Naming ceremonies

This is a way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming them into the family and wider community.

The ceremony is:

• non-religious
• can be held for more than one of your children at the same time
• can be held months or years after birth

What happens at a naming ceremony?

They all have 6 essential sections:

1. Introduction and welcome
2. Reading
3. Naming of the child (or children)
4. Parents' promises
5. Promises by supporting adults
6. Closing words

The parents, supporting adults and celebrant sign a souvenir record of the ceremony. It will last between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the number of readings and options you have previously agreed with the Registrar.

Neither the ceremony nor the souvenir document has any legal standing.

Who can arrange a naming ceremony?

• any parent
• anyone with parental responsibilities
• anyone with legal guardianship

Parents do not need to be married to each other and it may be possible to have a naming ceremony after the parents' wedding ceremony.

How much does it cost?

The fee ranges from £110 to £165 and is the same no matter how many children are being named. The fee includes:

• pre-ceremony consultation
• the ceremony itself
• souvenir documents

Where can we have the ceremony?

The ceremony can be held:

• in your own home (on completion of a satisfactory risk assessment)
• in a Registration office
• in any other venue in the area which are happy to host such ceremonies.

Who will conduct the ceremony?

A Registrar or Assistant Registrar in their capacity as an officer of the council.

If you would like more information about naming ceremonies please contact any Registrar.

Please remember that a child naming ceremony does not mean that you can legally change the name of your child. To legally change the name of your child please contact a Registrar to discuss the change of name procedure.