Mary Johnson, Humanist Celebrant

Based in Colorado Springs, CO, just minutes from the Garden of the Gods, Mary Johnson, Humanist Celebrant, is a talented officiant who believes no wedding should ever be boring. Mary creates personalized ceremonies that focus on the unique stories and relationships of each couple. Mary's attentive approach ensures that her couples' ceremonies are deeply meaningful both to the couple and to their guests. She works with couples from diverse backgrounds and loves incorporating soon-to-be newlyweds' traditions and ideas into their unique ceremony. To tell your personal story, Mary will bring her professional writing expertise: Mary's work has appeared in the New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and other publications, as well as her award-winning memoir. An experienced public speaker, Mary has not only officiated dozens of weddings but has also been featured at national conventions, on college campuses, and on television and radio. A seasoned event planner, Mary pays special attention to coordinating her services with your venue contact, musicians or DJ, and others connected with your big day. Though Mary respects religious faith and appreciates ritual (she was a nun for twenty years), Mary's ceremonies as a Humanist Celebrant express a positive, non-theistic philosophy, though Mary is open to incorporating elements of religious faith that might be meaningful to a couple. Understanding that a wedding officiant helps a couple perform a very personal act of commitment in a rather public setting, Mary finds that a wedding works best when a couple and their officiant aren't strangers. Mary gets to know her couples well and works with them through several meetings, either in person or virtually, to get ceremonies just right. Mary provides a comprehensive package, making sure her clients receive the attention to detail they deserve. If you'd like, Mary can create a unique ritual for your wedding, be available for rehearsals, and will provide a beautifully bound copy of your ceremony. Further service options include, but are not limited to: - Bilingual ceremonies - Baby namings - Coming-of-age celebrations - New home blessings - and even Celebrations of Life, memorial services, and funerals Not your least expensive officiant, working with Mary is about the relationship. You'll pronounce your vows in front of an officiant who knows and cares about you — because the three of you have worked together to create a gorgeous ceremony that you and your guests will never forget. If you find that Mary's services exceed your budget, ask about The Andrew and Tommy Fund. Twice a year, Mary provides her services completely gratis to couples in special circumstances.