A naming ceremony is a special moment to welcome and celebrate a new life, embrace a rite of passage, or mark a new beginning. It is a celebration to welcome a person into your family and enables you to express love, care and commitment to them in front of your family and friends.
A naming ceremony is also an opportunity for parents, family and friends to make promises and publicly promise to help and support them as they grow within our community.
People of any age can have a ceremony. Naming ceremonies are available to celebrate the birth, and to welcome adopted and stepchildren into your family. They also provide an opportunity to celebrate new names for people who have changed their name, or people who have changed their gender and their name.
Where can the ceremony be held?
We offer naming ceremonies in all our registration ceremony rooms across the county and at our beautiful licensed venues. If you wish to hold your naming ceremony elsewhere, please contact us.
What happens in the ceremony?
You can personalise many aspects of your ceremony. Each child and their family is different, which is why we invite you to personalise your ceremony to include all those things that are important to you, ensuring your ceremony is both meaningful and memorable. You can choose your own music, include readings and your own words to the ceremony.
Here is a rundown of what you can expect from your naming ceremony:
- introduction and welcome
- naming of the child or children
- parents promises
- supporting adults or mentors promises
- grandparents’ promises (optional)
- readings and music
- presentation of gift (optional)
- presentation of certificate
- closing words
Each ceremony includes a commemorative certificate.
How much will the ceremony cost?
The fee will vary depending on your chosen date and venue.
Registration offices
| Availibility | 2024 to 2025 | 2025 to 2026 | 2026 to 2027 |
| Monday to Thursday | £199 | £219 | £229 |
| Friday and Saturday morning | £249 | £269 | £279 |
| Saturday afternoon | £299 | £319 | £329 |
External venue
| Availibility | 2024 to 2025 | 2025 to 2026 | 2026 to 2027 |
| Monday to Thursday | £349 | £369 | £379 |
| Friday or Saturday | £399 | £419 | £429 |
How to book
A naming ceremony can be booked up to six months in advance.
To book your naming ceremony, please complete the booking enquiry form. We offer a personal service and a member of our ceremonies team will get in touch to talk to you through your booking.