Naming Ceremonies
Our Naming Ceremonies are specifically not religious, but speak of Love, Family and the Child. They are perfect for Families who are not aligned with any particular religion or faith group.
A Naming Ceremony is not just for babies; children of any age can have a Naming Ceremony. One of our experienced Celebrants, (Lay Officiant, Minister or Chaplain), will be pleased to perform your Naming Ceremony for your son or daughter. All of our Celebrants are highly trained and qualified; they all share the goal of providing you with a memorable ceremony and special day.
Most Naming Ceremonies are held in homes or other suitable venue like a hotel, reception facility, etc. Some families even hold the ceremony in a park or other natural setting. The ceremony can be held at a location and time convenient to all concerned. We usually ask the Celebrant closest to you to conduct the ceremony.
You may wish to include your older children in the Naming Ceremony as well as your new baby. The Ceremony is the perfect opportunity to declare your promises to your child before family and friends. It's also the perfect opportunity to involve relatives, such as grandparents, and maybe other adult friends. It is nice to have supporting adults involved, allowing them to confirm their special relationship with your child and share their promises at the ceremony in front of you and the guests.
![[Photo - We encourage you to include the entire family in the Ceremony]](images/family6.jpg)
A family has several options:
- They can choose a Naming ceremony from below and simply use the ceremony as is.
- They can choose a ceremony and then personalize the ceremony to make it uniquely theirs. We have a number of Religious or Secular (Non-Religious) Readings that you may choose from, or provide one of your own.
- Some families even write their own Baptism or Naming Ceremony; the choice is yours.
No matter which option you choose, we will help you find the right ceremony to create the perfect celebration your family and friends will cherish and remember always.
Sample Ceremonies
You may choose from one of the ceremonies listed here, or you may craft your own ceremony. We offer the following completed ceremonies:
All of our ceremonies may be modified to your requirements. We also provide a collection of Religious Readings or Non-Religious Readings which may be incorporated into any of our ceremonies.
More information about our Naming Ceremonies.
- Can the ceremony be bilingual?
- Yes in some communities. Ask the office for information.
- Is a meeting or rehearsal necessary?
- Not normally. However you may consult with your celebrant by phone and email if you have questions for clarification.
- How long is the ceremony?
- The length of ceremonies varies. Budget anywhere from 15 minutes to a half an hour depending on the number of options and changes you make to the ceremony.
- What does the Celebrant need from you on the day of the celebration?
- If you make changes to a ceremony they will need the final draft of the ceremony 14 days prior. Then just a few words with you before to the ceremony to go over last minute details and a small bowl of water for the ceremony.
- Can I decorate my home?
- Yes. Most people have candles, flowers, and a small container of water. Some place memorial pictures or special pictures of baby. Have a camera handy!
- Is there a Souvenir Record of the event?
- Yes, a beautiful souvenir Certificate is presented at the conclusion of the ceremony.
- Do these Ceremonies have legal status?
- Unlike birth registration, where you receive a copy of the birth certificate which is a compulsory legal requirement, these ceremonies are simply a celebration that you as parents choose to do as a public gesture of love and commitment to your child. The certificate you receive may in some cases help your child enroll in certain schools later in life.
- I have two children, do I pay an additional fee?
- There is an additional administration fee of $20.00 for each additional child. Each receives a ceremony certificate.
- Can we organize a Ceremony on short notice?
- Usually the answer to this is yes, but is dependent on the availability of the Celebrant and venue you have selected.
- Can we hold a Ceremony at the same time as we get married?
- Yes. A Naming Ceremony can be held at the same time.
![[Photo - We can perform the Ceremony at the location of your choosing, indoors or out.]](images/christening5.jpg)
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