Rev. Allyson Szabo
My name is Allyson Szabo, and I am a mature woman with much life experience. Even at a young age, my interest in elaborate ceremonies to celebrate life changes was evident. As a youngster, I would marry my toys in long and complex ceremonies. As I got older, I spent many hours reading through religious texts, ranging widely from Bible to Koran to Torah, and eventually to modern pagan texts.
I performed my first marriage in the State of Washington in the early 1990s, for friends who didn't want a traditional ceremony. I had been studying modern pagan religions for some time, and was accustomed to writing unusual services. They asked me to marry them, so I got my license to marry from the Universal Life Church, registered with the county in question, and wrote my first unique wedding ceremony.
Since then, I have performed many weddings, a few funerals, a handful of baby blessings, and a variety of other, personal ceremonies for friends, family, and those who have heard of my services. I pride myself on designing ceremonies that bring out and highlight the personalities involved.
I am ordained through The New Seminary, an interfaith organization and seminary dedicated to providing extensive training to ministers like myself, who feel a call beyond a standard pulpit. Through the educators and Deans at the seminary, as well as from my fellow students and Alumni, I learned countless styles of ceremony and belief.
I believe very strongly in the right to marry, either legally or religiously, any adult person (or persons!) you wish. I am proud to have performed joining ceremonies for lesbian and gay couples, even if those ceremonies have no legal ground in many areas. I believe in the universal right to love whomever you choose. I also believe that all love should be celebrated, and I enjoy helping others celebrate their love with family and friends!
Last update: June 23rd, 2011