Lisa Hardy-Gardner

I became an ordained minister to expand my ability to serve individuals, couples, and families during life's most meaningful moments. As a licensed social worker and community advocate, I have dedicated my career to supporting others through seasons of celebration, transition, healing, and loss. Becoming ordained was not a departure from my life's work it was a natural extension of it. Rooted in my paternal and maternal legacy of service, my faith, and a lifelong commitment to uplifting others, I am honored to officiate weddings, provide premarital guidance, and create meaningful ceremonies that reflect each person's unique values, traditions, culture, and beliefs. I believe ministry is more than officiating an event it's about walking alongside people with compassion, integrity, and respect as they celebrate life's most significant milestones.

I am from New Haven County/Connecticut.

I hope to create a ministry that walks with people through every season of life. In addition to officiating personalized wedding ceremonies and providing premarital counseling, I hope to offer faith-centered grief counseling, bereavement support, pastoral care, and encouragement to individuals and families navigating life's transitions. My goal is to help people experience healing, hope, and restoration while strengthening marriages, supporting families, and serving my community with integrity, compassion, and Christ-centered love.

My approach to ministry is rooted in respect, compassion, service, and the belief that every individual and family deserves to have their beliefs, values, traditions, and life experiences honored. I welcome the opportunity to serve people of all faiths, spiritual traditions, cultures, and backgrounds, as well as those who do not identify with a particular religion.

I strive to create meaningful, personalized ceremonies and supportive experiences that reflect each individual's or family's wishes. By taking the time to understand what is most important to those I serve, I am able to provide services that are culturally responsive, respectful, and inclusive while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, dignity, and care.

What makes my ceremonies special is that they are personal, heartfelt, and centered on the couple's unique journey. I take the time to get to know each couple so their ceremony reflects their love story, values, faith, and vision for marriage. Drawing from my experience as a licensed social worker and counselor, I also emphasize healthy communication, mutual respect, and building a strong foundation for a lifelong partnership. My goal is for every ceremony to be meaningful, memorable, and a true reflection of the couple's commitment to one another.

I am based in New Haven County, Connecticut, and primarily serve clients throughout Connecticut, including New Haven and surrounding counties. I am also available to travel for weddings, funerals, memorial services, and other life events throughout New Haven County and to select destination locations by request. Additional costs and fees may apply depending on distance and location.

Having worked in behavioral health, healthcare, education, and community services for many years, I have extensive experience serving culturally diverse individuals, couples, and families from a wide range of backgrounds, faiths, traditions, and life experiences. I welcome the opportunity to create personalized services that honor each family's unique values, customs, and vision.

My ministry is rooted in compassionate service, cultural humility, and a genuine commitment to honoring every person's unique story. I provide personalized ceremonies and guidance for weddings, vow renewals, memorials, funerals, premarital counseling, grief support, and other significant life transitions.

Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, I take the time to understand each individual, couple, or family—their values, traditions, culture, faith or spiritual beliefs, and the moments that matter most. Every ceremony is thoughtfully crafted to be authentic, meaningful, and deeply personal.

I proudly serve people of all faiths, cultures, backgrounds, identities, and family structures, including those with no religious affiliation. My goal is simple: to create an experience where you feel seen, heard, respected, and celebrated, while ensuring your story is honored with professionalism, compassion, and care.