The birth of your child is a very special occasion and you may wish to formally celebrate his or her arrival with family and friends. A naming ceremony is a unique way of doing this. It is also a ceremony which can be used to welcome adopted children into a new family.

The secular ceremony is an opportunity to welcome your child into your family and the wider community and to publicly pledge your love and support to them. It is an alternative to a religious christening or baptism.

Every ceremony is personal to you and your child in the readings and promises you choose. Supporting adults and grandparents can be included in the ceremony and make their own promises, chosen by you, to the support in the upbringing of your child. You may also wish to give a special gift to your child during the ceremony.

A fully trained professional celebrant will conduct the ceremony at one of our register offices or approved local venues. Approved local venues are locations such as hotels, stately homes and other buildings which have been licensed and approved for ceremonies to be held by North Yorkshire County Council. They are required to conform to the relevant health and safety regulations.

How to book a naming ceremony

To book a ceremony, please contact the registration office in the district where you are considering holding your ceremony. They will check that the venue is available at your required date and time.

In addition, we will also need to arrange for you to complete the booking forms for the ceremony with us. You will need to provide your child's birth certificate and a non-refundable deposit is also required. This is deducted from the final cost of the ceremony.

You will need to make an appointment at the registration office in your area, with the celebrant, to complete the booking paperwork. In circumstances where this is not possible, please contact the registration office for further advice.

You can have a ceremony to name more than one child if you wish. The booking form has space for two children's names. If there are more than two children per ceremony, the details of the other children should be written on a separate piece of paper and attached to the booking form.

For further advice and assistance on naming ceremonies, please contact any of our offices. Full contact details can be found below.