Mina Draman

I first became an ordained minister online when some close friends asked me to officiate their wedding. At the time, I thought I was just doing a favor but the experience completely changed me. Standing with two people as they made such an important commitment, helping them craft vows that reflected who they really are, and seeing the joy on their faces was one of the most meaningful things I’d ever been part of. After that, I realized I wanted to offer the same experience to other couples. Becoming ordained online gave me the freedom to do exactly that. It allows me to create ceremonies that aren’t one size fits all, but instead are tailored to each couple’s personality, beliefs, and story. Some couples want something lighthearted and fun, others want something deeply heartfelt and traditional, and many want a mix of both. My goal is always the same: to make the ceremony feel genuine, memorable, and true to the two people standing in front of me. For me, being a minister isn’t about formality—it’s about connection. Every couple deserves a ceremony that feels authentic to who they are, and I love being able to help bring that to life.

I am from Florida, Dade. I was raised in Turkey, Istanbul and also lived in Wales, Llantwit Major. I am now going back to my roots to the states to Illinois, Chicago.

With my online ordination, I hope to bring couples both flexibility and professionalism in one of the most important parts of their wedding day. Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to take away any stress surrounding the ceremony itself. I want couples to feel confident knowing that their vows and their story are in good hands. Being ordained online allows me to serve a wide range of couples with different needs and traditions, while still keeping the process straightforward and personal. Whether it’s guiding couples through writing their vows, ensuring the legal requirements are met, or simply setting the right tone for the ceremony, I aim to combine reliability with warmth.

What makes my ceremonies special is the attention I give to the small details that make a wedding feel truly personal. I don’t just read from a script—I take time to learn about each couple’s story, the way they met, what they love about each other, and the moments that define their relationship. That might mean weaving in a favorite quote, acknowledging family traditions, or adding a touch of humor that feels authentic to them. I also place a lot of value on the atmosphere. A ceremony should feel comfortable and welcoming, not stiff or rushed. Whether it’s calming nerves right before walking down the aisle, speaking clearly so every guest feels included, or adjusting on the spot if something unexpected happens, I focus on creating an environment where the couple can be fully present and enjoy the moment.

The places I’d most like to officiate weddings are California, Texas, Florida, Nevada, and New York. California has so many beautiful venues and diverse locations that would make each ceremony unique. Texas has a mix of big cities and scenic spots that are perfect for different styles of weddings. Florida offers amazing weather and destinations like the beach or even Disney for a magical touch. Nevada, especially Las Vegas, is ideal for couples looking for a fun, memorable, and sometimes unconventional ceremony. And New York has an incredible range from city rooftops to charming countryside spots that makes every wedding feel special.

In addition to officiating, I provide guidance to help couples feel confident about the ceremony from start to finish. That can mean walking through the order of events, clarifying legal requirements, or helping with wording so everything flows naturally. I also make a point of being reliable and adaptable. Weddings can be unpredictable, and I’m prepared to keep the ceremony running smoothly no matter what comes up.