What to expect:

A naming ceremony is a happy occasion full of warmth and laughter, attended by all sorts of family and friends – and more often than not, lots of children!

It can take place anywhere that you choose and that could be somewhere like your own home or in your local pub or anywhere you feel comfortable and happy. Your celebrant will organise it in a way that works for you and will have some suggestions to help you have the celebration that you want.

How does it work

Once we have had a chat, you might decide to book me as your celebrant for your naming ceremony in North Yorkshire. The first meeting I’ll spend the time listening to you and finding out all that you want for your ceremony. Here are some things to consider:

• You need to think about the type of readings or music you want, and who you would like to contribute to the occasion. For example, are there other children or grandparents you’d like to involve?
• Many people still like to have godparents, but might call them mentors or guardians instead.
• It’s about welcoming your baby the way you choose – don’t be talked into doing something you’re not comfortable with because a relative disapproves of the way you do things.

The legal bit

However you mark the event, don’t forget that you have a legal obligation to officially register the birth of your child. In England and Wales that means you need to make an appointment at your local Register office. You need to get things sorted out within 42 days of the birth in England and Wales; 21 days for Scotland.

How much does it cost?

My fee is £200 and includes:

• first meeting of approximately 1 hour
• Unlimited time and help from the time of booking
• Bespoke service script written
• Officiate at the ceremony
• support to help find music, readings and poems
• Commemorative copy of the naming ceremony script.
• For every booking in 2021, I will dedicate a tree through the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust