Naming ceremony for babies and children

What happens at a naming ceremony, who the ceremony is for, how to book a ceremony, what documents you must provide, ceremony fees, who conducts the ceremony, where the naming ceremony can take place, what documents you'll receive.

A naming ceremony is a way for parents to celebrate and welcome a child or children into the family.

On this page:

What happens at a 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 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.

Our Baby Naming Ceremony booklet [272KB] offers some suggestions which you may choose to include in your ceremony.

It has a selection of readings and poems and also a variety of promises which can be made by parents, supporting adults, guardians and grandparents in addition to other suggestions which you may like to include in the ceremony.

These are only given as examples of material that can be included in your ceremony. You are free to bring along your own material and make your own suggestions for the ceremony.

Who the ceremony is are 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.

How to book a naming ceremony

You can book a naming ceremony up to one year in advance. A deposit is required to make the booking.

Ceremony bookings can be made by phoning or visiting our Customer Service Unit.You will meet with the registrar where you can discuss your requirements and pay the remaining balance.

What documents you must 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 your meeting with the registrar before the naming ceremony.

How much it costs

We have a range of facilities available in Renfrewshire for your naming ceremony. The naming ceremony fees vary with a venue to suit every need and all our premises are smoke-free.

Naming ceremony at a registration office from Monday to Friday, during office hours

Naming Ceremony Pack: £40
Conduct of Ceremony: £55
Accommodation fee (Monday to Friday): £70
Total cost: £165

Naming ceremony at a registration office on a Saturday

Naming Ceremony Pack: £40
Conduct of Ceremony: £55
Accommodation fee (Saturday supplement): £213
Total cost: £308

Naming ceremony at Paisley Town Hall from Monday to Friday

Naming Ceremony Pack: £40
Conduct of Ceremony: £55
Accommodation fee (Monday to Friday): £70
Total cost: £165

Naming ceremony at another venue from Monday to Friday, during office hours

Naming Ceremony Pack: £40
Conduct of Ceremony: £55
Administration fee (Monday to Friday): £155
Total cost: £250

Naming ceremony at another venue on a Saturday

Naming Ceremony Pack: £40
Conduct of Ceremony: £55
Administration fee: £259
Total cost: £354

Naming ceremony at another venue on a Sunday or Public holiday

Naming Ceremony Pack: £40
Conduct of Ceremony: £55
Administration fee: £341
Total cost: £436

Renfrewshire Council