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Naming ceremonies

A naming ceremony is a special way to involve family and friends in the celebration of the birth of a child. It is also a wonderful opportunity to welcome and pledge love and support for the new arrival. Mothers and fathers are able to declare promises to be good parents and adult friends and relatives have the opportunity to confirm a special relationship with the child.

Naming ceremonies have six parts:

  • introduction and welcome;
  • reading;
  • naming of the child (or children);
  • parents’ promise;
  • promises by supporting adults;
  • closing words.

Additional parts can also be added and these could include:

  • reasons for the names;
  • hopes for the child’s future;
  • parents’ vows to each other;
  • grandparents’ promises;
  • absent guests;
  • further readings;
  • presentation of a gift to the child.

Naming ceremonies can also be held for older children and adults and the content can then be adjusted as appropriate.

The ceremonies are conducted by celebrants who will carry out the ceremony using the choices which the parents have made. Ceremonies can take place in the Library Room within the register office building or at other venues licensed for ceremonies. Please contact the Register Office for more information.

Ceremonies usually last about 15 minutes but if more readings or additional options are chosen they can last up to 30 minutes.

Details of the fees are also available on this site and Register Office staff will be very pleased to provide further information and discuss the ceremonies.

Customer feedback

At the Medway Register Office we are committed to providing a professional service of a high standard and we welcome your comments. We invite you to complete a brief online survey that will only take a few minutes of your time as your feedback and views would be much appreciated.

We hope that our services are of the quality you expect but if you are not happy with the standard of service that you receive, the council operates a formal complaints procedure to look into matters.

For more information contact Medway Register Office by telephone: 01634 338899 / Fax: 01634 338913 or by email: register.office@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Medway Register Office, Northgate, Rochester, Kent ME1 1LS

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