enthused about the vow-a-thon?

According to Laroche, momentum is building as the big day approaches.

“We have three couples reserved so far, and I’ve gotten many more calls about it,” she said. “I would recommend a reservation, but we’d be so happy if folks just walked in and got married with us this Valentine’s Day. It’s going to be a truly special and romantic event.”

Reservations ensure couples will be entered into a drawing for a free dinner for two at a local restaurant.
For more information, call 529-7389, send an e-mail to leenhjp@comcast.net or visit www.nhjpla.org.