Civil naming ceremonies allow you to mark the birth of a new baby. They can also be held for children of any age, and are an ideal way of welcoming adopted or stepchildren into their new family. You’ll get a certificate as a permanent record of the occasion. See our registration charges for details of the costs involved.
The ceremony
Your ceremony will last around 30 minutes and will be conducted by a fully trained celebrant. We’ll give you advice before the ceremony and make sure that you have a day to remember. Your ceremony can’t have any religious content and has no legal status.
Some ideas you may want to think about are:
- announcing the names that you've chosen and perhaps giving the reasons for your choice
- making promises to be as good a parent as you can. For example: to love, encourage and support your child into adult life.
- choosing other adults prepared to commit themselves to a special and supportive relationship with your child
- involving your child's grandparents
- having a souvenir record of the ceremony that's signed and presented on the day.
Arranging a naming ceremony
Either parent can arrange a naming ceremony, whether you're married or not. You’ll need to provide the child’s birth certificate.
It can take place anywhere that has a public liability and entertainment licence. This includes hotels, civic centres, function rooms and more. You'll need to check with the venue you choose to make sure it’s suitable. We don’t offer ceremonies in religious buildings, private homes or outdoors. In the online form please tell us your preferred date and venue for the ceremony.
When we receive your request we'll contact you to discuss your requirements.