Celebrate and welcome your child
A naming ceremony is a very special way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming the new arrival into the family and the wider community. It’s also an opportunity to declare, before family and friends, your promise to be a good parent as you can. You may wish this occasion to confirm a special relationship between adult relatives or friends and your child. It is a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved as they pledge their love and support for the future development of your child. Please note, however, that a naming ceremony has no legal status.
In Waltham Forest, ceremonies may be held in the Forest Suite at the Register Office, at the other approved venues or alternative venues as discussed with the Superintendent Registrar.
What does the ceremony consist of?
The ceremony will be conducted by a celebrant, an experienced and knowledgeable professional who has been specifically trained in the running of such occasions. You will usually meet the celebrant to discuss the arrangements and details of the ceremony.
How do I arrange a naming ceremony?
You should first contact our office to discuss the availability of a celebrant to conduct the ceremony and also a venue. The birth certificate of any child to be included in the ceremony will have to be produced. If you would like to hold the ceremony in one of the approved venues, rather than in one of our ceremony rooms, you will also need to contact the venue to find out when it is available.
The length of the ceremony will depend upon the options chosen and the number of readings, but as a guideline may be expected to last up to thirty minutes.
