What is a Naming Ceremony ?

A Naming Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of a new child into the family. Parents may make promises and declarations to their child in front of family and friends. Supporting adults may also make promises to the children to support them throughout their lives.

What does the ceremony involve ?

Although parents can choose to add additional elements into the ceremony all Naming Ceremonies will include an introduction and welcome by the Celebrant, readings, naming of the child (or children) parents' promises, pledges by supporting adults and closing words. A ceremony would take between 15 and 20 minutes but may last longer depending on how many readings or promises are included.

Who are they for ?

The ceremony may be designed for babies or for children up to the age of 18 years old within one family. Children from another family, even though they may be related, may not be included in the same ceremony.

When and where ?

Ceremonies may be held in the local Registration Office or at an approved venue on most days of the week. The local authority is not able to hold ceremonies in a private home. Details available from your local Registration Office.

Is there a Certificate ?

Yes, a commemorative certificate will be provided to record the event. Parents will need to produce the birth certificate for the child before the ceremony may be arranged.

Details of costs of may be obtained from your local Registration Office.

Do they have any legal status ?

No, they simply provide a non-religious opportunity to celebrate the arrival of a child and welcome him or her into the family. The Certificate provides a record of the event having taken place but may not be used as proof of identity.

Who organises the event and how long does it take ?

Families wishing to organise a Naming Ceremony should contact their local Registration Office who will arrange an informal appointment for them to discuss the event with a trained Celebrant. The appointment will last about 30 minutes. Once their options have been discussed the ceremony will then be designed especially for their event. Most ceremonies are organised about six to eight weeks in advance of the date so that invitations may be sent to family and friends but they may be organised at short notice if required.

What to think about ?

If you decide to arrange a Naming Ceremony you need to consider:

• the promises and commitments that you may wish to make to your child
• will you and your partner make these promises in full or would you want the Celebrant to read them out
• who will act as supporting adults - relatives or friends
• do you want to give the child a gift to remember the event
• where would you like the ceremony to take place