Provides wedding officiant and ordained minister services in Boulder, Colorado.
Ask Michael, an ordained minister in Denver, author, and podcast host to preside over your wedding ceremony in Colorado today!
About Michael Moody
Michael Moody is a Golden wedding officiant and ordained minister serving couples along Clear Creek, Washington Avenue, the neighborhoods near South Table Mountain and North Table Mountain, and the Lookout Mountain foothills—plus nearby towns throughout Jefferson County and the Front Range. He’s the author of Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of The Elements of Being podcast, known for a steady, reassuring presence and non-religious ceremonies that feel genuine. Michael also provides same-sex marriages and integrates many ethnic and cultural traditions into his celebrations. Since 2012, Michael has officiated 300+ weddings and has been recognized by leading review platforms and awards in Colorado for consistent excellence, including the 2023 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award in Denver and Chicago (the eighth consecutive year) and being named "Best Business of 2024, 2025, and 2026" by Three Best Rated. Michael’s 2 years of acting with the Guerrilla Theater Troupe in 1999 and 2000 have undoubtedly prepared him to improvise whenever and wherever needed.
Why Golden Couples Love to Work with Michael
Golden-specific know-how: From creekside ceremonies and downtown historic venues to mountaintop views on Lookout Mountain, Michael understands Golden’s settings, logistics, and vendor ecosystem.
Story-first ceremonies: He builds scripts, readings, and vows around your voice, values, and culture—spiritual, secular, or nontraditional.
Calm leadership: Clear planning, rehearsal coaching, and confident delivery so you (and your families) can be fully present.
Philosophy & Ceremony Approach
Grounded in health, happiness, and mindfulness after 20 years of study in psychology, Michael’s approach as a Golden ordained minister centers on presence, meaning, and connection. Rooted in well-being, gratitude, and mindfulness, Michael’s Golden ceremonies focus on meaning and connection—the simple moments that make a commitment feel unforgettable. He believes marriage amplifies each partner’s strengths and creates the momentum to pursue what matters most together. Every ceremony is crafted to honor that promise: inclusive, personal, and centered on the love that brought you here.
Golden Wedding Officiant
Experience You Can Trust
For more than a decade, Michael has combined a background in health, communication, and storytelling to serve as a trusted Golden wedding officiant and ordained minister. Couples often describe their ceremonies as warm, intentional, and unmistakably theirs—never generic, always true to who you are.
See the proof: Explore Michael’s ordained minister reviews to hear directly from Golden and Colorado couples.
Still choosing a venue? Browse a curated list of wedding venues in Golden below—from historic downtown spaces and creekside hotels to scenic foothills estates—and find the right fit for your guest count and style.
“Truly, a marriage based on a foundation of trust, faith, and commitment will make your marriage successful no matter what. Trust to keep you open and honest with each other. Faith in each other to allow you to overcome doubt and adversity. Perhaps most importantly, commitment to keep you true to the promises you make to each other today.”
List of Golden Wedding Venues
Historic and Mountain-View Landmarks in Golden
Boettcher Mansion (Lookout Mountain) — Arts & Crafts estate with Mansion, Carriage House & Gazebo; forested patios and classic lodge interiors. $$$.
Mount Vernon Canyon Club — Foothills club with decks and panoramic views; full wedding packages Wed–Sun. $$–$$$.
Hotels and Downtown in Golden (Clear Creek Vibes)
The Golden Hotel — Creekside boutique hotel in historic downtown; lodge style + modern amenities. $$$.
Table Mountain Inn — Southwestern-style hotel on Washington Ave; weddings, receptions & rehearsal options. $$–$$$.
Unique Theaters, Galleries, and Cultural Spaces in Golden
The Rose Event Center (at Buffalo Rose) — All-inclusive, concert-quality venue downtown; configurable rooms & in-house catering. $$–$$$.
American Mountaineering Center — Mountain-themed event facility near Clear Creek; multiple halls and museum adjacency (great for adventurous couples). $–$$.
Foothills Art Center – Astor House — Historic Astor House + creative campus spaces available for private rentals. $–$$.
Golf courses, Clubs, and Garden Settings in Golden
Fossil Trace Golf Club (Footprints Restaurant) — Modern ballroom + terrace amid dramatic foothills; FAQ lists ballroom capacity and booking details. $$–$$$.
The Pines by Wedgewood Weddings — Forest ceremony sites and grand halls with panoramic windows; turnkey planning. $$–$$$.
Christies of Genesee — Wooded garden venue with stream & waterfall; all-inclusive packages; listed seating capacity. $$.
The Vista at Applewood Golf Course — Outdoor ceremony garden + reception space near Golden/Applewood; designed for events up to ~200. $$.
Restaurants and Private-Event Options in Golden
Buffalo Rose – private events — Historic dining rooms + adjacent event spaces; flexible layouts right on Washington Ave. $–$$$.
Sherpa House Restaurant & Cultural Center — Distinctive cultural backdrop with a backyard event area for celebrations. $–$$.
Golden Wedding Officiant and Ordained Minister
Michael Moody is a Golden-based wedding officiant and ordained minister known for warm, personal, non-religious ceremonies that feel like you. From intimate elopements to full-scale celebrations, Michael serves couples in Golden and across Denver. He also provides same-sex marriages and integrates many ethnic and cultural traditions into his ceremonies. A wedding ceremony is $995, and a wedding rehearsal is an additional $100 within 30 miles of Denver. Additional travel fees may apply. No extra packages or fees are necessary to share your love story-the foundation of the ceremony and the life you have built as a couple. Also, the price remains the same no matter the size of your celebration.
What the Wedding Ceremony Includes
Michael tailors the rituals, readings, vows, and pacing to your preferences and wedding party. Most ceremonies run 15–25 minutes, adjusted to your venue’s schedule and any special elements you choose. Let Michael help you create an everlasting, unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
A Simple, Guided Planning Process
Discovery: Share preferences (optional quick questionnaire).
Custom Outline: Michael prepares a ceremony outline for your prep call or in-person meeting.
In-Person (or Zoom) Planning Meeting: You’ll meet with Michael and discuss EVERY aspect of your dream wedding ceremony! His background includes hosting and event planning, and he will mindfully guide you through the intricate details of a memorable event. No detail is left undiscussed! Michael will help you curate a stress-free wedding day so you can truly be in the moment!
Refinement: Final review about two weeks out to confirm details and any special moments.
Day-Of Support: Michael arrives 30 minutes early to coordinate with participants and vendors.
Signature Story Ceremony – $995
Perfect for a personalized, polished ceremony in Denver and the Front Range. Deep storytelling, intentional rituals, and extra support. For couples who want guests to walk away saying, “That ceremony could only have been theirs.” Your wedding story is never an add-on to a package… it is the foundation of your ceremony and is always included.
What is included:
Extended story interviews with the bride and groom
Dedicated time to dig into your story, history, and what you are building together.Richer, more layered ceremony script (20–30 minutes)
Includes a more detailed narrative, meaningful quotes or readings, and guest participation tailored to your relationship, tone, and preferences.Guided vow-writing lab
Focused resources and activities to help you write vows that feel authentic, grounded, and balanced. Michael will review your final version if desired.Ceremony run-of-show and vendor coordination (planning meeting and beyond)
A planning meeting to map out processional order, cues, and timing, followed by a clear ceremony timeline sent to your planner, photographer, and DJ.A symbolic ritual of your choice
Examples: handfasting, unity pour, love-letter and wine box, candle or sand ceremony, cultural or family rituals you would like to honor.Keepsake print of the ceremony script and a bottle of Michael and Sammy’s favorite wine
A beautifully formatted copy of your script and vows to revisit for anniversaries or vow renewals, as well as a bottle of Michael and Sammy’s favorite Cabernet Sauvignon from Hall Wines.Marriage license signing
Clear guidance on when and how we will sign and file your license so it is stress-free.Unlimited email support
Ask questions at any time as details evolve, and feel free to make changes up to 30 seconds before the ceremony begins. Always room to adapt when necessary!
Meaningful Additional Services:
Customize any package with these optional upgrades:
Rehearsal Leadership – from $100
A 45–60 minute on-site rehearsal to walk through processional, spacing, and cues with your wedding party.Intentional Marriage Prep Coaching (3 sessions) – from $495
Non-therapeutic coaching based on values, communication, and routines, using the same principles behind the “Redefine Yourself” and Elements of Being work. Great as a pre-wedding investment in your relationship.Wedding Stress Reset: 4-Week Wellness Plan – from $225
Light-touch fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness guardrails to help you feel your best without crash dieting or burnout.Ceremony Keepsake Bundle – already included in the Signature Story Ceremony Package
Printed and bound ceremony script and vows, plus a digital copy for your records.“Redefine Yourself for Marriage” Mini Guide – $30
A curated digital guide drawing on existing book and podcast content, organized for engaged couples.
Denver Marriage License: Quick Notes
Both partners must schedule an online or in-person appointment and be in Colorado together in the same room at the appointment time. The county sets requirements; please review the latest instructions on the Denver Clerk & Recorder site before proceeding.
Availability & Booking
Share a few windows for a brief 15-minute call or Zoom to confirm date and vision. When you’re ready, Michael sends a contract and next steps (deposit to reserve; balance due a week prior). Payments accepted via Zelle (773-484-8094), Venmo (@michaelmoodyofficiant), or credit card (processing fees may apply).
Service Area
Michael offers services in Golden, with regular travel across the Front Range and to mountain venues. Looking for a dependable Golden wedding officiant and Colorado ordained minister who will personalize every detail? Contact Michael Moody to check availability and start planning your ceremony.
“As you do these things, your love will continue to grow and flourish. Your burdens will seem lighter because you divide them; your joys will become more intense because you share them; Your marriage will make each of you stronger so you will have the energy and passion to do things you might not choose to do alone.”
Wedding Ceremonies in Colorado
Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Littleton, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Vail, Aspen, Estes Park, Golden, and more. If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please get in touch with Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
"I am so happy we had Michael Moody officiate our wedding! He did an amazing job! From the outset, Michael was very professional and helpful. He sat down with us, helped us organize our entire wedding ceremony, and provided great advice on the order of everything. He even provided us with sample readings and vows, which were awesome! He was very responsive with all our emails and answered all our questions as well. And on our wedding day, Michael was phenomenal! He ensured that everything was in order and that everyone involved in the wedding ceremony knew their roles and responsibilities, making the whole process stress-free. He did a wonderful job tailoring the wedding ceremony to just what we wanted, and we couldn't have been any happier with the whole thing."
- Selina K.