Working in partnership to make us all better prepared 
Naming ceremonies
Home > Services > Community and living > Life Events > Registration Service
Click on the links below for answers to the most commonly asked questions about naming ceremonies:
- What are naming ceremonies?
- What happens at the naming ceremony?
- Who are they for?
- How do I book a ceremony?
- What documents do I need to provide?
- Ceremony fees
- Who will conduct your ceremony?
- Where can a naming ceremony take place?
- What documents will I receive?
A naming ceremony is one way in which parents can celebrate and welcome a child or children into the family.
What happens at the naming ceremony?
The naming ceremony is an opportunity for parents to announce the names that have been chosen for the child/children in the presence of invited family members and friends. At the ceremony, parents will make promises of commitment to the child, which is a way of saying that they will be the best parents they can be. Friends or relatives chosen by the parents take part in the naming ceremony as 'supporting adults', and they will pledge a special relationship with the child/children. Grandparents can also take part in the naming ceremony.
The naming ceremony is put together by the parents. This could include readings, music and/or poems that do not contain religious elements. The registration service can give assistance and advice on the format of the ceremony, thus creating a unique and special event that the parents, family and friends will remember and cherish.
Back to top
Who are they for?
Naming ceremonies are for children of any age. Any parent or anyone who has parental responsibilities for that child/children can arrange a naming ceremony. Naming ceremonies are not to be confused with registering a child's birth. If you require further information on birth registration please visit the'registering a birth' pages of this website.
How do I book a ceremony?
You can book a naming ceremony up to one year in advance. A £55 deposit is required to make the booking. Ceremony bookings can be made by phoning our Customer Service Unit on 0141 840 3388 or by visiting our Customer Service Centre. The balance of your naming ceremony fee must be paid between three months and 15 days before the date of the naming ceremony.
Back to top
What documents do I need to provide?
You will need to produce the birth certificate(s) of the child/children who are having the naming ceremony at the time of booking. If you are booking by phone, please bring the certificate(s) to our Customer Service Centre before the naming ceremony.
Ceremony fees
For a full lsit of naming ceremony fees at Johnstone and Paisley registration offices, Paisley town hall and at approved venues in Renferwshire, please visit our naming ceremony fees page.
Who will conduct your ceremony?
A local government officer will conduct your ceremony. The officer will be a person trained in ceremonial skills employed by Renfrewshire Council and will normally be a Registrar.
Where can a naming ceremony take place?
A naming ceremony can take place Monday to Saturday at our: They can also take place at approved venues throughout Renfrewshire.
Back to top
What documents will I receive?
After your naming ceremony you will receive a ceremonial pack. This includes naming ceremony certificate(s), a copy of the ceremony speech and an attractive presentation wallet.
Back to top
