Naming ceremonies
What is a Naming Ceremony?
A Naming Ceremony is a very special way of celebrating the birth of your child. It provides a wonderful opportunity to welcome your baby into your family circle and to share with them the wonder, joy, pride and gratitude so many parents naturally feel on the safe arrival of a new baby. It also provides an opportunity for you to state in front of your family and friends the unconditional love and care, support and encouragement that you will provide as a parent and for adult friends and relatives to confirm their special relationship with your child.
Naming ceremonies can also be used to celebrate an adoption or to welcome step-children into a family unit. Children of any age may have a naming ceremony - you may wish to include older children as well as your new child.
The ceremony can be personalised according to your requirements. There are opportunities to include readings, to make promises to your child and to present a special gift. Some parents like to involve the grandparents, with special recognition of their important role in the child's life. Supporting Adults (also called Sponsors or Mentors) can be asked to share the responsibility and care of the child. At the end of the ceremony a souvenir certificate will be signed and presented.
What is the format of the Naming Ceremony?
The basic format is as follows:
- Welcome and Introduction
- Reading
- Naming of the Child
- Parents' Promises
- Promises by Supporting Adults
- Signing and Presentation of Certificate
- Closing Words
You can also choose to add any of the following:
- Reasons for the names
- Grandparents' Promises
- One additional reading
- Presentation of a gift to the child
Does a Naming Ceremony have any legal status?
It must be stressed that neither the Naming Ceremony nor the Commemorative Certificate has any legal status. Neither is the ceremony legally binding on those who take part in it. However the child's birth must have been registered and the birth certificate must be produced when booking the ceremony.
Where can ceremonies take place?
Ceremonies can be held at a Register Office or at one of the venues approved by Herefordshire Council. If you choose to hold the ceremony at one of these venues you will need to contact them first to ascertain their charges and availability.
How long will the ceremony last?
A ceremony will usually take about 20 minutes but this will vary depending upon the number of readings and options included.
How much does it cost?
How do I book a ceremony?
If you are interested in arranging a Naming Ceremony please
contact Mrs Janet Abell, Ceremony Co-ordinator at The Register
Office, Town Hall, St Owen Street, Hereford HR1 2PJ
Telephone: 01432 383261
Email: registrars@herefordshire.gov.uk