Naming Ceremony
What is a Naming Ceremony?
A Naming Ceremony is a way of formally celebrating the arrival
of a new baby or older child into the family. It also offers a
unique opportunity to:
- welcome a child/children into the community;
- affirm a duty of care to a child/children in front of witnesses
of close family and friends
- appoint supporting adults who will promise a special
responsibility for the child/children
A Naming Ceremony is a special way of celebrating your child's
birth or to welcome new family members through adoption or marriage
into an extended family.
It does not have any legal status and does not replace the
statutory requirement to register your child's birth. You will need
to produce a birth certificate before a ceremony can be booked.
The ceremony cannot be used to change a child’s forename unless
you have authority to do so. In some circumstances, it is necessary
for the Courts to authorise a change of forename. If you are
uncertain whether you may change your child’s forename, you must
seek legal advice before booking a ceremony. Changing the Birth
Record
The ceremony is secular in nature and cannot contain any
religious reference.
What happens?
Specially written ceremonies are available containing choices to
make your Naming Ceremony unique with special meaning to your
family. The following elements can be included in a ceremony.
Standard Elements
- Welcome
- Reading
- Naming Ceremony
- Parents' Promises
- Supporters' Promises
- Closing Words
Additional elements
- Reasons for the Names
- Hopes for the Future
- Parents' Vows to each other
- Grandparents' Promises
- Absent Guests
- Further Reading
The ceremony usually lasts between 15 minutes and half an hour,
depending on the number of elements.
Who can be named?
Whilst a Naming Ceremony is normally performed for babies,
children of any age are eligible. Siblings may also be included in
the same ceremony at no extra cost.
When can a ceremony take place?
You will need to discuss your specific requirements regarding
timing of a ceremony with the Register Office.
Where can ceremonies be held?
Naming ceremonies can take place at most of the venues approved
for marriage and civil partnership ceremonies within the Vale of
Glamorgan. It is also possible to hold ceremonies at the Register
Office. In certain circumstances, it may be possible for the
ceremony to take place in local public places, e.g. restaurants or
public houses, please contact the Superintendent Registrar to
discuss.
Will the Celebrant issue a certificate?
A commemorative certificate recording the ceremony is provided.
The certificate is signed by the parents, supporting adults and the
Celebrant performing the ceremony.
What are the costs?
The costs of the ceremony are detailed below and include an
initial booking meeting, a pre-ceremony discussion meeting, the
attendance of one of our specially trained Celebrants on the day
and a "Record of Ceremony Certificate " for you to keep as a
reminder of the special occasion.
There will also be a cost for the venue which the couple must
negotiate direct with the management of the premises which are
chosen.
Fees for naming ceremonies
(For ceremonies taking place 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009)
Monday -Friday: £130.00
Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays: £160.00
These charges are set by the Local Authority and reviewed
annually.
How do I arrange a Naming Ceremony?
If you would like to arrange a ceremony, or would like further
information/advice please contact the Superintendent Registrar at
the following address:
Vale of Glamorgan Register Office, Barry
Civic Offices
Holton Road
Barry
CF63 4RU
Tel: 01446 709490
E-mail: registrationservice@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Office Hours: (by appointment only)
Monday – Friday 0900 – 1300
1400 – 1600