Meet Rev. Michelle Prieto | Owner/Wedding Officiant/Small Events Planner/Relationship Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rev. Michelle Prieto and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rev. Michelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I jumped in head first. Starting my own business had always been on my mind. In 2017, I was laid off after 14 years in the plastic industry. Before that, I had spent my life on the corporate proverbial hampster wheel in a wide variety of industries. The Customer Service industry is where I thrived for almost 25 years – working with people, getting to know people, and helping people. When I was laid off without even a blink of gratitude, something snapped inside me. The idea of starting my own business for so many years was less of an idea and more of a need to happen. In 2018, I went to 4 weddings and noticed a big disconnect from the officiant/vendors and the couples. I also thought how much more affordable and less stressful planning a wedding could be if couples had more choices for budget friendly prices. Yes, business is business but the wedding industry is also about love and helping people. I spoke with a few of the vendors and did my research. Growing up Catholic, I had a head start so I went further and was ordained. Just last year, 2025, I revamped my business by restructuring the wedding packages I offer, adding small event planning, and I was certified as a Relationship Coach for premarital assistance. Now, I work events by collaborating with vendors and offering couples/clients wedding packages according to their vision for their event. My main thought process behind starting my own business was, first schedule flexibility and then doings things on my timeline. Plus, the joy of helping couples achieve their vision of a long lasting relationship – starting with prices that won’t be regrettful later on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Working in the wedding industry has been challenging at times especially in the beginning. I jumped into an industry that I knew close to nothing about. When I was laid off in 2017, I forced myself to be more confident in the skills that I’ve gained from almost 25 years in the Customer Service industry. I wanted my wedding business to be a light for couples to know that planning a wedding doesn’t need to be stressful. Also, it doesn’t need to break the bank. Many of the challenges was getting started and learning about all that incorporates a wedding. The vast variety of vendors, the planning, but mainly the cost of it all. I learned many lessons along the way but the most important lesson has been how to be true to myself. Being honest with myself about what I really wanted for my life has been so much more enjoyable. The Ceremony Place – SoCal Weddings & Small Events is the final product from my hard work. I offer ceremony packages, multi-vendor packages, small event planning options/packages, and Relationship Coaching to help clear up any questions before walking to the alter. The budget friendly prices tend to catch a lot of attentionn too. I’m also bilingual (English, Spanish) so that has helped reach more couples.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I cook a lot. I’ve been cooking since I was in my teens. My abuelita taught me how to cook. I feel that great friendships are best shared with a nice home cooked meal, drinks, and music (of course). Sightseeing and going out would be nice bonuses. Maybe doing a few touristy things would happen. I’m not big on restaurants but when I do go out to eat, I enjoy smaller more social friendly spots. Fresh seafood by the ocean is nice. Solvang for fresh danishes and wine tastings. In Southern California, the best food – from my experience – has been the hole in the wall, over looked places. If my best friend was visiting, they know I’d most likely take out the grill, have drinks flowing, and a fun time would be had by all.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Michelle Greene, owner of Michelle Renee Greene Photography. She is South Bay’s #1, her work is amazing, teaming up with her husband to offer videography – they are a powerhouse of talent, and she’s a recent mom! Calling her my good friend is beyond an honor.

Website: https://theceremonyplace.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rev.michelle.prieto

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theceremonyplace.smallevents

Image Credits
Michelle Renee Greene Photography