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Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

Small Elopements/Destination WeddingsGay weddings have arrived and they are here to stay. Regardless of where you live, we can plan you a beautiful, intimate

ceremony in the Boston or Provincetown areas.14 Stories has created everything from large family a�airs to small, intimate weddings with the couple and a few close

friends, where nearly every guest has visited from out of state. We can create the perfect wedding, whatever your preference, from small and intimate to large and extravagant. In 2010, we worked with 51 LGBT couples from 22 U.S. states.

* For larger weddings (20 or more guests), or completely custom planning, visit our Wedding Production Page. * For smaller destination weddings and elopements (fewer than 20 guests) read below for the Destiny and Vows Packages. We will plan you a small elegant legal wedding in Boston, Provincetown or elsewhere in Massachusetts. * If you want to know who will o�ciate your wedding in one of these elopement packages, please click here to read about Janet Benzan, our go-to Justice of the Peace. * Please read our Frequently Asked Questions regarding these packages.

Destiny Platinum Package

* Step by step in-person assistance with and associated fees for obtaining your marriage license without the 3 day waiting period * Justice of the Peace to o�ciate your wedding ceremony in a location to be determined (add $250 for a custom-written, personalized wedding ceremony o�ciated by a celebrant) * A certi�ed copy of your marriage license, sent to you by mail, after the wedding * Three nights in a luxury hotel in a King room. Breakfast will be provided daily. * Chau�eured airport transfers in a town car * Champagne and a �ower arrangement in your hotel * Personal �owers - boutonnieres or bouquets (add $150 for full bridal bouquets) * Up to 2 hours of professional, photojournalistic-style photography coverage (ceremony and portraits), plus one disc of high resolution images * A short video of your wedding ceremony sent to you via email (Boston only) * Petite wedding cake in your choice of �avors that serves up to 12 * Dinner reservations at a nearby �ne dining restaurant of your choice the evening of your wedding * Unlimited referrals to other arrangements not limited to but including: spa reservations; videography; hotels for other guests; and more

This wedding escape is yours for $3,700, subject to availability, and available on less than two weeks notice. Credit cards accepted. Book the Destiny Platinum Package by clicking this link.

Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

Destiny Gold Package

* Step by step in-person assistance with and associated fees for obtaining your marriage license without the 3 day waiting period * Justice of the Peace to o�ciate your wedding ceremony in a location to be determined (add $250 for a custom-written, personalized wedding ceremony o�ciated by a celebrant) * A certi�ed copy of your marriage license, sent to you by mail, after the wedding * Three nights in an elegant bed and breakfast or inn (there are four inns we work with) * Champagne and a �ower arrangement in your B&B * Personal �owers - boutonnieres or bouquets (add $150 for full bridal bouquets) * Petite wedding cake in your choice of �avors that serves up to 12 * Up to two hours of professional, photojournalistic-style photography coverage (ceremony and portraits), plus one disc of high resolution images * A short video of your wedding ceremony sent to you via email (Boston only) * Dinner reservations at a nearby �ne dining restaurant of your choice the evening of your wedding * Unlimited referrals to other arrangements not limited to but including: spa reservations; videography; hotels for other guests; and more

This wedding escape is yours for $2,850, subject to availability, and available on less than two weeks notice. Credit cards accepted. Book the Destiny Gold Package by clicking this link.

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Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

Destiny Silver Package

* Step by step in-person assistance with and associated fees for obtaining your marriage license without the 3 day waiting period * Justice of the Peace to o�ciate your wedding ceremony in a location to be determined (add $250 for a custom-written, personalized wedding ceremony o�ciated by a celebrant) * A certi�ed copy of your marriage license, sent to you by mail, after the wedding * Personal �owers - boutonnieres or bouquets (add $150 for full bridal bouquets) * Petite wedding cake that serves up to 12 * Up to two hours of professional, photojournalistic-style photography coverage (ceremony and portraits), plus one disc of high resolution images * Dinner reservations at a nearby �ne dining restaurant of your choice the evening of your wedding * Unlimited referrals to other arrangements not limited to but including: spa reservations; videography; hotels for other guests; and more

This wedding escape is yours for $1,850, subject to availability, and available on less than two weeks notice. Credit cards accepted. Book the Destiny Silver Package by clicking this link.

Vows Package

* Step by step in-person assistance with and associated fees for obtaining your marriage license without the 3 day waiting period * Justice of the Peace to o�ciate your wedding ceremony in a location to be determined (add $250 for a custom-written, personalized wedding ceremony o�ciated by a celebrant) * A certi�ed copy of your marriage license, sent to you by mail, after the wedding

Vows is yours for $725, subject to availability, available in Boston/Cambridge only, and available on less than two weeks notice. Credit cards accepted. Book the Vows Package by clicking this link.

Of course, everything we do is custom so if you are looking for personal, customized wedding ceremonies; spa services; a hot air balloon ride or just about anything else, we are happy to make your dream come true. Keep in mind that if you elope here in New England but want to host a party for your friends and family back home, we can plan that too!

Note that prices are subject to change without notice (though very rarely do). Occasionally, the quoted rate is not available if a client makes a last minute reservation or a reservation during a very high season (ie Provincetown in July or August, or Boston during college graduation weekends). For groups of 6 or more, we must obtain a permit through the parks department for an outdoor ceremony and this $100 permit fee will be added to your �nal bill.

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Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

The Story of Janet, a Justice of the Peace...Who o�ciates our elopements? We get this question a lot. So here's a little bit about the Justice of the Peace we use in 99% of our elopements, Janet Benzan.

Janet was born and raised in Boston and knows the city by heart. She is retired from Delta Airlines and has been a Justice of the Peace since 1991. 52% of the weddings that she performed in 2009 were same-sex with 34% being women. I did a quick Q&A with Janet recently:

Q: Where is your favorite place in the Boston area to perform a wedding?

A: My favorite outdoor place is the Duck's Pond in the Boston Public Garden. There is something peaceful and beautiful about the pond. Whether it is in the middle of spring with the �owers and the trees in full bloom or whether the branches of the trees are blanketed with snow, it is just beautiful.

Q: What do you enjoy so much about o�ciating same-sex weddings?

A: I have many reasons why I love performing same sex weddings and they have brought some of my best memories.

On May 17, 2004 (the �rst day of legal gay marriage), I was at Boston City Hall Plaza looking for 2 couples from New York that I was going to marry in 3 days. The excitement, the joy, the love, the laughter and tears that I witnessed �rsthand was unbelievable!!!!!

I once married a couple who had been together for 26 years, 7 months and 23 days before saying I do. They were so kind to send me their wedding announcement and at the bottom it reads "Thank you for your patience." Then it hit me....... discrimination! I could not imagine being told no to something so basic as marriage because of who I am! To

hear other JPs state boldly that they will not marry any same-sex couple made me angry.

One couple thanked me for being more accepting than their families for their wedding. I may not know every single person that I marry but I am there to support them.

The �rst time I took my daughter Chloe to a same-sex wedding, I didn't say anything to her prior. After the wedding and we are on our way home, I asked her about her thoughts on the wedding. She had one question: "how come no one wore a white wedding dress?" I wanted her to see not just two women, a man and a woman or two men but love,

respect, trust and commitment, and that a family doesn't always consists of a father, mother, son, daughter, dog and cat.

Q: Do couples you work with have to write their own ceremony or vows?

A: No, I have some ceremony scripts and some vows so couples don't have to write their own, but they can. (you can see an example here)

If you are interested in booking an elopement package and meeting Janet, please click here to �nd out more! Click here to read our Frequently Asked Questions about these services.

Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

Dana and Jamie we are gathered here together to witness the love and respect that you have for each other.Dana and Jamie are you entering into this marriage freely, voluntarily and without any conditions?

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.A good marriage must be created.The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacri�ce, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting one person to wear a haloor the other to have the wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating �exibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is �nding room for the things of the spirit.It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Civil marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, �delity, and family…..Because it ful�lls yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, civil marriage is an esteemed institution, and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life’s momentous acts of self-de�nition.

Sample Marriage VowsHere is one example of vows used by Janet, the Justice of the Peace that we most often work with, when she o�ciates our gay weddings:

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Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

Dana and Jamie please face each other and repeat after me. Dana, I come here today to join your life for years,I pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years. We are many things to each other,May only those best qualities continue to shineAnd may our bond continue to grow stronger Time may pass, fortune may smile, trials may come; no matter what we may encounter together, I vow here today that this love will be my only love. I will make my home in your heart from this day forward

Jamie, I come here today to join your life for years,I pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years. We are many things to each other,May only those best qualities continue to shineAnd may our bond continue to grow stronger Time may pass, fortune may smile, trials may come; no matter what we may encounter together, I vow here today that this love will be my only love. I will make my home in your heart from this day forward *****MAY I PLEASE HAVE THE RINGS*****Dana, what I have to give you is The promise to take you as my only love from this day forward, to stand by your side, to listen when you speak, to comfort you when you cry, and to join your laughter with my own. Take this ring, and be part of my life foreverJamie, what I have to give you is The promise to take you as my only love from this day forward, to stand by your side, to listen when you speak, to comfort you when you cry, and to join your laughter with my own. Take this ring, and be part of my life forever.

Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings. The wedding ring is a symbol of the vows taken here today…….a circle of wholeness perfect in form. The unending circle of a ring is a sign of �delity, the pledged faithfulness of a couple to each other. These rings mark the beginning of an unending journey together �lled with wonder and surprises, laughter and tears, celebration and joy. May these rings glow in the warmth and happiness of you both today.

There may be times �lled with happiness, sorrow, tears or laughter, whatever it may be, remember love has given you wings; your journey begins today; Dana and Jamie, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, remember the love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make your marriage a glorious union, and it is by love that your marriage will endure.

Dana and Jamie, as you have consented together in lawful wedlock and thereto have pledged your faith to each other, and have declared the same by joining hands and giving and receiving of rings and exchanged your �rst gifts as a married couple and by the powers vested in me as a Justice of the Peace for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you are now married!

If you wish to seal this marriage with a kiss, you may now do so.

Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

* What documents do I need to apply for a marriage license in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont? Is there a blood test required? No blood test for any of those states, but please bring photo ID, plus a birth certi�cate, plus divorce papers (if applicable) and a green card (if applicable). Note that, in Massachusetts, we have never seen a client asked for divorce papers or a green card, but I'd hate for you to be the �rst! We actually seldom see couples asked for ID but please bring it nonetheless. You will be asked to answer questions whose answers can be found on your birth certi�cate so it's good to have that to refer to (questions like: mother's maiden name, place of birth etc). Please check out this resource for Con-necticut, this for Vermont, this for New Hampshire and this resource for Massachusetts.

* Is there a 3 day waiting period to get a license in Connecticut, New Hampshire or Vermont? No.

* What's the deal with the 3 day wait to get a marriage license in Massachusetts? Do I have to wait 3 days? In Massachusetts, you have to wait 3 days after applying for a marriage license to pick it up (that's 3 days, not 3 business days). However, by going to court, you can apply for "marriage without delay" for an extra fee and have that wait waived. Sometimes you are in court for 15 minutes and some-times 2+ hours. You never know how long it will take but we have never seen a judge deny your request. All of our packages include this service so you don't have to wait 3 days.

* How does it work if I want to bring a small group of friends or family? These packages are not created as a substitute for bigger weddings but we are happy to make recommendations to nearby hotels for your friends and family and also make a larger dinner reserva-tion. If you want to add on additional �owers or hotel rooms, there will be an additional charge. If you want the ceremony to be somewhere completely private, indoors and rain-proof, there will be an additional charge. NOTE: For groups of 6 or more, we must obtain a permit through the parks department for an outdoor ceremony and this $100 permit fee will be added to your �nal bill.

* Is airfare included in any packages? No, we do not include airfare. * It says you make dinner reservations. Is the cost of the dinner included? No, you are on your own for all food and beverage costs during your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions from Out of State Couples

Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

* What's the latest I can arrive in Boston and still get my license that same day? Please arrive no later than 2pm.

* What's the nearest airport to you? Boston Logan Airport (BOS).

* What should I wear in court? You can wear what you're comfortable in, no dress code required.

* How do I get an o�cial, certi�ed copy of my marriage license? In Massachusetts, you have to go through the city or town from which you received your license but this service is included in all of our elopement packages. Each city has a di�erent fee and request process. Check out that city's website. In Connecticut, you need to �ll out the form from this webpage.

* How much is the deposit amount? The non-refundable deposit is 50% payable upon booking a package. We accept check, money order or credit card.

* Can I change my name when I apply for a license? The application will ask you about your name after marriage. The certi�ed copy of your marriage license that you receive after the wedding will have this information and you will have to show that document as proof of your new name.

* One of us is a non-US citizen. Can we have a gay wedding? We are not legal experts so you should consult an immigration attorney on this matter. We also recommend that you read this resource on bi-national marriage from GLAD.

* If I come to Boston for an elopement package, how do I get where we need to go? We meet you at your hotel, or pick you up from the airport and get you your license in the same day. Sometimes we drive, sometimes we take cabs and sometimes we walk - it depends on where you stay. But we have to get your license during normal Monday-Friday business hours and need 2-3 hours to do it.

* Can I bring my camera? There is a risk that your camera will be con�scated when you enter the courthouse as cameras are not permitted. You can have your camera everywhere else but the courthouse.

Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

* If I book the Vows package and bring my camera, can you take photos? Assuming you choose to get married immediately after receiving your license, then we are happy to take photos with your camera during your ceremony. We cannot promise professional-quality but are happy to take them anyway.

* Who is my professional photographer and do I get a choice? No, you don't get a choice but we will hire someone who is excellent at his or her job. Check out real photos from one of our elopements, taken by a professional photographer.

* Do we need to rent a car in Boston? No, you don't and in fact, we advise against it. Parking can be $40/night and the city has great public transportation and is very walkable. If you rent a car, we can almost promise that you will get lost and very frustrated.

* Do I have to get married as soon as I pick up my license if I book an elopement package? After we get you the license, you don't have to get married right away but do have to get married within 60 days (Massachusetts) or 65 days (Connecticut). We'll always make arrangements with a Justice of the Peace in advance of your arrival based on your preferred wedding time and place. Note that if you plan to get married later in the day, or within the next few days, there's a chance we won't be there ourselves, but of course we'll make sure that you and the JP have each other's contact information, and that the JP is pre-paid.

* Will my same-sex marriage be legally recognized in my home state or by the federal govern-ment? The federal government will now allow you to have your passport changed with your new name but will not otherwise recognize the marriage. For information on your state, check out this Lambda Legal resource.

* Can I write my own vows? Sure, you can write your own vows but the Justice of the Peace will have a lovely ceremony script (example here).

* Can I write my own ceremony? It's a lot of work, but sure! The Justice of the Peace can read what you bring. Or you can upgrade to a Celebrant who will take the time to get to know you and write you a custom ceremony for an additional $250.

Copyright 2011 www.14stories.com 617.942.1270

* Who will be marrying us? 99% of the time we work with a lovely Justice of the Peace named Janet who o�ciates these weddings. You can read about Janet here.

* Will there be a processional and recessional at the wedding? That's up to you. Normally these elopements are very casual without a formal processional. Often, it's just the couple standing before the JP together.

* Where can I have the wedding ceremony? In most cases, it'll be at a park or another public area in which we'll �nd a nice quiet spot. In some cases, especially if it rains or is cold, it can be held in your B&B or hotel, or at City Hall. Anywhere that's free is included in the package.

* If there's a change in my plans, can I reschedule the date? We are happy to work with you on rescheduling your wedding once it's been booked, pending our availability. You have one year from the original date to reschedule and the deposit is non-refundable because we use it to pay our subcontracted vendors (like the photographer).

* I don't want a wedding cake or �owers - can you take those o� the package price? Can you add on an extra night stay? Yes, we can add or subtract from the package as you wish.

* When is my balance due? The Destiny Platinum, Gold and Silver packages are due one week prior to your arrival, payable by check, money order or credit card. The Vows package balance is due when we meet for your wed-ding, payable by cash, money order or bank check.

* Can you help me plan a big celebratory party or wedding for my friends and family once I return to my home state? Of course! Check out our planning services to get a sense of what we do for bigger weddings.

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What’s your story?