Naming Ceremonies
What is a Naming Ceremony
A Naming Ceremony, sometimes known as a Welcome Ceremony, is a celebration of family and life, and wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arrival of a new child, much like a Christening for those for whom a religious setting is not appropriate.
It is also a lovely way of welcoming adopted or step-children into the family.
Where can a Naming Ceremony take place
The short answer is, anywhere!
Your home or garden, a beach or other outdoor location, even a family attraction. The possibilities are endless, meaning you have the freedom to plan the perfect day for your family, in a setting that comfortable to you.
What happens at a Naming Ceremony
Our Ceremonies Co-Ordinator will help you plan a ceremony that is unique to you and your family, but you may like to include:
- Introduction and Welcome;
- "What's in a Name" this is an opportunity to explain the reasons behind your choice of name, meaning of the name, etc. This could be done by the parents, or by the celebrant;
- Promises/pledges of love and care by the parents in front of your family and friends;
- Pledges of love and support from the child's grandparents, or other significant family members;
- Mentors/Supporting Adults/ 'Guide-parents' – the chance for pledges to be made by those chosen by the parents to play an especially supportive role in the upbringing of the child;
- Acknowledging the Siblings;
- Readings and Music;
- Signing of the Ceremony Register;
- Presentation of a Commemorative Certificates;
- Closing words
- You might also like to include symbolic activities such as lighting candles or planting a tree.
How much does a Naming Ceremony cost
- The cost is £100 at the Register Office or £175 at a venue of your choice.
- A non-refundable booking fee of £45 is payable at the time of booking to secure your date and time. This includes a 20 minute consultation with our Ceremonies Co-Ordinator to help you plan your perfect ceremony.
Please note: Our fee does not include any charges made by the venue you have chosen to hire for use of their facilities.
Important Information
- Naming Ceremonies are a civil service, and therefore no religious content is allowed to be included. This includes your choice of readings and music
- Naming Ceremonies are purely ceremonial, and have no legal standing.
- You cannot use a Naming Ceremony to change the name of your child (although you might like to hold one to celebrate such an event after the legalities have been completed).
- Any parent, legal guardian or person with parental responsibility for the child may organise a Naming Ceremony. The parents do not have to be married.
How to arrange a Naming Ceremony
Please contact us using the online send a message to service form or call us on 01983 823233.
Please note: We recommend that you register or login into your 'My Account' to complete the online send a message to service form. Using 'My Account' means that we can contact you as soon as possible using the contact method of your choice.