Rochdale Borough Council

​​​​A naming ceremony is a special way of celebrating the birth of your baby, the new arrival into the family. As the child or children can be of any age it is also ideal to welcome and celebrate an adoptive child into the family or to embrace stepchildren into a new family.

The ceremony provides an opportunity to formally announce the names chosen for your child and your reasons behind the choice.

Parents can make promises before their family and friends of their commitment to support and nurture their child throughout their life. Family and friends can also make promises of their special support and relationship to the child and parents.

The ceremony can't include any religious content. If you'd prefer a religious ceremony you'll need to contact the relevant minister to discuss your requirements.

Personalising your ceremony

Please contact us to discuss options for personalising your ceremony.  You may wish to include things like bringing your own music, having readings read by your guests, presenting gifts to your child, making promises as parents and promises made by supporting adults. 

You may prefer to write your own personal promises or you can choose from a selection we provide when you come to your appointment to discuss your ceremony.

After the ceremony you'll be given a commemorative certificate.

Arranging your cere​mony

The steps you'll need to take to arrange your naming ceremony.  

1. Find locations for your ceremony. 
2. Provisionally book your ceremony.
3. Once you've decided on the location and date of your ceremony contact the Register Office to book an appointment to discuss the details of your ceremony and to pay a deposit. At the appointment you'll need to bring with you the child's birth certificate. 

Fees

Ceremony at the Register Office (Roche Suite)

Ceremony at other approved venues

List of approved venues for civil ceremonies