Naming ceremonies

A naming ceremony is a special non – religious occasion designed to celebrate the name you have chosen for your child however old they are and to welcome that child into the family.

It marks your responsibility as parents and acknowledges the importance of grand-parents, relatives and friends in your child’s life.

The naming ceremony provides an opportunity to publicly declare your love and support to your child and can be regarded as a rite of passage for your whole family, be it welcoming a new baby, step child or adopted child.

What happens at a naming ceremony?

A naming ceremony has six basic elements. You can expect a welcoming introduction, a well chosen reading, the actual naming of the child or children, followed by parental promises, promises by supporting adults and finally closing words.

What input can I have?

Although there is a set format to the ceremony, you will be able to personalise it with your own choice of readings and music. Choose too, from a selection of wordings for the promises you will make, to create your own ceremony.

In the same way, within the ceremony, you may give formal supporting roles to grand-parents, relatives or friends.

Can I have a ceremony for more than one child?

Yes – A naming ceremony would be a perfect means of expressing your commitment to your new family, to each other and to your guests.

Does my child receive anything to commemorate the day?

Yes – A unique commemorative certificate of the occasion will be presented. You might want to incorporate the giving of your own gifts to commemorate the occasion too.

Does this ceremony hold any legal status?

No – But a naming ceremony can perform an important role in the rites of passage of any child or young person. It is an opportunity to welcome a child or children into the family and the wider community.

Can I use this as a way of changing my child's name?

No – Because there is no legal significance to the ceremony, it can have no bearing on the childs given name.

Can I include references to my religion?

No – The ceremony is secular. The purpose of this ceremony is to appeal to those wishing to celebrate without any religious input

Where can I hold my ceremony?

We can arrange for you to have your ceremony at the register office or we could come to an outside venue of your choice. Any location with a public entertainment licence could serve as a potential venue and you could discuss the particulars of the arrangement with your chosen venue.

Is there an upper limit for the numbers of people attending?

This will depend on the capacity of the venue of your choice. The Elizabeth Room at Slough Register Office can comfortably accommodate 30 people. 

Can I organise the event for a weekend/bank holiday?

We hope to be able to accommodate you in your choice and are more than happy to discuss your particular requirements.

How much will it cost?

• Weekdays £147
• Saturday £262
• Sunday £382

Fees apply from 1 April 2018.

An appointment booking fee will apply. See terms and conditions of booking.

How do I arrange a ceremony?

Terms and conditions of ceremonies apply.

Please contact us and our staff will be happy to discuss your requirements.