Tipping?? - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

americanwoman · #1 03-29-2006, 06:41 PM

Hi all,

not sure where to put this but we are getting married by a Justice of the Peace and we are paying a service fee for this.

Our we also suppose to give the JP a cash tip or a gift for their service too?

thank you for your help

Kim&Bob2004 · #2 03-29-2006, 07:02 PM

ohhhh I don't know. I am sure others will know for certain, I don't, sorry. My gut reaction is no......... you are already PAYING for a service and they are elected officials aren't they, or are they appointed???? Regardless they are public officials.

I meant to say WELCOME too!

Marrying_the_Good_Husband · #3 03-29-2006, 07:02 PM

I'm not sure. But I wanted to say hello and welcome to Pash! I'm sure someone will have an answer for you...

Heather · #4 03-29-2006, 07:10 PM

We tipped ours, but he was an officiant ordained just for our wedding. We gave him $300 because he didn't charge us anything at all.

I wouldn't give him a gift, but I would probably give him a tip. If he does a great job with your service, I suggest 20% of the fee. Feb-bride has a great tip guide and I'm sure she'll be happy to send it to you if you want it.

americanwoman · #5 03-29-2006, 07:29 PM

Thank you all for the wonderful welcome!

I just found this site today and have so much reading to do! lol

The JP is licensed by the state to preform the ceremony and charges what the state requirement is.

I'm an american who is now living in UK with my English partner and we are flying out to the states to see my family and surprise them with a wedding!

Its been so hard to organize this being overseas and not telling anyone in the states. Fingers crossed that it will all work out fine! hehe

Thanks again for the welcome....going back to read some more.

Nancy

Heather · #6 03-29-2006, 07:46 PM

Wow! It must be so hard to try to plan from across the pond!

We're always here so don't hesitate to ask about anything you read or anything you haven't found yet.

Steph · #7 03-29-2006, 09:22 PM

Is the Justice of the Peace an actual judge? If so, I don't believe you can give him/her a tip.

I believe it is against the Rules of Professional Conduct. (but each state varies)

feb-bride · #8 03-29-2006, 10:09 PM

No tip necessary for the JOP who is performing your wedding ceremony.

americanwoman · #9 03-30-2006, 06:07 AM

Thanks all for the advise. I wasn't too sure. The JP isn't a judge just someone who is licensed by the state to preform such a service.

Its been exciting trying to plan a small wedding from across the ocean but so far its been going well. Our biggest thing is we can't apply for the license until we are there and we have to go in front of a judge to get a waiver to remove the three day waiting process! Thats the only thing that we are worried about is the judge saying no to the waiver, but the lady at the court told me she has never seen that happen.

Keeping it a surprise has been hard, I so want to tell my family but I love surprises more so this will be exciting.

Going out this weekend to buy the rings, I can't believe at how fast time goes by. I can't imagine trying to plan a big wedding like the rest of you! LOL

Thanks again everyone.

555Ann555 · #10 03-30-2006, 12:42 PM

I think it's a fantastic idea! Do you think your family would take it well?

I think my mum woiuld miss being involve in the plans... But it must be really exciting for you having it all as a secret!

Lizbet · #11 03-30-2006, 02:25 PM

Where in the US will you be getting married?

Marrying_the_Good_Husband · #12 03-30-2006, 04:53 PM

Wow! How are you pulling off the surprise? How do you think everyone will react? I didn't know "real people" did that--just celebrities!