What is a naming / welcoming ceremony?

For many people a naming ceremony is the perfect way to create a meaningful, non-religious, special occasion to celebrate the birth of a baby and welcome them to the family. It can also provide a special welcome for older children and step-children when joining two families or it can be a really great way to celebrate an adoption.

Though it has no legal status, a ceremony does enable this important event to be marked with the gathering of family and friends. You can make promises and commitments, special people can be chosen to help support and guide the child and it also means that the child can choose what he/she believes when the time is right.

A Humanist ceremony can include readings, music, poetry, candle lightings and other symbolic gestures. It can take place in venues from village halls to gardens and everywhere in between at any time of day or evening. When combined with a Birthday it can be a really special celebration as formal or relaxed as you want it to be.

Who are they for?

Ceremonies are for all kinds of families: married, unmarried, single and adoptive parents, step-parents, same or mixed gender parents.

How I can help

I will work with you to create a unique, bespoke ceremony to celebrate your special day. Each welcoming or naming ceremony is designed, researched and written with your wishes in mind to create the right occasion for you.

How it works

• Just drop me an email or give me a call with the details.
• I can send you a sample structure as a guide which you can then tailor to suit your needs.
• We’ll meet up to discuss and develop the ceremony further together.
• I will then write a draft, providing suggestions of promises and commitments if requested, or you might have already written them yourself, either is fine.
• We will work together to amend and perfect the draft by phone and email.
• The big day arrives and I will be there early to meet everyone and ensure they are as comfortable as possible.
• I’ll conduct the ceremony and afterwards I’ll send you a special presentation copy as a keepsake of your special day.

How much does it cost?

The cost for a naming / welcoming ceremony is £250. If you are planning a ceremony a considerable distance away then we can discuss this in more detail. A deposit of £100 is requested on booking with the remainder due a week before the ceremony.

Why a Humanist naming / welcoming ceremony?

Humanist celebrants undergo thorough training and mentoring in order to be accredited by Humanists UK. We are DBS Checked and also commit to Continuous Professional Development to learn from best practice. We pay fees back to Humanists UK towards further training and support of the celebrants’ network. Celebrants are also regularly quality checked to assure you of a quality service.