Ask Michael, an ordained minister in Denver, author, and podcast host to preside over your wedding ceremony in Colorado today!
Author Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant in Colorado
"A marriage is based upon a foundation of trust, faith, and commitment. 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."
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Michael Moody, author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of “The Elements of Being” podcast, serves as an ordained minister for non-religious ceremonies in Denver (the LoDo, RiNo, Highland, Cherry Creek, Washington Park, and Capitol Hill neighborhoods) as well as Boulder, Breckinridge, Frisco, Vail, Aspen, Estes Park, and other towns in Colorado. He is also the winner of the 2023 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award in Denver and Chicago (the eighth consecutive year), awarded "Best Business of 2024, 2025, and 2026" by Three Best Rated, and “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” by Quality Business Awards USA. Michael has officiated over 300 weddings since 2012, including recent ceremonies at the Ritz-Carlton, The Manor House, and Black Canyon Inn.
Having studied psychology for over 20 years, Michael's philosophy has evolved from a foundation in health, happiness, and mindfulness. His writings and speeches reflect the hope and inspiration of the people who surround him, as well as the innate character of all beings. Michael believes that marriage will make each of you stronger, giving you the energy and passion to do things you might not choose to do on your own.
Since 2012, Michael's holistic experience has enabled him to publish his book and serve as a Denver wedding officiant for many custom non-religious wedding ceremonies. His celebrations are truly unique and memorable experiences. Michael also provides same-sex marriages and integrates many ethnic and cultural traditions into his ceremonies. His 2 years of acting with the Guerrilla Theater Troupe in 1999 and 2000 have undoubtedly prepared him to improvise whenever and wherever needed. No additional packages required, and the same price regardless of ceremony size. Want to learn more? Read Michael’s ordained minister reviews below. Still looking for a location? Check out this extensive list of wedding venues in Denver.
Michael Moody, Denver Wedding Officiant and Ordained Minister in Denver and the many Colorado Towns / Photo Credit: Elevate Photography
Your Wedding Story
Truly, a real storybook wedding extends from a foundation of experiences—often the best and most humorous details, and occasionally the less-than-perfect turns of life. The root is a love that first reveals itself in that spark of connection. That, and the many milestones that have led you to this moment, is what is being celebrated. It is this story, your wedding story, that is the foundation of all of Michael’s custom wedding ceremonies. A celebration of the love that you and your partner share today, and that you formally announce on your wedding day.
“The elements of our being are really an interwoven fabric of our physical, emotional, and mental selves. The beauty lies in the individual character of each as well as the essence of the collective whole.”
"Best Business of 2024 and 2025" by Three Best Rated
Self Improvement Book
Michael’s Book:
Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness
As an ordained minister in Colorado, Michael completed his inspirational self-improvement book, Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness, to help couples and readers succeed. It’s the answer to the perpetual challenge to achieve the happiness and success that you desire and deserve. You’ll find new awareness as you uncover the unconscious and conscious influences on your thought patterns and behaviors.
By the end, you’ll have incorporated a simple approach that will not only reshape your life but also positively impact those around you, including your marriage. Most importantly, you’ll remove the invisible obstruction that holds you back from achieving personal growth and richer, more fulfilling relationships!
Redefine Yourself exemplifies a new generation of wellness books that emphasize the mental and emotional “you” in pursuit of success. For the first time, the primary focus of physical and personal change isn’t just nutrition and exercise. It’s a targeted focus on the process of awareness, acceptance, and adaptation.
Not only does this book help you examine yourself, but it also provides you with the tools to handle any challenges within and beyond. Redefine Yourself is truly the “in-your-pocket” resource for daily change.
A wonderful memory captured in 2020 at the Shakespeare Garden in Evanston by the talented Naomi Epstein. Check out https://www.naomiepsteinphotography.com/ for your wedding ceremony!
Wedding Ceremony Package Prices for an Ordained Minister
Denver-based wedding officiant and ordained minister Michael Moody crafts warm, personal, non-religious ceremonies for couples in Denver, Boulder, Golden, and throughout Colorado—including Littleton, Breckenridge, Frisco, Vail, Aspen, and Estes Park. He also performs same-sex marriages and integrates many ethnic and cultural traditions into his ceremonies. A wedding ceremony is $995, 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.
Same Sex Marriages / Photo: Bárbara Marques
Your Wedding Ceremony, Your Voice
Every couple has a story. Michael designs a custom ceremony that matches your tone—traditional, non-traditional, spiritual, or a blend of both. He tailors the rituals, readings, vows, and pacing to your preferences and wedding party. Most ceremonies run 15–25 minutes, adjusted to venue timelines. Let Michael help you create an everlasting, unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Simple, Guided Planning
Discovery & outline: Preferences can be shared via a quick, optional questionnaire. Michael prepares a custom ceremony outline for the prep call or in-person meeting. When you meet with Michael, you’ll 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!
Refinement: Details are confirmed two weeks before the wedding, with room for last-minute touches (even up to the last second before the ceremony).
Day-of support: Michael arrives 30 minutes early to coordinate with participants and the vendor team, allowing you to stay present.
Signature Story Ceremony – $995
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.
Colorado Marriage License: What to Know
Colorado requires both partners to schedule an online or in-person appointment and to be present in the same room in the state at that time. Requirements vary by county; please confirm with the local clerk (Denver couples can search “Apply for a Marriage or Civil Union License in Denver.”)
Wedding Officiant Boulder
Booking & Availability
Share an initial 15-minute call or Zoom window to confirm the date and vision. When ready, Michael sends a contract and next steps (deposit to reserve, balance due a week prior, schedule an in-person or Zoom planning meeting). Payments accepted via Zelle (773-484-8094), Venmo (@michaelmoodyofficiant), or credit card (processing fees may apply).
Service Areas
Serving Denver, Boulder, and Golden weekly—plus mountain towns across Colorado. If you’re seeking a dependable Denver wedding officiant and Colorado ordained minister who will personalize every detail, Michael Moody would be honored to lead 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.”
Wedding Ceremony at the Sanctuary Golf Course / Photo Credit: Elevate Photography
Wedding Ceremonies in Colorado
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, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Littleton, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Vail, Aspen, Estes Park, Golden, and more. If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please get in touch with Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
The perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony in Colorado awaits you!!! Book your Colorado elopement wedding today!/ Photo: Zhana Fort
Summit Ceremony and Adventure Elopements – from $1,495
Michael also offers Colorado Elopement Packages for adventure seekers interested in a wedding ceremony on a mountain top or along a scenic trail in Glenwood Springs, Telluride, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, or anywhere else in Colorado. Whether meeting at a trailhead or hiking 10-12 miles to a secluded location, Michael will customize an experience that is private and unforgettable! Not sure of a trail? Michael has completed 114 hikes (all different routes) since February of 2022, including 15-14ers, 18-13ers, and 5-12ers. He will find the perfect scenic location for you! Rates will vary depending on time and distance.
About the Elopement Experience:
For couples who feel most like themselves in the mountains.
Whether it is a scenic overlook, alpine lake, or long trail, this offering combines ceremony design with Colorado trail and logistics expertise.
Includes:
Everything in the Signature Story Ceremony, plus:
Location and trail guidance
Suggestions tailored to your comfort level, season, and guest needs (from easy walk-ups to longer hikes).Permits and timing coaching
Support in navigating park permits, ideal lighting, and backup weather plans.On-location time for photos and ceremony
Expanded time window to allow for hiking, photos, and a relaxed ceremony without rushing.Weather and gear checklist
Practical guidance to help you and your guests stay comfortable and safe.Optional add-on: short planning walk-through on a different day
For more complex locations, a brief scout and walk-through can be built in.
Ideal for: Rocky Mountain National Park ceremonies, high-country elopements, sunrise or sunset trail weddings, and couples who see the outdoors as part of their story.
Denver Ordained Minister Reviews
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."
Colorado Wedding Officiant / Photo: Kayla Rose Photography
Kevin M.
"Mike was very spirited! He gave us a list of questions for us to answer (individually) so that he could make the wedding ceremony as personal and fun as possible. He also provided numerous examples and descriptions to make the entire process as easy as possible for us. He was professional, courteous, and full of positive energy! He really made the day perfect and special for us. I would recommend him to any couple! He was simply wonderful, and we are very grateful :)"
Selina K.
"I am so happy we had Michael Moody officiate our wedding! He did an amazing job! From the outset, Michael was very professional and helpful. He sat down with us, helped us organize our entire wedding ceremony, and provided great advice on the order of everything. He even provided us with sample readings and vows, which were awesome! He was very responsive with all our emails and answered all our questions as well. And on our wedding day, Michael was phenomenal! He ensured that everything was in order and that everyone involved in the wedding ceremony knew their roles and responsibilities, making the whole process stress-free. He did a wonderful job tailoring the wedding ceremony to just what we wanted, and we couldn't have been any happier with the whole thing."
Wedding Ceremony at the Sanctuary Golf Course / Photo Credit: Elevate Photography
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."
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