Reed Hockstedler

Honestly, it started because I looked around at the people I love and realized how many beautiful, unique relationships didn't fit into a standard, rigid box. I wanted to be the person who could say "Yes!" to their story, exactly as they wanted to tell it. Getting ordained through the Universal Life Church gave me the incredible privilege to marry people on their own terms—whether that’s on a mountaintop, in a backyard, or surrounded by glamorous chaos.

My Ministry: My ministry isn't about rigid rules; it's about celebrating human connection. I am here to bring energy, optimism, and peace of mind to your big moments. I believe every milestone—whether it's a wedding, a vow renewal, or a life blessing—deserves a ceremony that feels 100% authentic to who you are. I’m just the lucky person who gets to hold the mic and make it official!

I’m originally from Warroad, Minnesota—the "Hockeytown USA" right up on the Canadian border. Growing up in a small, tight-knit community like Warroad taught me the true value of connection, tradition, and how to find warmth in any climate!

For the last 20+ years, I’ve called the vibrant Seattle area my home. The Pacific Northwest’s incredible energy, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes have shaped who I am today and fueled my passion for helping people celebrate their biggest life moments.

Today, my life is split between two beautiful extremes that mirror my adaptable approach to ministry. You can find me soaking in the tranquil, community-driven island life of Lopez Island, Washington, or enjoying the bright, sun-drenched energy of Gilbert, Arizona.

Why does this matter for your big day? Because my passion has absolutely no boundaries!

Literally and figuratively, I am comfortable in any setting. Whether your dream ceremony is a cozy, flannel-clad lakeside gathering in Minnesota, a chic urban wedding in downtown Seattle, a breezy and peaceful beach blessing on Lopez Island, or a stunning, sun-kissed desert celebration in Gilbert—I am ready to bring the energy. My roots are deep, my wings are wide, and I will gladly travel wherever your love story takes us!

My ultimate goal is to ensure that no love story is ever boxed in, left out, or limited by tradition.

When I obtained my ordination through the Universal Life Church, it wasn't just about getting a piece of paper; it was about gaining the ultimate passport to serve people exactly as they are. I want to use this credential to dismantle the idea that a ceremony has to look a certain way, happen in a certain place, or follow a rigid set of rules to be sacred and meaningful.

Because my own life spans from the small-town roots of Warroad, Minnesota, to the bustling energy of Seattle, the serene shores of Lopez Island, and the sunny skies of Gilbert, Arizona, I’ve seen firsthand that joy and connection look different everywhere. With this ordination, I hope to achieve a true "ministry without boundaries."

For every couple or individual I work with, I aim to achieve three things:

Total Authenticity: To co-create a ceremony that feels so genuinely you that your guests walk away saying, "That was the most accurate reflection of their love I've ever seen."

Radical Inclusivity: To be the enthusiastic "Yes!" for couples who want something unique, secular, interfaith, LGBTQ+, or beautifully unconventional.

Unshakable Peace of Mind: To blend my vibrant, optimistic energy with top-tier professionalism, making the legal and ceremonial process entirely seamless and stress-free.

Ultimately, I hope to look back years from now and see a map of memories—stretching across coastlines, deserts, and state lines—where I helped people launch the greatest chapters of their lives with laughter, tears of joy, and a ceremony they will cherish forever.

A lot of people dread the ceremony part of a wedding because they think it’s just the boring, legal hurdle they have to jump through to get to the open bar. I completely flip that script. Here is what sets my ceremonies apart:

It’s a Tailored Experience, Not a Template: I don’t just open a binder and read a generic script. We collaborate. Whether we are weaving in the cozy, community warmth of my Minnesota roots, the breezy peace of Lopez Island, or the bright, vibrant energy of the Arizona desert, the words spoken will be a direct reflection of your specific vibe, humor, and values.

The "Vibe Shift" Capability: Because my passion has no boundaries, my delivery doesn't either. If you want a ceremony that is lighthearted, witty, and keeps the guests laughing—I’m on it. If you want something deeply sentimental, romantic, and sacred—I can anchor that space for you. My superpower is reading the room and bringing the exact right energy to match your vision.

Inclusivity is the Baseline, Not a Feature: Every love story is valid, and every background is beautiful. Because of my ULC ordination, I am completely untethered from rigid dogma. That freedom allows me to focus 100% on human connection. When I stand up there with you, everyone in attendance will feel welcomed, included, and valued.

Calm in the Chaos: Let’s be real—wedding days can be a whirlwind! What makes my service special is the grounding presence I bring. From making sure the marriage license is perfectly executed to sharing a reassuring smile right before you say your vows, I am there to handle the logistics so you can just be present and soak in the magic.

Ultimately, what makes my ceremonies special is that they feel like they were written by a lifelong friend and delivered by a seasoned professional. We are going to make your guests laugh, maybe shed a joyful tear, and give you a launchpad into marriage that you’ll never forget!

While I absolutely love the high-energy magic of a wedding day, my ministry and services extend far beyond just the initial "I do." Because I believe in celebrating love and life at every stage, I am proud to offer a full spectrum of ceremonial services, including:

Vow Renewals: Whether you’ve been married 5 years or 50 years, recommitting to your partner is a beautiful milestone. I love helping couples look back on where they’ve been and look forward to where they’re going with a fresh, joyful celebration.

Elopements & Micro-Weddings: Love doesn't need a crowd to be massive. If your dream is an intimate, just-the-two-of-us ceremony on a Washington beach, a Minnesota lakeside, or a quiet Arizona desert trail, I am always down for an adventure.

Baby Blessings & Family Welcoming Ceremonies: Welcoming a new little one into the world or blending two families together is a sacred moment. I offer non-traditional blessings and naming ceremonies to celebrate the expansion of your circle.

Milestone Life Blessings: From housewarmings and retirement transitions to honoring a significant life comeback, I love crafting personalized rituals that mark the closing of one chapter and the joyful beginning of the next.

The Bottom Line: No matter what kind of ceremony we are creating, my commitment to you remains the exact same: zero judgment, total customization, and absolute support.

If you are looking for an officiant who is organized, enthusiastic, inclusive, and genuinely excited to help you celebrate your way, I would be honored to be a part of your story. Let’s make some magic happen!