Funeral or memorial ceremony
Family interview, written eulogy and ceremony, and officiating, arranged within 48 hours when needed.
Certified celebrant since 2015
A ceremony for people who do not have a minister
I sit with you, learn the story, and write something true. Funerals, weddings, welcomings and the moments in between that deserve to be marked out loud.
10 yrsas a celebrant
500+ceremonies written
48 hrsfuneral turnaround
1person writing yours
Ceremony types
The moments I am usually called for
Every ceremony is written from scratch after an interview with you and the people who matter to the story.
Wedding ceremony
Two planning meetings, a fully written ceremony, rehearsal attendance and legal filing.
Baby welcoming or naming
A short ceremony introducing a child to the people who will help raise them, godparents optional.
Coming of age ceremony
Marking thirteen, eighteen or another threshold, written with the young person, not just about them.
Divorce or ending ceremony
A quiet, dignified way to close a chapter, sometimes with children present, sometimes alone.
Home blessing or new beginning
For a new house, a recovery milestone or a retirement, short and personal.
About Marren
Trained to listen first, write second
I trained through the Celebrant Foundation and Institute in 2015 after fifteen years as a hospice social worker. I am not clergy and I do not represent a denomination, though I am glad to include prayer, scripture or ritual from your tradition if that is what the family wants.
•Certified life cycle celebrant, trained in ceremony writing
•Comfortable including or leaving out any religious element you choose
•Funeral ceremonies arranged in as little as 48 hours
•I work with every funeral home in the Milwaukee area
Reviews
From families I have served
“Marren spent two hours with us the day after Dad died and got him exactly right, including the jokes. People are still talking about that service.”
Craig N., memorial, Wauwatosa
“We wanted no religion at all without it feeling empty. She found the middle we could not find ourselves.”
Ida and Tom B., wedding, Shorewood
“The naming ceremony gave our extended family a way to be part of it. My mother cried, which is not a small thing.”
Priyanka R., baby welcoming
FAQ
Questions people ask me
What is a celebrant, and how is it different from clergy?
A celebrant is trained specifically in writing and leading ceremony, without representing a religious institution. That means the ceremony can be entirely secular, fully religious, or a blend, and nothing is required to appear in it. I am also licensed to solemnize marriages in Wisconsin.
How quickly can you do a funeral?
Usually within 48 hours. I will meet the family the same day if I can, gather the story, and have a written ceremony ready for the service. I work with every funeral home in the area, so coordinating with them is straightforward.
Can we include religious elements?
Yes, entirely up to you. I have written ceremonies with a psalm, a Hindu blessing and a moment of silence in the same hour. I will also write one with no religious content at all if that is what fits the person or the couple.
What do you need from us?
Time and honesty. For a funeral, an hour or two with two or three people who knew them, and any stories, letters or music you want included. For a wedding, two meetings with the couple. I do the writing, you approve it, and there is no homework beyond talking to me.
Contact
Call me, even if it is short notice
For a funeral, call any hour and I will answer or return it quickly. For anything planned ahead, send a note and we will find a time to talk.
Phone(414) 555-0121
Address2130 East Locust Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
HoursMon to Fri 10am to 6pm, ceremonies any day
AreaMilwaukee, Wauwatosa, Shorewood, Waukesha, Racine