Our Celebrant
Mel McGucken
Founder & CelebrantHello! I'm Melinda McGucken, founder and celebrant of Common Light Ceremonies.
I believe that every meaningful life transition deserves to be honored with intention, authenticity, and care.
As a Humanist celebrant and hospital chaplain, I've had the privilege of walking alongside people during some of life's most joyful and most difficult moments—from weddings and new beginnings to grief, remembrance, and everything in between. Those experiences have taught me that the most meaningful ceremonies aren't about following a script—they're about telling your story.
Whether we're celebrating a marriage, welcoming a child, honoring a loved one, marking a personal milestone, or creating a custom ritual unique to your life, my goal is to craft a ceremony that reflects your values, your relationships, and what matters most to you.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and inclusive. I welcome people of every faith, no faith, mixed-faith backgrounds, LGBTQ+ couples and families, and anyone seeking a ceremony centered on love, meaning, and human connection.
It would be an honor to help create a ceremony you'll remember for years to come.
Honoring Threshold Moments
About
Hello, and welcome to Common Light Ceremonies.
I'm Melinda, a Humanist celebrant, chaplain, and professional meaning-maker. I founded Common Light Ceremonies because I believe life's most important moments deserve to be honored with authenticity, intention, and care.
You don't need to be a Humanist to work with me. I create ceremonies for people of many backgrounds, including secular, spiritual, interfaith, LGBTQ+, and those who simply want a ceremony that reflects who they are and what matters most to them.
My background brings together business, seminary, and healthcare chaplaincy. Through years of supporting people from diverse religious, spiritual, and non-religious backgrounds, I've learned that meaningful ceremony isn't about following a script—it's about honoring the values, relationships, and stories that give our lives meaning.
Whether you're celebrating a wedding, renewing vows, welcoming a child, honoring a loved one, or marking another important life transition, I'll work with you to create a ceremony that feels authentic and personal. Every ceremony is crafted collaboratively and centered on your story.
Common Light Ceremonies is proudly Humanist and inclusive. I welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and family structures. Together, we'll create a ceremony that is meaningful, memorable, and uniquely yours.
At life's thresholds, we gather to celebrate, grieve, promise, remember, and begin again. It is my privilege to help create those moments with you.
I look forward to hearing your story.
Ready to Reimagine Your Ceremony or Ritual?
Share your story today!