Baby Naming or Welcoming Ceremonies are a perfect way to welcome a new baby or child into your family or community, whatever their age. They are also a wonderful idea for welcoming stepchildren when two families come together. Marking the start of their new lives together and bonding the new family as one unit can be a very moving and deeply bonding experience for everyone concerned.
Many parents nowadays are either not religious or not churchgoers and feel that a Christening would be inappropriate. It may be that you would want your child to make their own choices about what they believe when they are old enough to make an informed decision. However, you still want a special occasion to mark your baby’s arrival.
Let us either arrange just the ceremony where we write an individual service, especially to fit your needs, or you can rely on us to arrange and manage the whole event.
It is important to remember that a naming ceremony is a celebration and a joyous ceremony. I will meet with you to create a ceremony that feels special and captures your requirements for the ceremony. I will be able to give guidance on poems, readings and music and to help make the ceremony as personal as possible. Following our meeting, I will provide you with the wording for The Order of Service to ensure everything is correct. I will also be able to advise family and friends who wish to take part in the ceremony, making sure that everything runs smoothly.
Please click on the link to see a selection of ceremonies and rituals, such as handfasting and unity candles, that can be used within your ceremony. Here is a sample of poems and readings which could be used within the naming ceremony.
Sustainability statement – naming ceremonies
A naming ceremony is a beautiful way to welcome a child into the world, surrounded by love, family, and the people who will walk alongside them through life. It also offers a lovely opportunity to reflect on the kind of world we are welcoming them into.
Sustainability, in this context, can be something simple and meaningful. It might be choosing a local setting, keeping the ceremony personal and relaxed, or using natural and reusable elements that reflect care for both the child and the environment they will grow up in.
Many families choose to include thoughtful touches, such as planting a tree, using flowers or plants that can be kept and nurtured, or creating keepsakes that have lasting meaning rather than being used just once. These small choices often become part of the child’s story as they grow.
My role is to support you in creating a ceremony that feels right for your family. If sustainability is something that matters to you, it can be gently woven into the day in a way that feels natural, warm, and full of meaning.
At its heart, a naming ceremony is about love, hope, and the future. Bringing a sense of care for the world into that moment can make it all the more special
For more information on my sustainability policy, please click the link.
PRICING
Naming Ceremonies – from £250
Possible additional costs – prearranged
Mileage – over 30 miles, travel, and accommodation
All fees are inclusive of:
- Initial planning meeting
- Ceremony outline followed by unlimited drafts of your ceremony.
- Liaising with other people who’ll be taking part in your ceremony.
- Unlimited email and phone consultations as required.
- Anything else I can do to make your ceremony exactly as you want it to be.
What is an independent celebrant?
An Independent Celebrant is a professional ceremonialist who is able to plan, write and deliver a ceremony without the need for a minister of religion, though can be used in conjunction with a religious ceremony.
What is a non-denominational minister?
As a non-denominational minister, I hold no connection with the recognised denominations and mainline churches such as The Church of England, Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, or Methodist churches. Church denominations are larger organisations that hold a particular identity, set of beliefs, and traditions.
For further information on my non-denominational ministry please click here.
What is a naming ceremony?
A naming ceremony is a beautiful way to welcome a child into the family and wider community.
For many families, it offers a personal alternative to a christening and allows parents, family members, and guide parents to make promises and commitments to the child.
Naming ceremonies can be gentle, relaxed, meaningful, and full of warmth.
Can older children have a naming ceremony
Yes, absolutely.
Naming ceremonies are not limited to babies. They can be held for children of any age and can also be adapted for blended families, adoptions, or important life moments.
What happens during a naming ceremon
Every naming ceremony is unique, but most include:
- A warm welcome to family and friends
- Reflections on the child and family journey
- Promises or commitments from parents
- Guide parent or supporting adult promises
- Readings, poems, or music
- Symbolic elements such as candles or sand ceremonies
- Naming declarations
- Closing words and blessings if desired
The ceremony can be as formal or as relaxed as you wish.
What are guide parents?
Guide parents are similar to godparents, but without the religious requirements often associated with a christening.
They are chosen adults who will play a supportive role in the child’s life and make promises of love, encouragement, support, and guidance as the child grows.
Some families choose close friends, while others choose siblings, cousins, or extended family members.
There are no rules. The most important thing is choosing people who are meaningful to your child and family.
Can grandparents and siblings be involved?
Yes, absolutely.
Many families choose to involve grandparents, siblings, and extended family members within the ceremony.
This may include readings, lighting candles, sharing promises, presenting gifts, or simply being acknowledged as important parts of the child’s life and support network.
Including loved ones often makes the ceremony feel even more personal and meaningful.
How long does a naming ceremony last?
Most naming ceremonies last between 20 and 40 minutes depending on the content included.
The length can vary depending on readings, music, symbolic elements, and how many people are involved within the ceremony itself.
My role is to help create a ceremony that feels relaxed and natural without feeling rushed.
Can we include symbolic elements?
Yes, many families choose to include symbolic elements to make the ceremony even more meaningful.
Popular choices include:
- Unity candle lighting
- Sand ceremonies
- Tree planting
- Time capsules
- Wish trees
- Family blessings
- Memory books or keepsakes
These moments can help create lasting memories and involve family members in a gentle and personal way.
Can adults have a naming ceremony?
Yes.
Adult naming ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular and may mark important life changes, transitions, identity changes, family joining ceremonies, or personal milestones.
These ceremonies are written individually and shaped entirely around the person involved.
Do naming ceremonies have legal status?
No.
A naming ceremony is a symbolic and celebratory occasion and does not carry legal status.
Its purpose is to celebrate, welcome, and acknowledge the child within the family and community.
Get In Touch
Telephone
Spalding: 01775 580 026
Peterborough: 01733 913 574
Normal office hours are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. If your call isn't answered, please leave a message, and your call will be returned. I aim to return all calls within 3 hours during office hours.
