Provides wedding officiant and ordained minister services in Boulder, Colorado.

Ask Michael, an ordained minister in Denver, author, and podcast host to preside over your wedding ceremony in Colorado today!

Golden Wedding Officiant


About Michael Moody

Michael Moody is a Golden wedding officiant and ordained minister serving couples along Clear Creek, Washington Avenue, the neighborhoods near South Table Mountain and North Table Mountain, and the Lookout Mountain foothills—plus nearby towns throughout Jefferson County and the Front Range. He’s the author of Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of The Elements of Being podcast, known for a steady, reassuring presence and non-religious ceremonies that feel genuine. Michael also provides same-sex marriages and integrates many ethnic and cultural traditions into his celebrations. Since 2012, Michael has officiated 300+ weddings and has been recognized by leading review platforms and awards in Colorado for consistent excellence, including the 2023 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award in Denver and Chicago (the eighth consecutive year)and being named "Best Business of 2024, 2025, and 2026" by Three Best Rated. Michael’s 2 years of acting with the Guerrilla Theater Troupe in 1999 and 2000 have undoubtedly prepared him to improvise whenever and wherever needed.


Why Golden Couples Love to Work with Michael

  • Golden-specific know-how: From creekside ceremonies and downtown historic venues to mountaintop views on Lookout Mountain, Michael understands Golden’s settings, logistics, and vendor ecosystem.

  • Story-first ceremonies: He builds scripts, readings, and vows around your voice, values, and culture—spiritual, secular, or nontraditional.

  • Calm leadership: Clear planning, rehearsal coaching, and confident delivery so you (and your families) can be fully present.


Philosophy & Ceremony Approach

Grounded in health, happiness, and mindfulness, and informed by 20 years of study in psychology, Michael’s approach as a Golden-ordained minister centers on presence, meaning, and connection. Rooted in well-being, gratitude, and mindfulness, Michael’s Golden ceremonies focus on meaning and connection—the simple moments that make a commitment feel unforgettable. He believes marriage amplifies each partner’s strengths and creates the momentum to pursue what matters most together. Every ceremony is crafted to honor that promise: inclusive, personal, and centered on the love that brought you here.

Wedding Officiant Golden

Michael Moody, Golden Wedding Officiant and Ordained Minister in Golden and the many Colorado Towns / Photo Credit: Elevate Photography

 

Golden Wedding Officiant:

Experience You Can Trust

For more than a decade, Michael has combined a background in health, communication, and storytelling to serve as a trusted Golden wedding officiant and ordained minister. Couples often describe their ceremonies as warm, intentional, and unmistakably theirs—never generic, always true to who you are.

See the proof: Explore Michael’s ordained minister reviews to hear directly from Golden and Colorado couples.

Still choosing a venue? Browse a curated list of wedding venues in Golden below—from historic downtown spaces and creekside hotels to scenic foothills estates—and find the right fit for your guest count and style.


If you’re planning a Colorado Mountain Elopement, Michael can help you plan your dream expedition in the mountains. Learn more about the experience on the Golden Foothills and Mountain Elopements page.

 

“Truly, a marriage based on a foundation of trust, faith, and commitment will make your marriage successful no matter what. Trust to keep you open and honest with each other. Faith in each other to allow you to overcome doubt and adversity. Perhaps most importantly, commitment to keep you true to the promises you make to each other today.”


 
Wedding Venues Golden

Wedding Venues Golden / Photo: Amar Preciado

 

List of Golden Wedding Venues

Historic and Mountain-View Landmarks in Golden

Hotels and Downtown in Golden (Clear Creek Vibes)

  • The Golden Hotel — Creekside boutique hotel in historic downtown; lodge style + modern amenities. $$$.

  • Table Mountain Inn — Southwestern-style hotel on Washington Ave; weddings, receptions & rehearsal options. $$–$$$.

Unique Theaters, Galleries, and Cultural Spaces in Golden

Golf courses, Clubs, and Garden Settings in Golden

Restaurants and Private-Event Options in Golden

 
Elopement Ceremony Golden

Elopement Ceremony Golden

 

Golden Wedding Officiant and Ordained Minister


 

Michael Moody is a Golden-based wedding officiant and ordained minister known for warm, personal, non-religious ceremonies that feel like you. From intimate elopements to full-scale celebrations, Michael serves couples in Golden and across Denver. He also provides same-sex marriages and integrates many ethnic and cultural traditions into his ceremonies. A wedding ceremony is $1095, and a wedding rehearsal is an additional $100 within 30 miles of Denver. Additional travel fees may apply. No extra packages or fees are necessary to share your love story-the foundation of the ceremony and the life you have built as a couple. Also, the price remains the same no matter the size of your celebration.

Golden Wedding Officiant

Golden Wedding Officiant

What the Wedding Ceremony Includes

Michael tailors the rituals, readings, vows, and pacing to your preferences and wedding party. Most ceremonies run 15–25 minutes, adjusted to your venue’s schedule and any special elements you choose. Let Michael help you create an everlasting, unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

A Simple, Guided Planning Process

  1. Discovery: Share preferences (optional quick questionnaire).

  2. Custom Outline: Michael prepares a ceremony outline for your prep call or in-person meeting.

  3. In-Person (or Zoom) Planning Meeting: You’ll meet with Michael and discuss EVERY aspect of your dream wedding ceremony! His background includes hosting and event planning, and he will mindfully guide you through the intricate details of a memorable event. No detail is left undiscussed! Michael will help you curate a stress-free wedding day so you can truly be in the moment!

  4. Refinement: Final review about two weeks out to confirm details and any special moments.

  5. Day-Of Support: Michael arrives 30 minutes early to coordinate with participants and vendors.

 

Signature Story Ceremony – $1095

Perfect for a personalized, polished ceremony in Denver and the Front Range. Deep storytelling, intentional rituals, and extra support. For couples who want guests to walk away saying, “That ceremony could only have been theirs.” Your wedding story is never an add-on to a package… it is the foundation of your ceremony and is always included.

What is included:

  • Extended story interviews with the bride and groom
    Dedicated time to dig into your story, history, and what you are building together.

  • Richer, more layered ceremony script (20–30 minutes)
    Includes a more detailed narrative, meaningful quotes or readings, and guest participation tailored to your relationship, tone, and preferences.

  • Guided vow-writing lab
    Focused resources and activities to help you write vows that feel authentic, grounded, and balanced. Michael will review your final version if desired.

  • Ceremony run-of-show and vendor coordination (planning meeting and beyond)
    A planning meeting to map out processional order, cues, and timing, followed by a clear ceremony timeline sent to your planner, photographer, and DJ.

  • A symbolic ritual of your choice
    Examples: handfasting, unity pour, love-letter and wine box, candle or sand ceremony, cultural or family rituals you would like to honor.

  • Keepsake print of the ceremony script and a bottle of Michael and Sammy’s favorite wine
    A beautifully formatted copy of your script and vows to revisit for anniversaries or vow renewals, as well as a bottle of Michael and Sammy’s favorite Cabernet Sauvignon from Hall Wines.

  • Marriage license signing
    Clear guidance on when and how we will sign and file your license so it is stress-free.

  • Unlimited email support
    Ask questions at any time as details evolve, and feel free to make changes up to 30 seconds before the ceremony begins. Always room to adapt when necessary!

Meaningful Additional Services:

Customize any package with these optional upgrades:

  • Rehearsal Leadership – from $100
    A 45–60 minute on-site rehearsal to walk through processional, spacing, and cues with your wedding party.

  • Intentional Marriage Prep Coaching (3 sessions) – from $495
    Non-therapeutic coaching based on values, communication, and routines, using the same principles behind the “Redefine Yourself” and Elements of Being work. Great as a pre-wedding investment in your relationship.

  • Wedding Stress Reset: 4-Week Wellness Plan – from $225
    Light-touch fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness guardrails to help you feel your best without crash dieting or burnout.

  • Ceremony Keepsake Bundle – already included in the Signature Story Ceremony Package
    Printed and bound ceremony script and vows, plus a digital copy for your records.

  • “Redefine Yourself for Marriage” Mini Guide – $30
    A curated digital guide drawing on existing book and podcast content, organized for engaged couples.

 
 
Wedding Officiant Golden

Wedding Officiant Golden / Alexander Mass

Denver Marriage License: Quick Notes

Both partners must schedule an online or in-person appointment and be in Colorado together in the same room at the appointment time. The county sets requirements; please review the latest instructions on the Denver Clerk & Recorder site before proceeding.

Availability & Booking

Share a few windows for a brief 15-minute call or Zoom to confirm date and vision. When you’re ready, Michael sends a contract and next steps (deposit to reserve; balance due a week prior). Payments accepted via Zelle, Venmo, or credit card (processing fees may apply).

Service Area

Michael offers services in Golden, with regular travel across the Front Range and to mountain venues. Looking for a dependable Golden wedding officiant and Colorado ordained minister who will personalize every detail? Contact Michael Moody to check availability and start planning your ceremony.

 

“As you do these things, your love will continue to grow and flourish. Your burdens will seem lighter because you divide them; your joys will become more intense because you share them; Your marriage will make each of you stronger so you will have the energy and passion to do things you might not choose to do alone.”


 
Golden Wedding Ceremony

Golden Wedding Ceremony / Photo: Josh Withers

 

Creating Memories for a Lifetime in Golden and Beyond

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is a wedding officiant serving Denver, Boulder, Golden, and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in Denver (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings and now offers Colorado elopement ceremonies for couples looking for an intimate experience beyond the boundaries.

Wedding locations: Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Lower Highlands, and Sloan Lake. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more. If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

 
Wedding Officiant in Golden

Wedding Officiant in Golden / Photo: Klaudia Kmak

 

Wedding Officiant Reviews

Gabrielle P.

"Any bride reading this, please take my advice and just call Michael and book him before someone else does. He was absolutely incredible. His ceremony felt like he had known both of us for years. Truly, our wedding ceremony went amazingly because of him. Thank you, Michael!!"

Michael C.

"Michael Moody made our wedding ceremony better than we could have ever imagined. From the moment we contacted Michael, it was clear he takes what he does seriously. He takes the extra time to get to know the couple, giving them a wedding ceremony that best suits their needs. Afterward, our guests praised the service, and we totally agree. We invited Michael to stay for the reception, and he was very engaging with everyone and very sincere."

Amber W.

"THIS IS YOUR GUY!!! Michael was the wedding officiant for our ceremony - and I was blown away! Michael was spot on in making our ceremony so personal and unique. We received SO many compliments on the ceremony at our wedding. I must have been asked 50 times how we found him.

Michael took time to get to know us and built the wedding ceremony accordingly. No part of his process is cookie-cutter. I highly recommend Michael - and promise you won't be disappointed. I know several friends who attended our wedding will be using him in the future as well! Thank you, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for making our day so special, Michael."

Maryum L.

"My husband and I are so happy that Michael Moody officiated our wedding ceremony on 9/19/15! He is professional, personable, and genuine! Michael responds to all emails and phone calls promptly. When we sat down with Michael to review the wedding ceremony, he immediately put my husband and me at ease. Our ceremony was customized to our wants and needs, and when our wedding day came, everything was perfect. All of our guests raved about our wedding officiant, Michael. He did a beautiful job with his opening statement during our ceremony, and the rest of the ceremony went beautifully. If my husband and I renew our wedding vows in the next 10, 25, or 50 years, we hope Michael will be around to officiate! We highly recommend Michael to officiate your special day!”

 
 

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