Rev. Dr. Jennifer Strickland, known to couples as Pastor Jen, is a warm, creative, and deeply experienced
wedding officiant who brings heart, storytelling, and intention to every
ceremony she designs. She is the co-senior pastor of Claremont United Church of
Christ, a historic and inclusive Southern California church, and holds dual
standing in both the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ.
Pastor Jen’s academic background is as impressive as it is unique, with degrees
in creative writing, English literature, theology, and ministry from Miami
University, Chapman University, Princeton Seminary, and Duke University. Her
love of language and ritual shines through in ceremonies that feel thoughtful,
personal, and beautifully crafted.

Weddings have always held a special place in Pastor Jen’s
heart. Even before seminary, she spent a year interning with a wedding planning
company, learning firsthand how meaningful it is to create ceremonies that
reflect each couple’s vision, values, and love story. She delights in
collaborating with couples to design ceremonies that feel sacred, joyful,
inclusive, and unmistakably “them.” Outside of officiating, Pastor Jen enjoys
reading fiction, traveling, cooking vegetarian meals, and hosting unforgettable
gatherings. She is also passionate about rescuing and fostering animals and
currently shares her home with two pot-bellied pigs, a dog, her daughter, and
her husband, who also happens to be her co-pastor.

Based in the Inland Empire, Pastor Jen happily travels
throughout Southern California and is honored to help couples celebrate one of
life’s most meaningful milestones with authenticity, warmth, and joy.

Fun Facts

Favorite Quote: “People will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them
feel”—Maya Angelou
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Rocky Road
Soundtrack to your life: The Life of a Showgirl
Favorite Disney Movie: Moana
Favorite Event Memory: I officiated the wedding of two Broadway actors, and during the ceremony their entire wedding party burst into song! They also did the most amazing, choreographed dance to “Uptown Funk” at the reception.

Your nickname: Friend (my best friend calls me this…I don’t think she’s ever actually said my first name!)