Naming ceremonies

It's a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved as they pledge their love and support for your child's future development.

Naming ceremonies have no legal status but are of a celebratory nature. Parents usually choose to arrange one as a public gesture of the love and commitment they have for their child. Unlike a birth certificate, which is a mandatory legal document, the record of the ceremony cannot be used as proof of identification. Neither is the ceremony legally binding on those who take part in it. Naming ceremonies are entirely non-religious.

In County Durham, there are a number of approved premises where naming ceremonies can take place. Ceremonies can also be held at the register office at The Story (Durham). 

What happens at a naming ceremony

Naming ceremonies can contain the following sections:

• introduction and welcome
• a reading
• naming of the child (or children)
• parent's promises
• promises by supporting adults
• closing words

There are many ways of ensuring that your child's ceremony is a unique and personal event. You may wish to consider including:

• reasons for the names you have chosen for your child
• hopes for the child's future
• parents' vows to each other
• grandparents' promises
• absent guests
• additional readings
• presentation of a gift to the child

The ceremony

An authorised celebrant will carry out the ceremony according to the choices you make. Celebrants are trained and experienced in conducting many different ceremonies so please ask their advice on anything you are unsure about. 

A ceremony usually takes about 15 minutes but can last up to 30 minutes if more readings and options are included.

During the ceremony a souvenir record is signed by parents, supporting adults and the celebrant.

Other children at the same ceremony

Only children who belong to the same family unit can be included in a specific naming ceremony. Members of your extended family can arrange for a separate ceremony to take place at the same venue on the same day, but not at the same time.

Older children, including adopted family members, can be included in a naming ceremony.

Naming ceremonies with a civil marriage ceremony

A naming ceremony can be held after the marriage ceremony.

Who can arrange a naming ceremony

The child's parents or anyone else who has parental responsibility or legal guardianship of the child can make arrangements for a naming ceremony. Parents can be married or unmarried. Please note, you must produce the birth certificate(s) when booking the ceremony.

Fees for naming ceremonies

When you book you will need to pay a non-refundable booking fee of £50 in addition to the ceremony fees. Any changes to your booking will result in an additional £50 payment.

Contact Registration Service for more information.