Lee Scott Hawthorne

I grew up Southern Baptist in a megachurch, survived indoctrination and conversion therapy, and came out the other side with a wide knowledge of faith, spirituality, and humanity. Now, as a Universal Life Church minister, I craft ceremonies that fit you—traditional, pagan, spiritual, or wildly nontraditional. I especially love officiating LGBTQ+ and same-sex weddings, where humor, love, and authenticity shine. For me, every ceremony is sacred—not because it follows rules, but because it celebrates the unique bond between two people and their chosen path together.

Raised in suburban Orange County, then living and working in fast-paced Los Angeles, my husband and I chose to move to Humboldt California to enjoy the redwoods.

My goal as a minister is to bridge religion and spirituality in a way that honors both tradition and authenticity. I strive to blend the wisdom of faith traditions with the spiritual practices of Northern California, where ceremony is rooted in nature, balance, and community. In that same spirit, I celebrate and uplift LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit identities, honoring them as sacred and essential parts of human wholeness.

At the heart of everything I do is ceremony, respect and love. Whether a wedding, commitment ceremony, or rite of passage, I aim to create gatherings that reflect both the deep spiritual connection of souls and the unique love and truth of the people being celebrated. Every union—traditional, pagan, queer, or joyfully nontraditional—deserves to be honored with reverence, laughter, and authenticity.

Although I have knowledge of them I do not prescribe to their teachings but take the universal spiritual truths that each share.

What makes my ministry unique is the path that brought me here. I carry the deep knowledge of growing up in a Southern Baptist megachurch, along with the lived experience of breaking free from indoctrination and surviving conversion therapy—giving me both compassion and perspective that few ministers can offer. Rather than sticking to one tradition, I weave together religion, pagan practices, and the spiritual truths I've learned from each to create ceremonies that are grounded, authentic, and alive. As a gay minister, I especially celebrate LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit love as sacred, bringing humor, joy, and inclusivity to every gathering. At the heart of my work is humor, ceremony, and love—whether traditional, spiritual, or wildly nontraditional, every union and milestone deserves to be honored with reverence and authenticity.

I believe spiritual services should be both fair and accessible, which is why I offer a sliding scale to meet people where they are. While I keep my ceremonies affordable, I bring a level of authenticity, care, and presence that goes far beyond what I charge. For me, this work is not just a job—it is a spiritual mission rooted in love, inclusivity, and the honor of guiding people through life’s most meaningful moments.