Penny Richards, Justice of the Peace/Notary

Penny Richards is a Justice of the Peace and notary in North Reading who officiates weddings. Her aim is to give each couple a ceremony that is personal and meaningful and that leaves them with memories to treasure, and she works with couples to create the ceremony together. As a Massachusetts Justice of the Peace, she is allowed by law to perform marriage ceremonies anywhere in the Commonwealth.

Couples marrying in another state may still be able to work with her. She can explore whether that state offers a one-day, one-marriage permit that would let her officiate, and she has already conducted weddings in Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. She says she looks forward to meeting every couple who wishes to be married, and the process starts with an initial conversation in which fees are discussed.

What to Know

• The initial consultation is always free of charge.
• She serves as Secretary of the Massachusetts Justice of the Peace Association.
• Notary services are offered in addition to wedding officiating.
• She is listed with the Wilmington/Tewksbury Chamber of Commerce under legal services.