Merili Loucks
Ordained Minister in Madera, California
Why did you originally become an ordained minister online?
I became an ordained minister not to represent a doctrine, but to honor love itself. To stand as a witness when two souls choose one another in truth, in love, and in freedom. I believe marriage is not owned by any religion, gender, or tradition. It is a sacred threshold where love is spoken aloud, witnessed, and woven into the world. My calling is to hold space for all who wish to join in matrimony without conditions, exclusions, or assumptions. To create a ceremony that reflect who you truly are, what you believe, and how you love. This path naturally weaves into my work in spiritual coaching and wellness: helping people remember their truth, honor their hearts, and step consciously into the next chapter of their lives. Love is the ceremony. I am simply here to bless it.
Where are you from?
I am a creative guide, spiritual coach, and ordained minister who believes in the quiet power of presence, intention, and love. Born in Croatia and raised in the United States from a young age, my life has been shaped by movement between cultures, traditions, and ways of seeing the world. With a lifelong devotion to art, creativity, and inner exploration, I create spaces where people feel safe to be fully themselves, whether through healing work, ceremony, or creative expression. My approach is intuitive, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that every soul carries its own innate gifts and wisdom. I serve all paths, all identities, and all expressions of love, honoring the sacredness of each individual journey.
What do you hope to achieve with your online ordination?
I am an ordained minister in California who weaves wedding ceremonies from both tradition and imagination, honoring ancient rhythms while shaping each ceremony to reflect the unique bond of the couple before me. I believe love is most powerfully celebrated when ritual meets creativity, where timeless vows are given new voice through personal story, intention, and presence. My role is to hold space for a ceremony that feels both sacred and unmistakably your own.
Religious Affiliations
None
Additional Information
As a non-denominational minister, I create ceremonies that honor love in all its forms, whether you come from a faith tradition, a spiritual path, ancient ritual beliefs, or no particular belief at all. Your values, story, and connection guide every choice, ensuring your ceremony is deeply personal and inclusive.
What do you think makes your ceremonies special as a Madera, CA wedding officiant?
What makes my ceremonies special is the way tradition and ritual is woven together through collaboration. I work closely with both partners to explore ideas, symbols, and ancient rituals that reflect their shared values and individual voices. Together, we shape a ceremony that honors timeless ritual while allowing creativity and intention to guide every detail, resulting in a union that feels deeply personal, balanced, and beautifully aligned.
Are there particular areas near you where you prefer to travel or have special experience?
I can offer weddings in some of California’s most breathtaking natural settings close to my heart, from the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite and the ancient giant groves of Sequoia and Kings Canyon, to the sun-soaked beaches and rolling hills of the Central California Coast. I also welcome destination weddings in the stunning island landscapes of my native Croatia. Each ceremony is designed to honor your love while celebrating the beauty and spirit of the land around you.
Types of Service Offered
Marriages, Same-Sex Marriages, Renewal of Vows, Funerals, House Blessings, Spiritual Guidance
Additional Information
I am especially drawn to ceremonies held in nature, where the elements themselves bear witness. The earth beneath our feet, wind carrying intention, light marking the moment. Ancient rituals, adapted with care and respect, often find their way into my work, offering couples a sacred space with those who they love before them. Nature and ritual remind us that marriage is not only a promise to each other, but a vow made in harmony with life and the natural world.