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An introduction to Civil Naming Ceremonies

Civil Naming Ceremonies – a non-religious alternative to church christenings - are now available in Hertfordshire through the staff of the Registration Service. "Hertfordshire Celebrations" is a well illustrated brochure containing a wealth of useful information on civil naming ceremonies. To receive your free copy please email your details to registrars.admin@hertscc.gov.uk or request a copy from your local Register Office.

What Naming Ceremonies are all about

A Naming Ceremony is one way in which families can celebrate and welcome a new child into the family. This can be either new born baby's or where a couple are marrying with children from previous relationships. .

The Ceremony is an opportunity to announce the names which have been chosen for the child but there is much more to the occasion than that. As a parent you will make promises of commitment to your child. Also adult friends and/or relatives chosen by you take part in the ceremony as “Supporting Adults” who pledge a special relationship with the child. Finally there is also a special option for grandparents to take part as well if you choose.

Who are they for?

Children of any age can have a Naming Ceremony – they are not just for new babies. Any parent, or anyone else who has legal guardianship of the child, can arrange a Naming Ceremony and parents do not need to be married in order to do this. Please note however, that in all cases the child’s birth certificate will need to be shown before a ceremony can be booked.

What Naming Ceremonies are not

Naming Ceremonies have no legal standing and must not be confused with birth registration, which must be done as a legal requirement. A ceremony cannot be used to change a child’s name and there is no religious content to a ceremony. Also, the certificate issued at a ceremony cannot be used as for identification purposes nor are the promises made legally binding on those that make them.

In Hertfordshire the celebrant who conducts your ceremony will be a registrar but will not be acting in that official capacity. Similarly, some rooms that are in Register Offices may be used for Naming Ceremonies but are not designated as statutory offices during the ceremony.

Despite all this there is no doubt that ceremonies will be very meaningful for those involved if parents and others approach them with a sincere intention of making them so.

The Next Step

If you are interested in a Naming Ceremony and would like to find out further information please contact your local Register Office or email to registrars.admin@hertscc.gov.uk