Ernesto Umana
Ordained Minister in El Cerrito, California
Why did you originally become an ordained minister online?
It all started with a Vegas wedding and a big yes—some dear friends asked me to officiate their ceremony in 2018, and I couldn’t resist. Getting ordained through the Universal Life Church felt like the perfect way to honor that request and make it official. That moment sparked a passion for crafting meaningful, identity-affirming ceremonies that celebrate love in all its forms.
Where are you from?
Los Angeles, CA
What do you hope to achieve with your online ordination?
My online ordination is more than a credential—it’s a commitment to making love visible, valued, and validated for all couples. I hope to use this platform to continue supporting couples who have historically been excluded from traditional spaces. I want every couple I serve to feel seen, supported, and celebrated—not just on their wedding day, but in the way their love is honored in the ceremony itself. Love is love, and I'm here to make sure your ceremony reflects your truth.
Religious Affiliations
None
What do you think makes your ceremonies special as a El Cerrito, CA wedding officiant?
I blend heart, humor, and high emotional IQ to create ceremonies that are as unique as the couples themselves. I specialize in inclusive ceremonies and bring cultural fluency, bilingual capabilities (English and Spanish), and a personal understanding of what it means to have your identity celebrated, not just tolerated. Whether it’s a queer, interfaith, or multicultural union, I make sure your love story is the star of the show.
Are there particular areas near you where you prefer to travel or have special experience?
I'm based in El Cerrito, CA, and love working throughout the San Francisco Bay Area—from wine country to the South Bay. Whether it's a mountaintop ceremony or a backyard bash, I'm ready to stand by your side. My pricing is distance-based to keep things fair and transparent, and I offer a teacher discount because—as a former teacher—I know how much love and effort goes into that work.
Types of Service Offered
Marriages, Same-Sex Marriages
Additional Information
Beyond officiating, I provide ceremony planning support, vow guidance, and a steady hand to make your wedding feel seamless and authentic. I also offer bilingual ceremonies, support rituals like handfasting or libation rituals, and accommodate a wide range of traditions and preferences. And here's a fun twist—I recently started as a real estate agent, so if you're ready to say yes to address, I’ve got you covered from vows to vaulted ceilings.
