Naming Ceremony: The Non-Religious Alternative To A Christening

September 9, 2026

A naming ceremony is the non-religious way of marking a child's arrival: the same gathering, the same promises, the same buffet, without the church. It has no legal status - the birth registration does that - and no fixed script, which is the whole point.

It's also used for older children, adopted children and blended families, where a christening would sit awkwardly and doing nothing feels wrong.

Below: what happens, what it costs, who leads it, what the godparent equivalent is called, and wording you can lift straight into the day.

What happens at a naming ceremony

This relaxed celebration suits families who want to welcome a child without traditional religious structures. It is ideal when you want to gather loved ones to make meaningful promises at any stage of a child's early life. A practical tip is to decide on the structure early so you can choose readings that reflect your family values.

Everyone gathers - a garden, a hall, a hotel, a living room, anywhere you like.
The celebrant welcomes the guests and explains why you're all there.
The child's name is announced and its meaning or origin explained.
The parents make promises to the child, out loud.
Guide parents, supporting adults or mentors make their own promises.
Readings or poems, chosen by the family or by the people reading them.
A symbolic act: candle lighting, planting a tree, a wishing tree, hand prints, a time capsule.
Grandparents and siblings are often given a role.
Signing of a certificate, then photographs and food.
Typically twenty to forty minutes.

Who leads it

This choice suits parents who want complete control over the tone of their celebration, whether they prefer a formal touch or a relaxed family gathering. Use this guide when deciding how structured you want the ceremony to be. As a practical tip, match your leader to your venue, as some professional celebrants have specific location requirements.

A registrar - available from most UK register offices, held at approved venues, more formal and script-based.
An independent or humanist celebrant - fully bespoke wording, any venue, any day.
A family member or friend - free, personal, and perfectly valid since the ceremony has no legal effect.
Humanists UK accredit celebrants, if you want a non-religious ceremony done professionally.

What it costs in the UK

Budgeting for this event suits any family looking to host a meaningful day without the pressure of church fees. It is best to plan these costs early when you are first mapping out your guest list. A practical tip is to look for community spaces or use your own garden to keep venue expenses to a minimum.

Register office naming ceremony: roughly £150 to £250 depending on the council and venue.
Independent or humanist celebrant: roughly £250 to £450.
Led by a friend or family member: nothing.
Venue hire for a hall: £50 to £200 for the afternoon.
Catering: £8 to £15 a head for a buffet, or do it yourself.
Decorations, cake and printing: £50 to £150.
A typical DIY naming day for forty people comes in around £400 to £700 all in.

Guide parents instead of godparents

Choosing these special mentors suits parents who want to surround their child with a modern, non-religious support network of close friends and family. It is the perfect time to ask them when you are planning the ceremony roles. As a practical tip, write down exactly what you expect from them so they feel confident in their new role.

The non-religious equivalent goes by several names: guide parent, guardian, mentor, supporting adult, odd parent.
Choose as many as you like - there's no rule about numbers or genders.
They make a promise out loud during the ceremony, usually one or two lines.
Give them the wording in advance so nobody freezes.
A card asking them beforehand works exactly the same way as asking a godparent.

Promises and wording

Drafting these vows suits parents and mentors who want to express their personal hopes and commitments in their own words. Use these templates when you are designing the central part of your service to make it deeply personal. A practical tip is to practice reading your chosen words aloud beforehand to check they flow naturally.

'We promise to love you, listen to you and let you become whoever you're going to be.'
'We promise to give you roots to grow from and room to go your own way.'
'I promise to be someone you can talk to when you can't talk to your parents.'
'I promise to turn up. For the big things and the boring ones.'
'We chose your name because...' - a short explanation, which guests always love.
'Today, in front of everyone who loves you, we say your name out loud and claim you as ours.'
Close with a toast rather than a blessing: 'To [name].'

Readings that work

Finding the right words suits families who want to add depth, humour, or emotion to the gathering. Introduce these readings during the ceremony to break up the promises and give guests a moment of reflection. A practical tip is to assign shorter passages to younger readers so they do not feel too much pressure on the day.

'On Children' from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet.
'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' by Dr Seuss - an extract, not the whole thing.
'Walking Away' by C. Day-Lewis, for older children.
'Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You' by Nancy Tillman.
A letter written by a grandparent, read aloud.
Song lyrics, read rather than sung.

Naming ceremony gifts and cards

Choosing a modern token suits guests and family members who want to mark this milestone with something lasting and meaningful. Use this guide when you receive your invitation and want to find a secular alternative to traditional baptism presents. A practical tip is to check with the parents first to see if they prefer practical items or keepsakes.

Same as a christening, minus anything religious.
A framed print with the child's name, date and meaning.
A keepsake box for the certificate and the cards.
A book with a message inside from each guest.
A candle for the parents.
Money towards savings, said plainly in the card.
Cards should say welcome, promise and love - skip the blessings.

Planning the day

Organising the schedule suits busy parents who want to ensure the celebration runs smoothly and remains enjoyable for guests of all ages. Use these steps during the weeks leading up to the event to keep your preparations on track. A practical tip is to delegate small tasks to close friends on the morning so you can relax.

Pick the people first, then the venue. Numbers drive everything else.
Decide who's leading it before you write anything.
Keep the ceremony under forty minutes. Children set the limit, not you.
Print an order of the day so guests know what's happening.
Give every reader and guide parent their words a week in advance.
Set up a table for the certificate, the candle and the guest book.
Bunting, banners and a cake topper turn a village hall into an occasion.
Nominate someone to take photographs so the parents don't have to.

Key things to remember

Explain the name during the ceremony. It's the part guests remember.
Give guide parents their promise in writing a week beforehand.
Have a wet-weather plan if you're doing it in a garden - a gazebo is £40 well spent.

Frequently asked questions

What is a naming ceremony?

A non-religious ceremony welcoming a child, in which parents and chosen guide parents make promises in front of family and friends. It has no legal status - registering the birth does that.

How much does a naming ceremony cost in the UK?

A register office ceremony is usually £150 to £250, and an independent or humanist celebrant £250 to £450. Led by a friend it costs nothing; a typical whole day for forty guests runs £400 to £700.

What do you call godparents at a naming ceremony?

Guide parents, guardians, mentors, supporting adults or odd parents. There's no rule about how many you have or what you call them.

Is a naming ceremony legally binding?

No. It has no legal effect and doesn't change the child's registered name or appoint legal guardians. Registering the birth and making a will do those jobs.

What age should a child be for a naming ceremony?

Any age. Most are held between three months and a year, but they're also used for older children, adopted children and to mark a new family coming together.

What do you give as a naming ceremony gift?

The same as a christening without the religious element: a keepsake with the date, a framed print, a book signed by the guests, a candle for the parents, or money towards savings.

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