A naming ceremony is a way of celebrating the birth of a child and welcoming the new arrival into the family and the wider community. Naming ceremonies have no legal status although the person conducting the ceremony (the Celebrant) will present parents with a commemorative certificate at the end of it. Unlike a birth certificate this cannot be used as proof of identification.
What happens at a naming ceremony
All naming ceremonies include:
- An introduction and welcome
- Naming of the child
- Parents' promises
- Promises by supporting adults
- Closing words
You can also choose to include:
- Readings
- Reasons for the names
- Hopes for the child's future
- Parents' vows to each other
- Grandparents' promises
- The presentation of a gift to the child.
A ceremony takes about 15 minutes. During the ceremony, a record is signed by parents, guests and the celebrant.
Where ceremonies can be held
Naming ceremonies can be held at a register office or in public function rooms or halls. This includes hotels, social clubs and community halls. If you choose to have a ceremony at a function room or hall, you are responsible for booking the venue and paying the hire fee. The venue must have a fire certificate for public or private functions and conform to health and safety regulations. You should also check that we can conduct the ceremony on the date and time you require.
Who can arrange the ceremony
Either parent or anyone else who has parental responsibility or legal guardianship of the child can arrange a ceremony.