Naming ceremonies

A naming ceremony is a wonderful way to welcome a new child into your family and celebrate their place within it. Suitable for babies, adopted children, stepchildren and older children, a naming ceremony provides a meaningful, non-religious alternative to a christening or other faith-based celebration. 

Each ceremony is individually tailored and can celebrate one child or multiple children at the same event. 

Your ceremony 

Your ceremony will be conducted by one of Reading’s experienced celebrants and will last approximately 20 to 30 minutes. 

The ceremony can include: 

• an official welcome for your child
• promises from parents, guardians and supporting adults
• recognition of grandparents and other special family members
• personal readings, poems or prose chosen by you
• music and other personalised elements to reflect your family

Commemorative certificates will be presented to the child, supporting adults and grandparents as a lasting memento of the occasion. 

Where can the ceremony take place? 

A naming ceremony can be held: 

• in one of our ceremony rooms
• at a licensed ceremony venue
• at a venue of your choice
• in your own home or garden. 

You do not need to live in Reading to book a Naming Ceremony with us. 

Booking your naming ceremony 

A naming ceremony can be arranged by any parent, legal guardian or person with parental responsibility for the child. 

To discuss your ceremony and make a booking, please contact us on 0118 937 3533. 

A ceremony deposit will be taken at the time of booking. Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you a ceremony planning pack containing information about ceremony options, wording choices and enhancements. We will then prepare your personalised ceremony script and send it to you for approval before the ceremony takes place.