Celebrancy was established by the Australian Commonwealth in 1973.

Here are some of the “radical” ideas we’re all about:‍

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• reversal of wedding ceremonies as functions of the state or religious institutions;

• citizens choose their own celebrant (not the state/church deciding);

• appointment of aborigines (who only counted as humans in census 6 years before);

• the appointment of women;

• appointment of young people (first AU celebrant appointed at 26 years of age, a woman, Lois D'Arcy);

• celebrating milestones of life as important for secular people as for religious people.

Celebrants, like us, are on the side of the community officiating at secular ceremonies of substance, meaning and dignity. Radical!

Yep.

“Love” is literally our middle name.

If we miss the mark, we want to make it right.

We’re so serious about our client’s satisfaction we put it in writing next to the signature line on our Service Agreements.

Insight Certified Celebrants are trained through the InSight Institute to specifically meet the needs of families during their time of loss by providing a funeral service, memorial service or tribute that is personalized and individualized to reflect the personality and life-style of the deceased after consultation with the family and loved ones and coordination with the funeral home.

It’s a way to pass down your voice — not just your memories — for generations to come.

An audio legacy recording is a professionally recorded and guided conversation where you share your life stories, wisdom, values, and heartfelt messages.

Anyone who wants to capture or leave something deeply meaningful for loved ones:

• Divorcées with adult children looking to set the record straight;

• Out-of-state adult child wants to record Dad at family home;

• Grandchildren pool funds to record Grandma’s stories for the family archive;

• The “black sheep” of the family wants to share what really happened

• Your best friend wants to capture your adventures;

Creating an audio keepsake is gift for you, too. It's a rare and meaningful opportunity to reflect on your life, to remember all you've lived and learned, and to affirm the things that matter most.

Yes, we received background study clearance from the Department of Human Services (DHS) in August 2025 to work with vulnerable populations.

Additionally, our process is designed for immediacy and end-of-life care in mind.

Our mobile studio is carried in a backpack to keep us nimble, unobtrusive, and quiet.

Great question — do you have an answer?

We encourage everyone to record each and every precious memory now.

In addition to these resources, we offer the following tips:

• Don’t wait.

• Don’t try for perfection.

• Just do it.

If you still need help, we provide two different guided legacy recording options as a service for individuals, families, and senior living communities to share life stories, wisdom, values, and heartfelt messages for generations to come.

We provide this service as a way to make big conversations approachable and enjoyable. The guided nature of the recording session is key as individuals may be on the threshold of life.

We make it easy for people who need this done yesterday.

To help your physical body, heart, and mind prepare — prior to your recording session you’ll receive a one-page PDF document asking individuals to be rested, intentional, and have reflected on legacy discussion topics.

You will not have to write or research anything prior to the session. The answers live in your heart and our goal is to help bring those nuggets of gold and pearls of wisdom to the surface for others to enjoy and reflect upon.

This process should feel comfortable and immediate, meaningful and profound, and enjoyable.

Our process is relaxed and conversational to ensure your voice is captured full of wisdom and life. Professionally recorded to ensure a polished beautifully real sound.

Every individual has their own stories and unique way of sharing; some talk fast and others are more contemplative.

We offer two types of recording sessions:

• Legacy Refined: Up to six (6) hours of audio recording split between three (3) individual in-depth guided interview sessions

• Legacy Guided: One extended same-day interview session up to four (4) hours which can be split up morning, afternoon, or evening to accommodate rest and care team needs.

We provide the following for diehard analogs and digital natives:

• Hard Copies via Mail: USB Thumb Drive & Printed PDFs

• Digital Files via Download

Contents Include:

• PDF Read Me File

• MP3 audio - edited with an introduction & musical transitions

• MP3 audio - unedited interview/conversation

• PDF interview transcript

• PDF flyers - digital & printable with QR code to easily share

Yes.

To schedule a FREE 60-minute no-pressure consultation, click here.

After sharing details about the event date and location, you’ll receive a brief follow-up email with further information.

There is nothing to prepare for the meeting.

Event dates are secured after the service agreement is signed by all parties and the booking retainer (or same day event fee) is paid-in-full.

If the event calendar has availability and the service agreement is signed by all parties and the total cost for service is paid-in-full, yes, the event may commence.

Please ensure the correct number of legal Witnesses are present for the ceremony.

No.

The booking retainer fee only applies to events happening more than seven days from the current date.

All wedding events booked and performed within seven days of the current date receive a fee for rushed service.

To secure a wedding ceremony date within seven days of the current date, the service agreement must be signed by all parties and the total cost for service must be paid-in-full before the ceremony may commence.

Yes.

This agreement outlines each party’s responsibilities, the services requested, cost for service, payment schedule, and where, when, and for who the services are provided.

Minnesota: A marriage license costs $115.00 and is due at time of application. However, if you and your partner have participated in at least 12 hours of pre-marital counseling the cost is $40, due at the time of application, in addition to a dated and notarized Educator’s Statement. (MN § 517.08)

Wisconsin: The cost of a marriage license varies by county. “Each county clerk shall receive as a fee for each license granted the sum of $49.50,” though “each county board may increase the license fee of $49.50 by any amount.” Click here to find the appropriate Wisconsin county office. (WI § 765.15)

Iowa: A marriage license costs $35.00 and is due at time of application. Learn more: State of Iowa Marriage Instructions or complete the Application for a License to Marry in Iowa now. (IA § 595.4 )

A Humans Love Stories Celebrant will assist the Couple and Witnesses on how to complete the form and where to add their signatures.

After ensuring the Certificate of Marriage is completed by the Couple and Witnesses correctly, the Celebrant will then sign, seal, and deliver the Certificate of Marriage to the county registrar’s office within the designated amount of time as specified under state law.

The Celebrant is an ordained minister with Universal Ministries since 2008.

In accordance with MN § 517.05, these ordination papers are on file at the St. Louis County registrar’s office.

Additionally, the Celebrant is also an InSight Certified Life Tribute Professional.

Our Celebrant was raised, baptized, and confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

For the past twenty years, however, more closely identifies with Unitarian Universalism.

The list of potential event venues may be endless.

Previous ceremony locations: backyards, wedding halls, Masonic Temples, lake fronts, public parks, community rooms, forests, family farms, historic barns, restaurants...

In Minnesota: two witnesses at least 16 years of age. (MN § 517.10)

In Wisconsin: two adult witnesses, however, if one of the parties is serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or in forces incorporated in the U.S. armed forces, in a reserve unit of the U.S. armed forces, or in the national guard, the presence of only one competent adult witness is required. (WI § 765.16)

Not currently.

The founder of Humans Love Stories became ordained in 2008 and officiated the first wedding at the request of friends the same year.

The Celebrant will dress in a dignified manner wearing either a black, navy, or light gray suit with a solid white formal shirt, and bowtie or necktie, with a pocket square.

Celebrant will arrive 30 minutes prior to the planned start time.

This allows the Celebrant to check-in with the Couple, review the Marriage License, prep any last minute items, and become familiar with the ceremony venue.

Yes.

Yes, a 60-minute rehearsal is included the week of the ceremony.

Duration of the ceremony depends on the type of ceremony requested.

The following times are typical of the type of ceremony requested:

Signing: 5 - 8 minutes

Elopement: 8 - 20 minutes

Story: 15 - 30 minutes

Celebration of Life: 20 - 40 minutes

Since 2008 there has never been a ceremony our Celebrant was unable to attend due to emergencies or otherwise. Your day is the most important day in our Celebrant’s calendar.

Our Celebrant’s background as a touring performance artist means events start on time. (For instance: in 15 weeks across 2011/2012 our Celebrant put on 226 shows across the United States and never missed a performance. Most recently not even personal deaths in the family, root canals, or vehicle issues could prevent an event from starting on time. As they say in the business, “the show must go on!”)

Humans Love Stories is prepared for the unforeseen by foreseeing a need for a back up or two.

Should the unexpected occur, our emergency officiants are ready to answer the call when needed.

The Celebrant guides the Client(s) to shape the ceremony by adding or removing elements (readings, blessings, remembrances, unity elements, music).

A rough draft of the ceremony is provided to the Client for their input before finalization.

Their story, however, is created by the Celebrant without review or revision by the Client. The Celebrant specializes in using gracious honesty to best represent the individual(s) and family being honored. This way the first time you hear the story it’ll be new, fresh, and memorable.

It’s an art and why Humans Love Stories was created: to share amazing stories with the most important people you know.

Click here.

Our ceremonies are typically not traditional or religious.

Our ceremonies recognize the worth and beauty of each individual

Inclusive and celebratory love is at the center of every story we share. It’s not a restriction, it’s a requirement. “Love” is our middle name and at the center of everything we do.

Yes.

The State of Minnesota mandates certain individuals, due to the nature of their job or role with an entity, or their work and contact with vulnerable populations, must have a Department of Human Services (DHS) background study conducted that complies with state and federal requirements.

Michael Venske received background study clearance to work with vulnerable populations in August 2025. To view or receive a copy of the Minnesota Department of Human Services Background Study Notice letter, please contact us.

Cash, credit, Venmo, and checks payable to Walk On Red Productions LLC.