A naming ceremony is exactly what it sounds like. A proper, joyful, witnessed welcome for a child into the family, the wider circle, and the world.
It's not a christening (no religion required, though you can include faith if you'd like). It's not legally registered (the birth certificate already does that bit). It's just a beautiful, warm ceremony that says: this child is here, this is their name, these are the people who love them, and this is the village raising them.
A joyful welcome into the family, the wider circle, and the world.
Who Naming Ceremonies Are For
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New babies
of any age, from tiny newborns to wriggly toddlers
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Older children
who joined the family through adoption, fostering, or step-parenting and deserve their own moment
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Blended families
marking the joining of two families into one
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Multicultural families
wanting a ceremony that honours both sides of their heritage
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Same-sex parents
wanting a celebration that's properly theirs
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Children with chosen names
(including children who have transitioned) who want a ceremony to mark that name properly
Whatever your family looks like, this ceremony is for you.
For the grandparents asking
Yes, It's a Real Thing
A naming ceremony is a centuries-old tradition that's having a proper resurgence in the UK. Lots of families assume the only options are a christening or nothing. There's a third option, and it's beautiful.
It doesn't replace registering the birth (that's the legal bit, sorted at the register office). It doesn't have to involve any religion (though it can if you'd like). What it does is give you the chance to stand in front of the people you love, say "this is our child, this is their name, this is what we hope for them", and have those people commit out loud to being there for them.
Particularly lovely if anyone in the family is wondering "but what about godparents?". A naming ceremony has guide-parents (or supporting adults, mentors, guardians, whatever you want to call them) who play exactly that role.
What's In a Naming Ceremony
There's no fixed template, but most naming ceremonies include some version of the following.
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Welcome and Introduction
I welcome everyone, talk about why we're here, and set the tone. Warm, often funny, always personal.
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The Story So Far
A few words about the child or children being named. How they came into the family, how they've changed everything, who they already are. This is one of my favourite bits to write.
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The Naming
The formal moment of naming. Each name spoken out loud, with the meaning or story behind it if you'd like to share it.
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Promises From the Parents
A few promises from the parents to the child. Written by you, with my help. Some couples write the same promises together, others write their own.
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Promises From the Guide-Parents
The supporting adults you've chosen for this child stand and make their own promises. Properly moving every single time.
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Promises From Everyone Else
A short pledge from all the family and friends present, committing to be part of this child's village. This bit always gets the grandparents.
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A Symbolic Ritual (Optional)
Beautiful additions if you'd like one. See below.
Adding meaning
Rituals That Suit a Naming
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Sand Blending
Different colours of sand layered into one bottle by the parents, the child if they're old enough, and the guide-parents. The finished bottle becomes a keepsake. Brilliant for blended families because every member of the new family pours a layer.
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Planting Ritual
Plant a tree, a rosebush, or a pot of bulbs that grows alongside the child. A living reminder of the day. Particularly lovely if you've got a garden the child will grow up in.
who want creative and characterful -
Candle Lighting
A central candle is lit by the parents, then the guide-parents and family members each light their own candle from it. A symbolic passing of light, love and protection.
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Time Capsule
Letters, photos, a current newspaper, predictions about who this child will become. Sealed during the ceremony, opened on a future birthday or milestone.
Where Naming Ceremonies Can Happen
Anywhere you like. Some of my favourites for namings:
- Your home or garden (perfect for tiny babies and big families)
- A favourite woodland or beach
- A village hall or community space
- A pub or restaurant garden
- A relative's garden so the older generation can be there easily
Whatever feels like a place this child belongs.
How We'll Work Together
- First chat. Free, no-pressure, in person or over Zoom. We see if I'm the right fit for your family.
- Booking. A booking form, contract, and a deposit to lock in your date.
- Planning meeting. Your story, the child's story, your wishes for the ceremony, who's involved, what rituals you'd like included.
- I write the ceremony. Drafted from scratch, sent to you, amended until it's exactly right.
- The day itself. I arrive ahead of time, settle any nerves, and lead the ceremony with warmth.
- A keepsake. A presentation copy of the script afterwards, for the child to read when they're older.
Why Families Pick Me
Before I trained as a celebrant, I worked with children for years. I taught swimming to children from age 5 upwards, I worked in a deaf school as a British Sign Language communicator across primary and secondary departments, and I volunteered at my local library reading stories to preschoolers. I love being around children and I've never met a family I couldn't make laugh in the first ten minutes.
Naming ceremonies are warm, joyful, and full of life. Exactly the kind of ceremony I love to write.
What's included
Fee
£395
The naming ceremony package includes the planning meeting, a fully bespoke ceremony written from scratch, all amendments, liaison with your venue, delivery on the day, and a presentation copy of the script afterwards. Travel included for the first 40 miles, then 50p per mile. Symbolic rituals available as add-ons.
A Few Things People Often Ask
Is a naming ceremony legally binding?
No, but neither is a christening. The birth registration at the register office is the legal part of giving your child a name. A naming ceremony is the celebration of it, with the people you love witnessing it.