A naming or family welcoming ceremony is a beautiful, joyful and meaningful way to celebrate the arrival of a child and to officially welcome them into a loving family. It offers families a non‑religious alternative to traditional religious ceremonies, focusing on love, connection and the values you wish to share as a family.
These ceremonies can be held for children of any age. Whether you are celebrating the birth of a baby, welcoming stepchildren into a blended family, or marking the arrival of an adopted child, a naming ceremony provides a heartfelt opportunity to bring everyone together. Many families choose to include siblings, allowing the whole family to share in this special moment.
Naming or family welcoming ceremonies are open to all parents and guardians. Each ceremony is thoughtfully personalised, reflecting your family’s story, your hopes for the future and the love that surrounds your child. It is a memorable and uplifting way to celebrate new beginnings and to welcome your child into the wider circle of family and friends.
You can have a naming or family welcoming ceremony at any of our venues or any venue of your choice including settings personal to you and your family.
Your ceremony will be tailored to your bespoke requirements, upon booking you will receive a carefully crafted ceremony planner for you to complete with your specific preferences these can include:
- An announcement of the names that you have chosen and, perhaps, explain the story behind the names and reasons for the choice
- The child's arrival into the family and how it has enriched the family unit
- The hopes, dreams and aspirations you have for your child’s future
- Parents, siblings, naming parents and grandparents making promises of commitment and pledging to nurture and support your child on their life journey
- Readings or poems of your choice
- Music that is special to you.
Fees
A non-refundable booking fee is payable for booking your ceremony. All fees include a commemorative naming certificate presented to you and your family as part of your ceremony.
Booking your ceremony
To book a ceremony you will need to complete our ceremonies enquiry form and a Registrar will contact you to confirm your booking, discuss your requirements and take your payment.
Bookings can be made up to 3 years in advance and there is a non-refundable booking fee payable. The booking fee confirms the date, time, and place of your ceremony.