A naming ceremony is a celebration of family and life. It’s a chance to welcome a child, announce their name, and make promises as parents. You can also invite Supporting Adults or grandparents to play a special role. Each ceremony is unique to you.
Naming Ceremony Booking Questions
What are Naming Ceremonies?
Who are they for?
Any child, at any age. Anyone with legal guardianship can arrange a ceremony. We also offer ceremonies for adults celebrating a gender recognition certificate.
Where can they be held?
Anywhere your Registrar agrees: registration office, hotel, even at home. See venues page or ask about your own location.
Making it special
- Choose Supporting Adults or grandparents with care.
- Mention absent loved ones.
- Explain the meaning of the chosen name.
- Add music, a reading, or a symbolic act (candle, flower, tree planting).
Important to know
Naming ceremonies are not legal events and do not replace birth registration. They cannot be used for identification purposes.
Fees & Travel Costs
- At Registration Office: £114 (Mon–Fri) / £153 (Sat)
- At a venue: £164* (Mon–Fri) / £202* (Sat)
- + £12.72 per additional child (same family)
- + £63.60 if part of a civil marriage/partnership
*Plus travel at 60p per mile (ferry costs if needed). Prices apply from 1 April 2025.
Making a Booking
If english is not your first language you may wish to arrange an interpreter for the ceremony to translate the words that the registrar will speak during the ceremony.