What it is and Who it is For

A Naming Ceremony is a unique occasion for you to welcome a new child(ren) to your family.  It can be held for a baby or for older children or both at the same time.  You can even hold the ceremony directly after a marriage or Renewal of Vows ceremony.

Our service is personalised to allow you the opportunity to make this a unique event for you, your family and friends.

Where it Can Be Held

A Naming Ceremony can be held at the Swindon Register Office or at any of the approved venues within the Borough of Swindon.  It has no legal status but is something that you arrange as a celebratory occasion for you and your family.

About the Ceremony

Each ceremony starts with an Introduction.  You then decide whether you wish elder siblings to take part plus special adults and/or grandparents.  You, as the parents, will name the child(ren) and perhaps explain why you have chosen these names.  You then make promises about how you will bring up your child.  Invited special adults can then make different promises, chosen by you or them, and grandparents can also make promises to the child and to you.  The ceremony can include readings and/or poetry.  It will generally last between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on what options you choose.  Please note however that we cannot allow any religious content in a Naming Ceremony.

Towards the end of the ceremony all those present will sign the commemorative certificate of the occasion which you will get to keep.

Included in our service are:

• The services of one of our trained celebrants to welcome you and your guests and conduct the ceremony;
• Personalised Order of Service for your guests;
• Individual Naming Ceremony script for you to keep;
• Celebratory Certificate to commemorate the occasion;
• Guest Record for your family and friends to sign to show that they were present at this unique event.

Making a Booking

To book a ceremony please contact us at the Register Office to discuss a venue, date and time.  We will then arrange for you to pay a deposit and issue you with a pack so that you can decide what words you wish to include in the ceremony itself. 

Cost

Naming Ceremonies cost different amounts depending on when and where they are held. Please see our fees page for full details.