Naming Ceremonies

A naming ceremony is a non-religious way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming them into your family and the wider community.

It is also an opportunity to declare, before family and friends, your promise to be as good a parent as you can, and for adult friends or relatives to confirm their special relationship with your child.

It is a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved as they pledge their love and support for your child’s future development.

Can other children be included?

Yes, a Naming Ceremony is not just for babies – older children of any age can be included and it can also be used as a celebration of adoption or to welcome step-children into an extended family unit.

What does the Ceremony include?

The ceremony can be personalised according to your requirements. There are opportunities to include readings, to make promises to your child, and even the opportunity for parents to make vows to each other. Supporting adults can also be involved in making promises to the child (similar to the role played by godparents at a baptism). There is also a separate section in the ceremony to include grandparents.

The ceremony usually lasts about 15 minutes but can be up to 30 minutes depending on the readings and options you select.

Who can arrange a Ceremony?

A parent or anyone who has parental responsibility or legal guardianship of the child or children.

Will we receive a certificate?

Yes, at the end of the ceremony parent(s) or guardian(s) and supporting adults will be asked by the celebrant to come forward and sign a Record of Naming Ceremony Certificate which you will receive.

Do we have to produce any documents?

Yes, a birth certificate must be produced when booking the ceremony.

Who conducts the Ceremony?

The ceremony is conducted by a fully trained professional celebrant from the Register Office.

Can we use a Naming Ceremony to change our child's name?

As naming ceremonies have no legal status, they cannot be used to legally change a child’s name. Please seek advice from the Register Office before attempting to make changes to your child’s registered name.

How much notice do we need to give?

As the ceremonies are non-statutory (they have no legal status) there is no set time limit. However, you should plan on around four weeks to book the celebrant to attend (from the Register Office), compose the ceremony and invite any guests.

Where can the Ceremony be held?

The ceremony can be held at either Wirral Register Office (Birkenhead Town Hall) or at Wallasey Town Hall and at venues in Wirral that are licensed for Civil Weddings or Civil Partnerships. Ceremonies can also be held at other venues such as sports and social clubs or community halls if the celebrant from the Register Office agrees that it is suitable.

Can we hold a Naming Ceremony at the same time we get Married?

Yes, A naming ceremony can be held after the marriage ceremony.

Do we have to live in Wirral?

No, you can live anywhere in the country but if you want a baby naming in another district, you will have to contact the Local Authority where the celebration is to take place.

What is the cost?

Please call (0151) 606 2020 for current fees.

What time can we have the Ceremony?

At Birkenhead Town Hall ceremonies will be held during the morning from 10.00am until 11.30am and in the afternoon from 2.00pm to 3.30pm from Monday to Friday.

At other approved premises and Licenced venues the times are more flexible and can be held up to early evening subject to agreement with the celebrant.

How can we arrange to book a ceremony?

Please telephone Wirral Register Office on (0151) 606 2020 – Monday to Friday.

For approved premises and Licenced venues – please check availability with venue first before contacting us. A list of approved premises is available from the Register Office on request.

These ceremonies are offered as a partnership between Wirral Council and Civil Ceremonies Limited.