Naming Ceremonies
Welcoming children, honouring adoption, or celebrating a new name in adulthood.
Marking a Special Moment
Whether you are naming your child, adopting a child into your family, or choosing a new name for yourself, a naming ceremony is a joyful way to celebrate identity, belonging and new beginnings. It’s a chance to gather loved ones, formally welcome someone into the world or into a family, and share your hopes, promises and support for the future. As an independent celebrant based in Wymondham near Norwich, I create personalised naming ceremonies across Norfolk, Suffolk, East Anglia and further afield, always reflecting the people at the heart of the occasion.
Each ceremony is unique and written to tell your story. Whether you’d like something simple and intimate at home, a gathering in a garden, or a bigger naming celebration in a favourite venue, your day can include readings, music, symbolic gestures such as candle lighting or tree planting, and the involvement of family and friends who wish to pledge their love and support. However you choose to mark the moment, your naming ceremony will be warm, memorable and truly your own.
Getting to Know You
I will take the time to get to know you and your family, listening carefully to your stories, memories and wishes. From there, I’ll create a ceremony that truly reflects the person at the heart of it, honouring their life and celebrating that precious moment in the most meaningful way.
Every detail will be shaped with care — whether you want something traditional, simple and reflective, or a service filled with music, readings and personal touches. Together we’ll create a ceremony that feels just as you hoped and dreamed, offering comfort, dignity and lasting memories for everyone present.
Your Naming Day Journey
A naming ceremony is a joyful way to welcome a new life, celebrate family bonds, or honour a new chapter in someone’s journey.
I’ll work with you to shape a ceremony that reflects your values and your story—whether that’s for a baby, an older child, or even an adult marking a fresh beginning. Together we’ll decide on the words, readings, symbolic gestures, and people you’d like to involve, while I prepare and guide the ceremony itself.
My aim is to take care of the detail, so you can relax and enjoy the occasion with your family and friends.
Here's a list of some of the things you can expect.
Once your date is booked with me, it is reserved exclusively for your ceremony.
We'll meet face-to-face (or using Microsoft Teams® if you prefer) to discuss your ceremony in detail.
I will carefully and thoughtfully design a ceremony script that is unique to the person being named.
I'll make suggestions for poems, readings & other aspects of your ceremony and ensure it reflects the named person.
I can help you write any speeches you wish to make
I'll work with photographers and videographers so they can capture your ceremony beautifully.
From the moment you book until the day of the ceremony, I’ll be here for any questions, changes, or simply a reassuring chat.
I may attend the venue in advance to familiarise myself with the set up and ensure all arrangements are in place for the ceremony.
Early arrival on your celebration day, to ensure that everything is in order and ready for your big moment.
I'll provide you with a souvenir copy of your ceremony script.
Where Can The Ceremony Be Held?
A naming ceremony can be held anywhere that feels right: your home or garden, a community hall, a beach or woodland, or even a meadow or private venue. The setting is entirely up to you.
If you'd like some ideas about where to hold your naming ceremony in Norfolk, please get in touch. I'd love to help.
Moving Beyond Tradition
Many families today choose a personal, beautiful event instead of a christening or baptism. Family and friends can take a more active part in making the day special.
Adding Personal Touches
Your naming ceremony can include anything you want it to, such as:
• Colour themes or creative themes of your choice
• Music, poetry, limericks or stories
• Face-painting, fireworks and confetti
• Videos, photographs or multimedia tributes
• Religious, spiritual or cultural elements — or none at all
• A joyful party atmosphere with family and friends at the heart
As far as I’m concerned, anything goes.
Naming ceremonies are flexible in length, format and setting. They can be as formal or as relaxed as you wish, and can take place at any time of day.