Suzanne Marie Waddell

I became an ordained minister because my own spiritual journey began without guidance. For a long time I searched alone, without mentors or local resources, trying to understand where I belonged and what I believed. That experience showed me how isolating seeking meaning can feel when no one is there to walk beside you.

I didn’t yet know exactly what form my work would take, but I knew I wanted to become the kind of support I once needed — someone who listens without judgment and helps others explore their path in their own way.

My ministry exists so people don’t have to navigate their spiritual questions alone.

I grew up moving frequently throughout Western Oregon and Washington, so I never came from just one place. Those constant changes exposed me to many communities, beliefs, and ways of living, which shaped how I understand people and spirituality today.

In my late teens my family settled in Hammond, Oregon, a small and strongly Christian community. Living there gave me a close view of faith as a lived part of daily life, while also helping me understand what it feels like when someone’s beliefs don’t fit neatly into a single tradition.

Because of that, I work to create spaces where people feel welcome to explore meaning without pressure to conform — whether they come from a religious background, a mixed one, or none at all.

My hope with my online ordination is simple: to make support and guidance accessible to people who may not have it locally. Many people are exploring meaning, healing, or belonging on their own, and I want to provide a steady and welcoming presence for them.

I aim to help individuals recognize the value and compassion already within them, and to encourage connection — with themselves, with others, and with a sense of shared humanity. Whether through conversation, ceremony, or listening, my goal is to help people feel less alone in their search.

If my ministry helps even a few people move toward understanding, acceptance, and care for one another, then it is doing what it was meant to do.

My personal spirituality is interfaith in nature. I draw inspiration from many traditions and view wisdom as something that can be found across cultures, histories, and belief systems rather than within a single doctrine.

My perspective is often described as omnist — recognizing value in all sincere paths — with an appreciation for nature-centered traditions. However, my role as a minister is not to promote my own beliefs, but to support others in honoring theirs.

I work comfortably with people who are religious, spiritual, secular, or unsure, and I approach every ceremony and conversation with respect for the beliefs of those involved.

What makes my weddings special is that the ceremony is built around the couple, not a template. I take time to learn who they are, how they met, what they value, and what commitment means to them. From there, I craft a ceremony that reflects their relationship rather than fitting them into a prewritten religious structure.

Some couples want spiritual language, some want secular, and many want a blend — all are welcome. My role is to translate their story into a moment that feels honest and comfortable for everyone present.

The goal is for the ceremony to feel like recognition, not performance — a moment where the couple hears themselves in the words and knows it truly belongs to them.

In addition to ceremonies, I spend much of my time supporting people who are navigating personal or spiritual struggles. I offer guidance focused on acceptance, self-understanding, and rebuilding a compassionate relationship with oneself.

I provide spiritual coaching for individuals, couples, and families — creating a space where people can speak honestly, reflect, and move forward without judgment. The goal is not to tell someone what to believe, but to help them release what weighs on them and find steadiness in who they are.

My work centers on helping people feel heard, grounded, and capable of approaching life and relationships with greater care and clarity.