Joe Perez-Ribas

Before becoming ordained, I had opportunities to assist priests and gained an appreciation for the role they played in serving people during meaningful moments in their lives. In 2022, I saw an opportunity to continue serving others in my own way by becoming an ordained minister. My faith and spiritual journey have continued to grow since then, and I value the opportunity to bring compassion, respect, and sincerity to people from different backgrounds and beliefs.

I am originally from Ohio and have called Tampa, Florida home for more than three decades. I come from a Cuban family and have also lived in Mexico City and Cincinnati. Those experiences exposed me to different cultures, beliefs, and perspectives and helped shape the open-minded and compassionate way I approach people today.

I hope to help people celebrate important moments in their lives with warmth, dignity, love, and respect. Whether officiating a wedding or simply serving someone who needs spiritual support, I want people to feel welcomed and heard. My own faith is centered on God and Jesus Christ, while also respecting that every person has their own spiritual path and beliefs. My goal is simply to serve with kindness, sincerity, and an open heart.

My spiritual beliefs are centered on a loving God and the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. While my background includes Christianity and Catholicism, my spiritual journey has grown beyond any single denomination. I believe in prayer, compassion, forgiveness, spiritual growth, and our shared connection as children of God. I respect people of different faiths, traditions, and spiritual beliefs, as well as those who do not follow a particular religion. When serving others, my purpose is not to impose my personal beliefs, but to approach each person and ceremony with love, respect, understanding, and an open heart.

I believe every couple has their own story, so a wedding ceremony should reflect the people making the commitment rather than follow a one size fits all script. I approach each ceremony with warmth, sincerity, respect, and a little humor when appropriate. My goal is to create a meaningful ceremony in which the couple feels comfortable, celebrated, and genuinely heard.

I am based in Tampa and am available to officiate ceremonies throughout the Tampa Bay area. I prefer locations within a reasonable driving distance of Tampa, although I am happy to discuss ceremonies outside my normal service area on an individual basis.

I welcome people from different backgrounds, cultures, and spiritual traditions. Although my personal faith is centered on God and Jesus Christ, I respect each person's beliefs and will work with couples to create a ceremony that reflects what is meaningful to them. I can provide spiritual or faith based ceremonies as well as ceremonies that are simple, personal, and focused primarily on the couple and their commitment to one another.