Naming Ceremonies

Celebrating Your Child, Your Family, Your Story

Lets Mark the Beginning of a Beautiful Journey

A naming ceremony is a relaxed, meaningful way to celebrate a child of any age and the story behind their name. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, honouring an older child who’s joined your family, or marking a name change that reflects who they’re becoming, the ceremony creates a moment to pause, gather your favourite people, and celebrate what makes your family unique. I shape each ceremony around your style and your child’s personality, creating something warm, personal, and genuinely reflective of this chapter in your lives.

A Moment Made Just for Them

A naming ceremony creates a simple, meaningful moment centred entirely on them—their personality, their journey, and the place they hold in your family. It’s a relaxed way to celebrate who they are and mark this chapter with the people who matter most.

Welcoming Them With Love

Every child deserves a celebration that honours their arrival and the love surrounding them. A naming ceremony is a beautiful, personalised way to welcome your little one into your family and community, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Together, we can craft a ceremony filled with meaning, joy, and heartfelt moments that reflect your family’s story.

For Every Kind of Family

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and every one deserves a ceremony that reflects their unique story. Whether you’re welcoming a child through birth, adoption, blended families, or name changes, your naming ceremony can be fully personalised to celebrate your love, connection, and the bonds that make your family special.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."

Angela Schwindt

Things you may be wondering......

What is a naming ceremony?

A naming ceremony is a meaningful celebration where parents, family, and friends welcome a child into their lives and community. It’s a joyful way to mark the start of their journey.

Is it a religious ceremony?

Not necessarily. Naming ceremonies can be entirely secular, spiritual, or incorporate elements from your faith—whatever reflects your values and beliefs.

Who can participate in the ceremony and where can it take place?

Family, friends, godparents/guideparents, and loved ones can all take part through readings, symbolic rituals, or special roles.

As for the venue – it can be held anywhere meaningful to you—home, garden, park, community hall, beach or any location that feels special.

What is included in a ceremony and how long does it last?

Ceremonies often include a welcome, naming declaration, personal messages or readings, music, symbolic rituals, and a closing blessing or words of love. Every element can be tailored to your family.

Most naming ceremonies last around 20–40 minutes, but we can tailor it to suit your preferences.

What if we plan an outdoors ceremony and it rains?

Don’t worry, when we have our planning chat, I will always discuss backup plans in the eventuality of poor weather. Hopefully the sun will shine, but I will always make consideration for the fact that we live in a country where we can experience four seasons in one day!

Is there a legal significance to a naming ceremony?

A Naming Ceremony isn’t a legal event and doesn’t create any legal rights or responsibilities. It’s a symbolic celebration only, so you’ll still need to register your child’s birth and their name with the official authorities in the usual way.

How much do you charge for your services?

I charge £300 for a naming ceremony. This price includes

A face to face chat where I can find out about your wishes for the ceremony. I will send you a questionnaire beforehand and I can build on this to bring together the perfect ceremony for your special occasion. If you have any questions at any point, you can give me a call, email or message me and I will get straight back to you.
Ceremony writing and delivery.
Guidance on music, readings, symbolic rituals and any other personalised elements if required.
A keepsake copy of the ceremony script.
Travel costs within a 20 mile radius of Guisborough.

Do you offer ceremonies for adopted children, blended families, or name changes?

Yes, I do. Naming ceremonies are a beautiful way to honour all kinds of families and all the different journeys that bring them together. Whether you’re welcoming an adopted child, blending families, or celebrating a meaningful name change, I create ceremonies that feel personal, heartfelt, and true to your story. Every family is embraced with care, and the ceremony is shaped around what feels right for you.

About Jennifer

Professional celebrant in Teesside, North Yorkshire and County Durham, creating warm, elegant ceremonies. Weddings, Funerals, Celebrations of Life & Naming Ceremonies tailored to your unique story.