James Tomlinson

I originally became ordained to officiate a wedding for a close family member. What began as a practical step quickly became something more meaningful. I realized the importance of creating ceremonies that are personal, thoughtful, and reflective of the people involved. That experience stayed with me and continues to shape how I approach officiating today.

I was born in Michigan and grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I moved to the city as a teenager and have spent much of my life here, currently living in the Andersonville neighborhood. Along the way, I’ve also lived on the East Coast (including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC) as well as abroad in Berlin, Germany.

I consider myself a global citizen, a native Michigander, and an adopted Chicagoan.

I hope to be a steady, trusted presence during one of the most personal and meaningful moments in people’s lives.

I am honored by every request to officiate a ceremony, and I don’t take that lightly. I encourage those I’m working with to consider whether I am the right person for them, and we have real conversations so I can understand who they are, both individually and together, and so they feel completely comfortable with me.

My goal is to represent them authentically and create the experience they envision. A ceremony is more than a moment. It becomes a lifelong memory and a cornerstone, and I believe that deserves care, intention, and respect.

My background is rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). I was baptized and confirmed at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Carpentersville, Illinois; and later attended Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicago.

Over time, my beliefs have evolved toward a more inclusive and pluralistic perspective, grounded in individual freedom of belief, thoughtful reflection, and a personal search for truth. I am an ordained minister, which allows me to legally officiate weddings while serving people across a wide range of beliefs.

I strive to create ceremonies centered on kindness, love, inclusion, justice, and respect for human dignity. I welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs, and am especially committed to ensuring that everyone (especially the LGBTQIA+ community and those who do not feel at home in traditional religious settings) feels fully welcomed and affirmed.

What makes my ceremonies special is that they are built around the people at the center of them. It's not a script or expectation.

I take time to understand who they are, their story, and what this moment means to them. That allows me to create something that feels authentic, personal, and true to their values.

I’m also intentional about creating space for everyone regardless of background, beliefs, or identity so they feel fully seen, respected, and comfortable.

At the end of the day, a ceremony should feel as meaningful as it is memorable. My role is to help create a moment that genuinely reflects the people it belongs to and stays with them long after the day is over.

I am open to travel and flexible depending on the needs of those I’m working with and the location of the ceremony. I’ve officiated ceremonies in and around Chicago as well as downstate Illinois, including at Levere Memorial Temple in Evanston, private venues, and lake homes.

My approach is highly personal and collaborative. I work closely with everyone to create a ceremony that reflects their story, their values, and the tone they want whether that’s spiritual, secular, traditional, or something entirely unique.

I aim to strike the right balance between meaning and authenticity so the ceremony feels natural, memorable, and truly representative of who they are.