Joshua Seeley

I originally became an ordained minister online because I believe that everyone deserves the right to be married in a way that reflects their beliefs, values, and personal journey. I have always held the belief that spirituality is not confined to one religion or doctrine but is instead a vast and interconnected understanding that draws from many different traditions. To me, all religions contain pieces of a greater truth, and by embracing that perspective, I can create a space where people of all backgrounds feel welcome. Becoming ordained through the Universal Life Church allowed me to step into a role where I could help people celebrate their love in a way that is meaningful to them without being bound by religious restrictions or societal norms.

One of the main reasons I pursued ordination was because I saw how many people struggle to find an officiant who will respect their beliefs and identity. LGBTQ+ couples, interfaith couples, and those who do not identify with any specific religion are often left with limited options when it comes to finding someone to legally officiate their wedding. I wanted to be that person who could offer an inclusive and judgment-free ceremony that truly reflects the couple’s values. Marriage is a deeply personal and significant commitment, and I believe that everyone deserves to have their union honored with sincerity, dignity, and respect. By becoming ordained, I can ensure that love is recognized in all its forms, whether it is through a religious, spiritual, or secular ceremony.

While I am new to ministry, I have always had a strong desire to help others during the most significant moments of their lives. Whether it is officiating a wedding, conducting a funeral, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need, I see ministry as a way to provide comfort, guidance, and support. I am still learning and growing in this role, but I am committed to serving with compassion and an open heart. I want to ensure that those who come to me feel valued and heard, and that their ceremony reflects their beliefs, traditions, and love story in the most authentic way possible.

My journey as a minister is just beginning, but my mission is clear—to provide a space where all couples can celebrate their union without fear of rejection or judgment. I am honored to be able to play a role in such a meaningful moment in people’s lives, and I look forward to continuing this path of learning, service, and connection.

I am currently living in Moorhead, Minnesota, but I grew up in the Twin Cities and a small town up north. My experiences in both urban and rural Minnesota have shaped my perspective and values, giving me an appreciation for both the fast-paced, diverse energy of the cities and the close-knit, community-focused nature of small-town life.

Growing up in the Twin Cities, I was exposed to a wide range of cultures, ideas, and opportunities that helped broaden my worldview. The cities are vibrant, diverse, and filled with different perspectives, which influenced my belief in inclusivity and the importance of embracing different backgrounds and beliefs. At the same time, spending part of my life in a small town up north gave me a deep appreciation for community, resilience, and the strong sense of connection that comes from knowing your neighbors and looking out for one another.

Now that I am in Moorhead, I feel like I have the best of both worlds. It’s a city, but with a strong sense of community, and it allows me to bring together the lessons I’ve learned from both my urban and rural experiences. My background has helped shape my approach to ministry, nursing, and leadership, reinforcing my belief in the importance of serving others, fostering meaningful connections, and creating a space where all people feel valued and accepted.

With my online ordination, I hope to create a space where all people, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity, can have their love and life events honored with dignity and respect. My goal is to ensure that anyone who wants to be married, receive spiritual guidance, or celebrate a meaningful life event has an officiant who will fully support them without judgment or restriction.

One of the main reasons I became ordained was to serve those who might struggle to find an officiant who respects their identity or beliefs. Many couples, particularly LGBTQ+ couples, interfaith couples, and those with non-traditional or secular beliefs, often have difficulty finding someone who will perform their wedding in a way that truly reflects their values. I want to be that person who welcomes all couples with open arms and ensures that their ceremony is meaningful, authentic, and tailored to their unique love story.

Beyond weddings, I also see this as an opportunity to help people during some of the most significant moments of their lives. Whether it’s officiating funerals, offering spiritual guidance, or simply being there for someone who needs support, my ordination allows me to provide comfort, connection, and a safe space for people navigating life’s biggest transitions. I am still new to ministry, but I hope to grow into a role where I can offer guidance, kindness, and an inclusive perspective that helps people feel valued and understood.

Ultimately, I see my ordination as another way to serve my community, bring people together, and make a positive impact. I believe that love, spirituality, and human connection should never be limited by religious barriers, outdated traditions, or societal judgment. My hope is that through this journey, I can help people celebrate their lives, relationships, and beliefs in a way that is truly meaningful to them.

Yes, I want to emphasize that Sacred Unity Church is not bound by any single religious doctrine but instead embraces a philosophy of spiritual inclusivity, unity, and respect for all belief systems. Our core belief is that every religion contains pieces of the greater truth, and by bringing these perspectives together, we can gain a deeper understanding of spirituality and the divine.

Rather than viewing different faiths as opposing or incompatible, Sacred Unity Church recognizes the shared values, wisdom, and moral teachings that exist across various traditions. Love, compassion, kindness, respect for life, and the pursuit of inner peace are universal principles found in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Paganism, and many other belief systems. By honoring these shared values, we foster a space where people of all backgrounds—religious, spiritual, or non-religious—can find connection, meaning, and acceptance.

One of the most important aspects of Sacred Unity Church’s religious philosophy is the belief that spirituality is deeply personal and should not be dictated by rigid structures or exclusionary practices. Whether someone follows a traditional religious path, an eclectic mix of beliefs, or considers themselves spiritual but not religious, they are welcome here. We provide ceremonies, blessings, and spiritual support that align with an individual’s values, rather than enforcing a single religious framework.

We also acknowledge that some people have been hurt, excluded, or judged by religious institutions, and they may be hesitant to engage in traditional religious ceremonies. Sacred Unity Church offers a safe, affirming space for those who feel disconnected from organized religion but still seek a sense of spiritual connection, meaning, or community. Whether it’s through a wedding, a house blessing, a funeral, or simply guidance and support, we honor every individual’s journey without judgment.

Sacred Unity Church stands as a place of peace, respect, and unity, embracing the richness of religious diversity while recognizing that the ultimate truth lies in love, kindness, and understanding. No matter where someone comes from, what they believe, or how they choose to express their spirituality, they are valued and welcome here.

What makes my ceremonies special as a wedding officiant and ordained minister is my deep commitment to inclusivity, personalization, and creating meaningful experiences that reflect each individual’s beliefs and values. Whether I am officiating a marriage, same-sex marriage, vow renewal, house blessing, or funeral, my focus is always on honoring the people involved, their journey, and the significance of the moment.

One of the things that sets my ceremonies apart is that I take the time to truly listen to each couple or family I work with. I understand that no two love stories, relationships, or life experiences are the same, so I make sure that every ceremony is tailored to reflect the unique personalities, traditions, and wishes of those involved. Whether a couple prefers a traditional, spiritual, secular, or completely customized ceremony, I ensure that their special day is a true reflection of their love, commitment, and values.

I also prioritize creating a comfortable, welcoming, and judgment-free experience for all couples and families. Many people—especially LGBTQ+ couples, interfaith couples, or those who don’t align with a specific religion—struggle to find an officiant who fully supports them. I am committed to providing a safe and affirming space where all love is honored equally, and where every couple and family is treated with respect, dignity, and warmth.

For vow renewals, I focus on celebrating the growth, resilience, and continued love between partners. These ceremonies are an opportunity to reflect on the journey a couple has taken together, reaffirm their commitment, and celebrate the life they have built. I make sure these ceremonies capture not only the love they share but also the strength of their bond and the experiences that have shaped them.

House blessings are another special service I offer, helping individuals, couples, and families bring positive energy, protection, and warmth into their homes. Whether someone is moving into a new house, starting a new chapter in life, or simply seeking to refresh their space with positive intentions and spiritual harmony, I create a meaningful blessing ceremony that reflects their personal beliefs and goals for their home.

Funerals and memorial services hold a deeply sacred place in my work. I approach these ceremonies with compassion, understanding, and the utmost respect for the wishes of the family. I recognize that grief is personal, and my role is to provide a space where loved ones can honor, remember, and find comfort in celebrating the life of the person they have lost. Whether the family desires a religious, spiritual, or non-religious service, I ensure that the ceremony is conducted with care, empathy, and respect for their beliefs and wishes.

Ultimately, what makes my ceremonies special is my commitment to making every moment meaningful, inclusive, and deeply personal. I believe that love, family, and life’s major milestones deserve to be honored in a way that is true to the people involved. My goal is to provide ceremonies that leave lasting memories, filled with love, respect, and authenticity, making each experience truly special for those I serve.

Yes, at this time, I am only allowed to officiate ceremonies within the state of Minnesota. This means that all weddings, vow renewals, house blessings, and funerals must take place within Minnesota’s borders for the ceremony to be legally valid under my ordination.

I am based in Moorhead, Minnesota, and I primarily officiate ceremonies in and around the Fargo-Moorhead area, as well as throughout the state. I am happy to travel for ceremonies, and I have structured my travel fees to be fair and reasonable for couples who wish to have me as their officiant.

For weddings and other ceremonies within 50 miles of Moorhead, there is no travel fee. However, for locations beyond 50 miles, I charge $1 per every 5 miles (round trip) to help cover fuel costs and travel expenses. The maximum distance I will travel is 100 miles from Moorhead.

Some of the major areas I am available to travel to include:

Twin Cities (Minneapolis & St. Paul) – Great for urban weddings with a variety of venues and cultural influences. Duluth – A beautiful location, especially for lakeside and scenic outdoor weddings. Rochester – A popular city with both urban and nature-focused venues. Brainerd, St. Cloud, Alexandria, and Grand Rapids – Excellent for more rural or cabin-style weddings. I am also open to traveling to smaller towns and rural areas as long as they fall within my Minnesota-only travel limitations. If a couple is unsure whether their location is within my officiating range, they are welcome to contact me to confirm availability.

For ceremonies beyond 50 miles, I require at least three weeks' notice to allow for proper planning. If a wedding is short notice (less than 3 weeks) and requires travel, rush fees may apply in addition to the travel fee.

Additionally, seasonal weather conditions can impact travel, especially during the winter months. I always recommend that couples planning a ceremony during peak winter season have a backup plan in case weather conditions make travel unsafe or impossible. If I am unable to travel due to dangerous weather, I will work with the couple to reschedule at no additional charge.

Since I can only officiate in Minnesota, I encourage couples planning out-of-state weddings to check their local marriage laws to ensure they secure a legally authorized officiant. However, for couples planning destination weddings who want a personal touch, I am happy to perform a symbolic ceremony in Minnesota before they travel, while they handle the legal paperwork in their destination state or country.

If you are interested in having me officiate your wedding, vow renewal, house blessing, or funeral anywhere within Minnesota, I am happy to discuss your location, travel logistics, and any accommodations needed to ensure a smooth and meaningful ceremony.

As a minister, my goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and deeply meaningful experience for anyone seeking my services. Whether it's a wedding, same-sex marriage, vow renewal, house blessing, or funeral, I approach each ceremony with compassion, respect, and a commitment to honoring the beliefs and values of those involved. However, beyond the services I offer, what truly matters to me is the experience I provide and the impact I leave on those I serve.

One of the things that sets me apart is my dedication to personalization. I believe that no two couples, families, or individuals are the same, and their ceremonies shouldn’t be either. I take the time to listen, understand, and tailor every ceremony to reflect the unique love, memories, and traditions of those involved. Whether a couple wants a traditional, modern, spiritual, secular, or completely custom ceremony, I make sure it feels authentic to them.

Another important aspect of my work is inclusivity. Too often, people struggle to find a minister who respects their identity, beliefs, or circumstances. I ensure that everyone who comes to me—whether they are LGBTQ+, interfaith, non-religious, or spiritual but not affiliated with a particular faith—feels valued, supported, and celebrated. I provide a judgment-free space where people can express themselves fully and have their ceremony conducted with dignity and authenticity.

Beyond officiating ceremonies, I also offer spiritual support and guidance for those seeking comfort, reflection, or connection to something greater. Life is full of transitions, and sometimes people need a minister who is simply there to listen, offer insight, or provide a space for spiritual healing. Whether it’s blessing a new home, offering words of encouragement, or guiding someone through loss and grief, I am here to help in any way I can.

I also believe in making my services accessible to those in need. For couples and families experiencing financial hardship, I offer financial assistance programs and flexible payment options to ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to celebrate their love or honor their loved ones simply because of their financial situation.

At the heart of everything I do as a minister is a desire to bring people together, provide comfort in times of need, and celebrate life’s most meaningful moments with authenticity and care. Whether it’s uniting two people in love, helping a family honor the life of a loved one, or bringing positivity into a new home, my role is to ensure that every experience is genuine, meaningful, and truly reflective of the people involved. My mission is to serve with compassion, integrity, and an open heart, and I am honored to be a part of these significant moments in people’s lives.