A Humanist Naming Ceremony

“I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for the day and just your mere presence! The day went exactly as I’d hoped for. I wish we could do it all again!”

A humanist naming ceremony is a very special occasion, a way to celebrate and mark your child’s arrival in the world and to say “welcome” into your circle of family and friends.

Some families choose to celebrate a new arrival when their baby is small, some wait until the child is older, and some hold ceremonies to welcome adopted children and step children into newly formed families. Naming ceremonies are chosen by all kinds of families: gay or straight couples, married or unmarried, single parents, adoptive parents, and step-parents.

Each ceremony is unique to the family, so together we will create a very personal event.  You will select the words you wish to say and choose music, poems and readings and I will help and guide as needed.  You may wish to involve other family members and close friends, and the ceremony can be held anywhere you like:  a popular choice is the child’s home or garden, but you might prefer a village hall, a hotel, a room in a National Trust property, outside in a wood or park, or on the beach.

Just as you would choose godparents for a religious christening you will probably want to select two or three friends or relatives to be your child’s supporting adults; they are sometimes called guideparents or mentors.  It is a great comfort to know that there are people outside your family circle who know your child and are especially concerned for their welfare.

Families sometimes like to include symbolic acts such as planting a tree, letting off balloons, sprinkling petals and these can help to include other children. The actual ceremony usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and it is often followed with some kind of party.

How I will work with you

My fee for 2023 will be £300 for ceremonies in the Salisbury area and I charge travel expenses of 45p per mile for those further afield. This covers: an introductory meeting for us to get to know each other and for me to learn what kind of ceremony you have in mind; writing the script for your ceremony and editing it as many times as it takes to get it right; my services on the day; a presentation copy of the script and a certificate. I ask for an £80 deposit when we first meet which formally books the date. The balance is then due a week before the ceremony.

Get in touch!

Do email or give me a call for a chat if you’d like to know more.