What does one do when you love LOVE and just want to spread that joy and happiness to others?
If you’re Justice of the Peace Marie Tyler Wiley, you perform free wedding ceremonies for couples on Valentine’s at the Meeting House, Olde Mistick Village, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. People who want to renew their vows are also welcome.
“It’s my thank you,” says Wiley. “I have such a great life. It’s nice to surprise people and be able to help them make their dreams come true.”
Wiley has been a justice of the peace in Connecticut for more than 10 years, and this is her eighth year performing the free ceremonies. She grew up in West Hartford and now lives in Mystic with her husband, Kip.
Wiley says her own marriage ceremony by a JP in New York City was so quick, she wasn’t even sure they were really married until six weeks later when her marriage license arrived in the mail.
“Right then I decided at some point I’m going to do this,” says Wiley. “I’m going to make it so that even if you are eloping, you are going to feel married. When I finish you are going to know you are married, and you are going to feel like somebody did it who loves the whole experience.”
Wiley loves the whole experience, saying she lives vicariously through her couples: “Literally by the time they are getting married, like the day of, I am so excited. I’m like a child.”
Couples should just show up at the Meeting House, and can come alone or bring friends and family. Ceremonies last about 5 to 10 minutes: “It’s a very lighthearted event. People are very comfortable and happy to be there.”
There’s no dress code, and Wiley has seen it all, from the relaxed look, to cocktail attire, to brides wearing gowns.
“Come as you are,” she says. “Whatever works for you, works for me.”
The only requirement is that couples must present an official marriage license from the town of Stonington the day of the ceremony. Marriage licenses can be obtained at Stonington Town Hall, which is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee is $30.
If couples are interested in photos, Val Thivierge from Sweetest Days Photography will be on hand. Couples can purchase photographs if they choose.
“It’s nice to give back to people,” says Wiley. “I adore my couples; they are all so wonderful. You just meet great people.”
Justice of the Peace Marie Tyler Wiley’s website is www.ctjpmarie.com.
