Arranging a naming ceremony

Where can we hold a naming ceremony?

There are a number of premises to choose from in East Riding of Yorkshire you can view our approved venues for naming ceremonies, these range from council buildings, to hotels and stately homes. 

It may also be possible, to hold the ceremony in your own home, garden or place that has some special meaning. This is subject to a venue assessment for which there is a separate charge. If the ceremony is to be held outdoors there must be an alternative place indoors (large enough to accommodate all your guests) should the weather be inclement and unable to proceed outside. The following pdf document gives advice on private ceremonies.

Ceremonies in private venues leaflet (pdf 526kb)

Can we organise a ceremony at short notice?

A standard ceremony can be arranged within a few weeks (4-8 weeks) and may be used if a ceremony is to be arranged quickly. You are able to make some choices regarding the ceremony but fewer than a bespoke ceremony due to the time constraints for preparation.

A bespoke ceremony is one which is designed together with the family and registrar, giving you the opportunity to discuss how you would like to personalise your ceremony and adapt it to your needs. This type of ceremony will take longer (8 weeks plus) to prepare and allows for the commitment required by the family and the registrar to work within a timescale

All of our naming ceremonies are delivered by highly trained professional staff whose performance is monitored and regularly assessed. Our professional team have been accredited with a number of national awards and aim to deliver a quality bespoke service.

 It is always best to plan your ceremony as far in advance as possible and contact us as soon as you can. 

Find your nearest registration office

Can I include my other children?

Yes, a naming ceremony is not just for babies, children of any age can have a naming ceremony and you may wish to include your older children in the ceremony as well as your new child, there is no additional cost for children from the same immediate family. There are also many other ways of involving older children in your ceremony.

My new husband and I each have children from previous relationships, can we hold a ceremony for all of them?

Yes, in the same way that you can for all children within the immediate family, at no additional cost. 

Can my sister and I have a joint ceremony for our children?

Yes this is possible, with a reduction fee available. Further information on this can be found on the ceremony fee page. 

I’m a single parent, how does this affect arranging a ceremony?

It does not affect you at all. We carry out lots of ceremonies for single parents and we will adapt the wording to suit your ceremony.

I live outside of the East Riding of Yorkshire, can you still deliver the ceremony?

Unfortunately, we can only deliver ceremonies in venues situated within East Riding of Yorkshire. If you wish to hold a naming ceremony outside of the East Riding of Yorkshire, please contact your local registration office.

Find your nearest registration office