What a naming ceremony is
A naming ceremony is an opportunity for parents or carers to announce the names that have been chosen for their child or children in the presence of family and friends.
At the ceremony, parents make promises of commitment to the child.
Friends, grandparents, or relatives chosen by the parents take part in the naming ceremony as 'supporting adults', and they pledge a special relationship with the child or children.
It’s not a religious ceremony.
Who can have a naming ceremony
Naming ceremonies are for children of any age.
Any parent or person who has parental responsibilities for a child or children can arrange a naming ceremony.
Naming ceremonies are not the same as registering a child's birth.
Where you can have a naming ceremony
In Renfrewshire, you can have an official naming ceremony at:
- Paisley Marriage Suite at Renfrewshire House
- Johnstone Registry Office
- Paisley Town Hall, Renfrew Town Hall and Johnstone Town Hall
- another venue with a registrar.
Ceremonies at Paisley Town Hall, Renfrew Town Hall, and Johnstone Town Hall are managed by OneRen.
Personalizing your ceremony
The naming ceremony is put together by the parents or carers. It can include readings, music or poems that do not contain religious elements.
The registrar service can give advice on the format of the ceremony, so you can create a unique and special event.
Our baby naming ceremony booklet offers some suggestions which you may choose to include in your ceremony.
It has a selection of readings and poems and 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.
How much it costs
The naming ceremony fees vary depending on the venue you choose.
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): £76
The total cost is £165.
Naming ceremony at a registration office on a Saturday:
- naming ceremony pack: £40
- conduct of ceremony: £55
- accommodation fee (Saturday supplement): £213
The total cost is £308.
Naming ceremony at Paisley Town Hall from Monday to Friday:
- naming ceremony pack: £40
- conduct of ceremony: £55
- accommodation fee (Monday to Friday): £76
The total cost is £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
The total cost is £250.
Naming ceremony at another venue on a Saturday:
- naming ceremony pack: £40
- conduct of ceremony: £55
- administration fee: £259
The total cost is £354.
Naming ceremony at another venue on a Sunday or Public holiday:
- naming ceremony pack: £40
- conduct of ceremony: £55
- administration fee: £341
The total cost is £436.
Before you book your naming ceremony
You can book a naming ceremony up to one year in advance. You’ll need to pay a £55 deposit when you book it.
You’ll need to produce the birth certificates of the child or children when you book the naming ceremony.
How to book a naming ceremony
Book a naming ceremony by phone
Phone us to book a naming ceremony.
We’ll arrange an appointment with a registrar where you can:
- book a naming ceremony
- discuss your requirements
- pay the remaining balance.
You’ll also need to bring the birth certificates to your meeting with the registrar before the naming ceremony.
Registrars Office
After your naming ceremony
After your naming ceremony, you’ll receive a ceremonial pack.
This includes a naming ceremony certificate and a copy of the ceremony speech in a presentation wallet.