Welcoming a Child Into Your Family
Welcoming a new child into your family – whether through birth, adoption, or surrogacy – is a moment of pure joy. A naming ceremony allows you to celebrate this beginning in your own way, surrounded by the people who matter most.
I also create naming ceremonies for adults celebrating important transitions: coming out, gender affirmation, adoption as adults, or reclaiming a name after divorce.
What is a Naming Ceremony?
A Beautiful Way to Celebrate a Name
A naming ceremony is a non-religious celebration that welcomes a child into your family or honours an adult's chosen name.
It's an alternative to traditional christenings or baptisms, with no religious requirement and complete freedom to create exactly the celebration you want.
For children, it's a chance to:
Officially name your child in front of family and friends
Choose supporting adults (often called guide parents or mentors)
Make promises about how you'll raise your child
Celebrate your family's values and hopes for the future
For adults, it's an opportunity to:
Celebrate your authentic identity
Honour the journey that brought you to your chosen name
Mark a significant life transition
Gather your chosen family and community in celebration
Your Naming Ceremony Package – £350
Includes:
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In-person consultation
We'll meet to discuss your family, your story, and what you'd like your ceremony to include
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Ceremony planning support
I'll guide you through choosing readings, music, rituals, and how to involve family and friends
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Personal ceremony creation
I'll write a unique ceremony that reflects your family's values and celebrates your child or your journey
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Regular contact
We'll stay in touch throughout the planning process
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Venue liaison
I'll coordinate with your venue (whether that's your home, a garden, a hired space, or anywhere else)
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Ceremony officiation
I'll lead your naming ceremony with warmth and care
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Keepsake certificate
You'll receive a naming ceremony certificate
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Keepsake script
A copy of your full ceremony to treasure
What Your Ceremony Might Include
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For Children
The Welcome – I'll welcome your guests and explain the purpose of the ceremony
Naming – Formally announcing and celebrating your child's name
Readings and Music – Chosen by you, whether that's traditional poems, modern readings, or favourite songs
Guide Parents/Mentors – If you're choosing supporting adults for your child, they'll make promises about their role in your child's life
Parental Promises – Your commitments to your child about how you'll raise them
Symbolic Rituals – Such as:
- Candle lighting
- Time capsule creation
- Hand or footprint ceremony
- Rose ceremony (each guest places a rose for the child)
- Wish stones or letters for the future
Family Involvement – Siblings, grandparents, or other family members can participate with readings or small rolesCelebration Toast – Raising a glass to your child's future
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For Adults
Opening Words – Setting the tone for this celebration of identity and journey
Acknowledging the Journey – Honouring the path that brought you to your chosen name
Name Declaration – Formally declaring your name in front of your community
Readings and Music – Chosen to reflect your values and this transition
Promises from Community – Your chosen family and friends can make promises of support
Symbolic Rituals – Meaningful actions that mark this transition
Celebration – Acknowledging your courage and authenticity
Types of Naming Ceremonies
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Baby Namings
Celebrating a birth, whether your first child or adding to your family, with a ceremony that reflects your parenting values and hopes for your child's future.
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Adoption Celebrations
Honouring the journey that brought your child to your family and celebrating the forever love you're committing to.
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Surrogacy Celebrations
If you've welcomed a child through surrogacy, we can acknowledge this journey and the people who helped make your family possible.
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Blended Family Ceremonies
Celebrating when families come together, honouring existing children alongside new children.
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Coming Out Celebrations
For LGBTQ+ adults who want to celebrate their authentic identity with their family and community.
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Gender Affirmation Ceremonies
Honouring your chosen name as part of your gender journey, celebrating authenticity and courage.
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Post-Divorce Name Reclamation
If you're reclaiming your name after divorce, we can create a ceremony that marks this new chapter.
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Adult Adoption Celebrations
Honouring chosen family relationships that have become formalised through adult adoption.
Where Can We Hold Your Ceremony?
Anywhere that's meaningful to you!
Popular options include:
- Your home garden
- A friend or family member's garden
- A local park (check permissions)
- A hired venue
- A beach or waterside location
- A community space
- Somewhere with personal significance
I'm happy to travel across Greater London and surrounding counties, and potentially further for special circumstances.
The Process
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We'll Meet
I'll learn about your family or your personal journey
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We'll Plan Together
Choosing elements, readings, music, and who'll be involved
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I'll Create Your Ceremony
Writing words that honour your story
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We'll Refine
Making any changes until it's exactly right
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We'll Celebrate
Leading your naming ceremony with warmth and joy
Why Choose Me for Your Naming Ceremony
My warm, supportive approach means you'll feel comfortable throughout the planning process. My organisational skills mean your ceremony will run smoothly. And my belief that every family and every person deserves to celebrate their story in their own way means your ceremony will be authentically yours.
I work with all families and individuals, including LGBTQ+ families, single parents, blended families, multicultural families, and anyone else wanting to mark this meaningful moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a naming ceremony legally binding?
No, it's a celebration only. If you want to legally register your child's name or legally change your adult name, that happens separately through official channels.
Can we include religious elements?
Do we need to choose guide parents/mentors?
How long does a naming ceremony last?
Can we have a naming ceremony for multiple children?
What age is appropriate for an adult naming ceremony?
Ready to Celebrate?
Whether you're welcoming a child or honouring your own journey, I'd love to help you create a naming ceremony that marks this moment beautifully.