Celebratory services

What is a Naming Ceremony?

Naming Ceremonies are a very special way of welcoming a child into the family and the wider community. Whilst they can be held for children of any age, they are often an ideal way of celebrating the birth of your new baby with close family and friends in a personal and memorable way. You can design your own unique ceremony from a wide range of options to reflect your outlook and your child's personality. You can also:

• Announce the names that you have chosen and perhaps give the reasons for your choice.
• Make promises to be as good a parent as you can, loving, encouraging and supporting your child into adult life.
• Choose other adults prepared to commit themselves to a special and supportive relationship with your child.
• Involve your child's grandparents.

Naming Ceremonies are provided by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

A souvenir record of the ceremony is signed and presented on the day of the ceremony.

Where can they be held?

Naming Ceremonies are available throughout South Yorkshire. If your local Register Office does not provide this service it may be possible to arrange for a celebrant from Rotherham to attend to conduct the ceremony for you. Unfortunately, we are not able to attend at ceremonies in private homes but ceremonies can be held in any venue holding a public entertainment licence such as hotels, parish rooms/civic centres, function rooms etc.

How Can I Organise a Naming Ceremony?

Any parent can organise a Naming Ceremony - it does not matter if you are married or not.

For enquiries about Naming Ceremonies or to arrange a pre-ceremony meeting please contact us using the details on the left hand side of the page.

Last updated 28/04/2011