Naming ceremonies are non-statutory and therefore the ceremony itself and the issue of any certificates carry no legal status.
Although traditional christenings or baptisms are still popular, non-religious ceremonies are increasingly becoming a popular choice.
A trained consultant will work with you to help tailor a ceremony that will be special for you and your family to remember.
Reason to have a naming ceremony
Naming ceremonies give you the opportunity to:
- celebrate the naming of a child or children
- parents express their love and commitment to a child or children in front of friends and family
- it brings the a child or children into the community
- appoint mentors or god parents who will promise their help and support to the child as the child or children grows up
- it gives grandparents the opportunity to promise to support the parents in raising the grandchild or grandchildren
Who can arrange a naming ceremony
Any parent or legal guardian of the child or children can arrange a ceremony. Parents do not have to be married to do so.
What happens in the naming ceremony
Each ceremony usually lasts 30 minutes and is divided into the following sections:
- introduction and welcome
- name of the child or children
- parents' promises
- supporting adult's or mentor's promises
- readings and music
- signing of register and certificates
- presentation of gifts
- closing words
Where ceremonies can be held
We offer naming ceremonies in our registration office and at approved premises within the county. They may be celebrated on any day of the week except Christmas Day.
Ceremonies on the following days will be subject to staffing availability:
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Boxing Day
- New Year's Day
If you would like to use a different venue, for example a village hall, or a marquee in the grounds of a hotel, this would need to be discussed beforehand.
A member of the Registration Service will need to visit the venue to confirm that it is a suitable venue for the ceremony.
Cost of a naming ceremony cost
The fee will vary depending on the day and time that you choose.
For a ceremony in approved premises, you will need to contact the specific venue of your choice regarding their availability and fees.
There will be a fee for us to send out a celebrant.
For further information, contact us.
Email: registration@luton.gov.uk
Telephone: 01582 510386