Naming ceremonies

Naming ceremonies do not contain religious references - if you'd like a religious ceremony (for example a Christening), contact your local church or religious community.

Naming ceremonies can be held at Catmose Cottage or any of Rutland’s licensed venues.

Children of any age can have a naming ceremony and siblings can also be included.

Anyone with parental responsibility or legal guardianship of the child can make the arrangement. Parents do not have to be married.

A ceremony officer will work with you to prepare everything for this special day and will draft the first script. You'll have the opportunity to change this, to suit your needs and wishes.

A typical order of ceremony:

• music
• welcome and introduction
• absent guests or remembrance of a loved one
• reading or poem
• naming of the child (or children)
• parents reading or poem
• parents promises and gift
• supporting adults promises followed by a reading/poem
• grandparents' pledges
• hopes for your child's future
• final reading/poem
• closing of the ceremony
• music
• signing of the souvenir certificate and photo opportunity
• music

The ceremony officer will arrive at your chosen venue around 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. The ceremony itself usually lasts about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the options you include.

When the ceremony is complete, the parents, supporting adults and ceremony officer sign a complimentary souvenir certificate.

The naming ceremony certificate cannot be used as proof of identification. 

The ceremony is not legally binding on those who take part in it.

Fees

Fees cover:

• all administration before and on the day of your ceremony
• the ceremony officer's attendance
• a souvenir certificate

You may also be charged additional fees by alternative venues.

Catmose Cottage:

• Monday to Thursday: £255
• Friday/Saturday: £385
• Sunday and bank holidays: £450

Other venues:

• Monday to Thursday: £455
• Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holiday: £590

You will need to pay a £90 non-refundable booking fee.

The balance is due no later than six weeks before the ceremony.

A naming ceremony can immediately follow a marriage or civil partnership ceremony - if this is something you'd like to do, ask us for more details as a discount may apply.

How to book

To talk about the arrangements and availability, email registrars@rutland.gov.uk or call 01572 758 370.