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Naming ceremonies

Naming Ceremonies in Warwickshire

A child deserves a welcome that feels like their family. I’m Rosie Sayers, an independent celebrant based in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, and I write and lead naming ceremonies across Warwickshire and the Midlands. From £250.

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Parents holding their baby surrounded by friends and family at a garden naming ceremony

What it is

A welcome, not a formality

A naming ceremony is a chance to gather the people who matter and say something true about a child: who they are, where they have come from, and who is going to walk beside them as they grow.

It is not a legal ceremony and it is not tied to any religion. It is simply a meaningful moment, written for your family, led by someone who listens properly and holds the day gently.

Some families want something joyful and relaxed; others want it quieter and more reflective. Both are right. The ceremony is shaped around you, not the other way round.

What can be included

Promises, readings, music, siblings and keepsakes

Everything is optional. Everything is chosen because it belongs to you.

  • Promises

    Parents, guardians and guideparents make spoken promises to the child. They can be light, profound, funny or simple - whatever genuinely fits your family.

  • Readings

    Poems, lyrics, letters or words written by you. Chosen because they mean something, not because they sound ceremonial.

  • Music

    A song as people arrive, something during the ceremony, or a track to finish on. Live musicians or a playlist both work beautifully.

  • Siblings and family

    Brothers and sisters can read, help with a candle or tree-planting, or simply be named. Grandparents and friends can speak too.

  • Symbolic moments

    Planting a tree, lighting a candle, mixing sand, creating a fingerprint tree, or writing in a book. A small ritual that becomes part of the story.

  • Keepsakes

    A printed copy of the ceremony, a certificate for guideparents, a memory book, or a recording. Something to keep and look back on.

Who takes part

Parents, guardians, guideparents and wider family

  • Parents and guardians

    You make the promises that feel right for you: to love, to listen, to teach, to let them become whoever they are. I help you find the words.

  • Guideparents or supporting adults

    Friends or relatives who will play a special part in your child's life can make their own promise. Some families call them guideparents; others use godparents, sponsors, or simply special people.

  • Siblings

    Brothers and sisters are never an afterthought. They can read, help with a symbolic moment, or be named and welcomed as part of the family.

  • Grandparents and friends

    A few words, a reading, a blessing, or simply being named as part of the child's circle. The ceremony can include as many voices as feels right.

Where and when

Where it can happen, and how long it lasts

Any meaningful place

Gardens, village halls, pubs, hotels, woodland, a family home - anywhere that suits your family. No licence is needed because the ceremony is not legal.

Any age

Most naming ceremonies are for babies or young children, but they work beautifully for older children, stepchildren, adopted children, or a new family coming together.

Length

Usually 20 to 40 minutes - long enough to feel like an occasion, short enough for little ones and guests. I shape it to the age and energy of the room.

The process

How a naming ceremony comes together

A clear, gentle path from first idea to the day itself.

  1. 01

    Enquiry

    Send a message with your child's name, age, the rough date and where you are thinking of holding the ceremony. I reply personally and check availability.

  2. 02

    Planning conversation

    You talk about what matters to your family, who you want involved, and the tone you want - joyful, relaxed, perhaps a little emotional. I ask the questions that help shape the ceremony.

  3. 03

    Design and writing

    I design the structure, suggest readings and music, and write the promises and links. You see the draft and change anything that doesn't feel right.

  4. 04

    The ceremony

    I lead the gathering with warmth and calm so everyone feels included, the promises land properly, and the child is at the centre of it all.

See the full process for every type of ceremony

Fees

Naming ceremonies, written for your family

from£250

  • A planning conversation about your child and your family
  • Writing the ceremony, promises and any roles for guideparents
  • Ideas for readings, music and keepsakes
  • Leading the ceremony on the day
See full fees and what is includedStart a conversation

Naming FAQs

Questions families ask

Is a naming ceremony legally binding?

No, and it isn't meant to be. A naming ceremony has no legal status; it's a heartfelt, personal way to welcome a child, celebrate their name and mark the commitments of parents and the special adults in their life. Think of it as the meaningful celebration rather than a legal or religious requirement. That freedom is exactly what lets us make it entirely your own.

Is it the same as a christening?

Not quite. A christening is a religious, usually Christian, ceremony held within a church. A naming ceremony is non-religious, or as spiritual as you'd like, can happen anywhere, and isn't tied to any faith, though you're welcome to include elements that reflect your family's beliefs. It's a modern, flexible alternative for families who want to welcome their child meaningfully without a religious service. You choose the promises, the people and the tone.

Where can a naming ceremony take place?

Anywhere you like. A garden, your home, a village hall, a favourite outdoor spot or a celebration venue all work beautifully, because a naming ceremony isn't bound by any venue rules. Many families fold it into a larger get-together or party, so the ceremony becomes the heart of a lovely day with the people you love around you.

What are guideparents?

Guideparents are the naming-ceremony version of godparents, without the religious element. They're the trusted adults you choose to play a special role in your child's life, offering support, friendship and guidance as they grow. During the ceremony they can make promises, say a few words or take part in a small symbolic gesture. You can have as many or as few as you like, and call them whatever feels right to your family.

How long does a naming ceremony last?

Usually around 20 to 30 minutes. That's plenty of time to welcome your child, share their story, make your promises, involve siblings and guideparents and include a reading, a ritual or some music, while keeping little ones' attention. As with everything, we'll shape the length to suit your family and your day.

Read all frequently asked questions about celebrant ceremonies

Tell me about your family

However much or little you have decided, I am happy to talk it through. Send a message or call 07380 747534 - I reply to every enquiry myself.

Start a conversationCall 07380 747534