Naming ceremonies

Although traditional christenings or baptisms are still popular, many families wish to hold an alternative, non-religious ceremony.

Each ceremony is unique to you and your family. You will have the chance to work closely with a ceremony officer to select from available options and tailor a ceremony that is special to you and your family. Every ceremony is different, so you can create something unique for your family to remember and treasure as your children grow.

Who can arrange a naming ceremony?

Any parent, legal guardian, or person with parental responsibility for the child/children may arrange a ceremony. 

What are they for?

Naming ceremonies give you the opportunity to:

• celebrate the naming of the child or children
• express commitment to the child. The parent/parents pledge their care and love to their child in front of family and friends
• bringing the child into the community. Relatives and guests meet and welcome the newest member of the family
• appoint mentors or supporting adults - a bit like nominating godparents. Family and friends can promise their help and support to the child as he or she grows up within their community
• giving grandparents the opportunity to make promises to support the parents in the raising of their new grandchild

Where and when can naming ceremonies be held?

Oxfordshire is a beautiful and historic county and offers a wide range of venues for your child’s naming ceremony.

We offer naming ceremonies at all of our registration offices and approved premises across the county. If you would like to use a different venue, for example, a village hall or a marquee in the grounds of a hotel or your garden, please discuss this with us beforehand by completing our enquiry form. Ceremonies cannot be held in a church or a religious building.

You can have a naming ceremony on any day of the year except Christmas Day. Ceremonies on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Boxing Day or New Year's Day will be subject to staffing availability.

Can we personalise the ceremony?

Each ceremony is unique to your family. You will work closely with your ceremony officer to select from the options available to tailor a ceremony that is special and meaningful for you all. 

What happens in a naming ceremony?

The ceremony can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. You don't need to include every section in your ceremony

We suggest the following framework, which can be adapted according to your wishes and gives you the chance to create something unique and personal.

• introduction and welcome
• naming of the child or children
• parents' promises
• supporting adults or mentors' promises
• readings and music
• signing of a celebratory certificate
• presentation of gifts
• presentation of a celebratory certificate
• closing words

How long does a ceremony last?

The length of the ceremony depends on the type and the options you choose. We suggest allowing 30 minutes for your ceremony.

How much will the ceremony cost?

The ceremony fee will vary depending on the day, time and venue that you choose. If you choose an approved venue, you will need to contact them to confirm their availability and their venue room hire charges.

Once you have decided to proceed with your ceremony, contact the Registration Service with details of your venue and preferred date.  We will check our diary and book the ceremony for you.  A ceremony officer will contact you about a month before your ceremony. They will discuss your ceremony wishes with you and devise a ceremony that's unique and special to your family.

Please note that naming ceremonies are non-statutory and therefore the ceremony itself and the issue of any certificates carry no legal status.