Overview
A naming ceremony is an occasion for parents, family and friends to pledge their love and commitment to a child.
It is a way to celebrate the birth of a new baby. Or to welcome an adoptive child or stepchild into a new relationship and to form a bond within an extended family.
The ceremony has no legal status.
This is a secular (non-religious) ceremony where you can gather family and friends together for an enjoyable and memorable occasion.
Any certificates issued after a naming ceremony are purely commemorative.
Anyone can arrange a naming ceremony irrelevant of:
- marital or relationship status
- cultural background
- spiritual or religious beliefs
There is no age limit for a naming ceremony, and more than one person may be named at the same time.
What happens during the ceremony
Every naming ceremony is personal and tailored to your needs.
The ceremony will:
- welcome the individual into the family or wider community
- announce the names given, and possibly the reasons for the choice of name
- involve family and friends in pledging commitment and to support the individual's upbringing
It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and might include:
- music
- poetry
- gifts
- personal vows and promises of your choice
Adults, grandparents and older siblings can offer assurance and guidance through their promises to the child.
You can also combine a naming ceremony with a marriage or civil partnership ceremony, or a renewal of vows ceremony.
Booking your ceremony
To discuss a naming ceremony with us, call the register office on 020 8921 5015.