New beginnings,
properly
welcomed
A naming ceremony is a proper, grown-up way to welcome a little person into the world and officially rope in the adults who'll help raise them. Whether they're a newborn, a toddler who already runs the house, or a child newly adopted into your family, they deserve a moment that marks it.
Is a
naming ceremony
a real thing?
Yes, absolutely. Naming ceremonies are a long-standing, celebrated way to welcome a child, with no religious requirement and no rules about what they have to include. They're for any family that wants to mark the arrival of a new little person publicly, meaningfully, and with the people they love gathered around.
Like a christening, a naming ceremony has no legal standing (the birth registration handles that). But like a wedding ceremony, it's the moment that actually matters.
The one you remember and look back on.
Who
they're
for
Newborns, of course. But also older children who never had a welcome, children joining blended families, children newly adopted, siblings being named together, and any family set-up you can imagine. I've never met a family configuration I couldn't write a ceremony for.
From the biggest celebrations
to the quietest farewells.
I'm here for the moments that matter.
What's in the naming package
- An initial chat to meet and explore what you want
- A thoughtful questionnaire to shape the ceremony around your family
- A bespoke ceremony written from scratch
- Advice on readings, rituals and anything you'd like to include
- Certificates for the guideparents or special adults you've chosen
- A keepsake certificate for your little person
- Delivery of the ceremony on the day
- Arrival in good time, and full support through the day itself
How the day can look
Naming ceremonies are wonderfully flexible. Some families go for something short and sweet in the back garden with twenty people and a barbecue. Others book a hotel, invite a crowd and go full celebration. You can include sand blending, a candle ritual, promises from guideparents or grandparents, readings from siblings, and anything else that sounds like your family.
I'll walk you through the options. Nothing is compulsory. Everything is optional.
What it costs
Naming ceremonies start from £450.
This includes everything above, travel within my core areas, and all the lovely keepsake certificates.
Venues
I've worked at
I've worked at
Homes, back gardens, hotels, barns, woodlands, beaches. A few favourites for namings include Bury Court Barn, The Yard at Alresford and Old Thorns Hotel. If you have a family home or venue in mind, tell me about it.
Kind words
from a recent naming
Memorable
Suzie was our celebrant for our daughter's naming day. From the get-go she was super quick in replying, and very helpful. She came to our house to meet us all and run through the agenda of the day, which was so lovely. On the naming day itself, Suzie was there early to help with any last minute bits, she hosted a beautiful service, and was very patient when a few guests arrived late. Would definitely request her services again should the time arise.
I’d love to hear
about the ceremony
you’re planning.
Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re still piecing it together, a first chat is free, relaxed, and no obligation at all.