Shropshire Council

Naming ceremonies

What is a naming ceremony?

We're pleased to offer the opportunity for parents to celebrate the birth and naming of their child with their family and friends. The words of the ceremony are used as an outline. You can personalise your ceremony by including readings and by asking other people to be involved in some way by making promises. For example, you may appoint chosen friends or family to make promises regarding the welfare of your child. 

About the ceremony

The usual format for a naming ceremony is:

  • Opening words
  • Reading
  • Naming of the child
  • Parents' promises for the raising of their child
  • Chosen family or friends promises
  • Grandparents' promises
  • Signing of the record of ceremony
  • Presentation of the certificate (this will have no legal status) and closing words

The ceremony will be conducted by registration service personnel, acting in their capacity as celebrants and not registration officers.

Is a certificate issued?

A commemorative certificate will be presented as a memento of the occasion; these certificates have no legal standing.

Where can the ceremony be held?

At any registration service ceremony room across the Shropshire Council area on a weekday or Saturday, or at any of the approved venues in Shropshire at a mutually convenient time, Saturdays and Sundays included. Take a look at the approved venue list.

How do you arrange a civil naming ceremony?

You should first contact the Shropshire Register Office on 0345 678 9016 or via email to discuss and arrange your ceremony requirements.

You'll be required to produce the child's birth certificate for the registration service officers at the time of booking your ceremony. You'll also be required to pay a booking fee.

How much does a ceremony cost?

To find out about ceremony fees, take a look at our pricing information section.

Important information

  • These ceremonies have no legal status
  • You can't have any religious content in your naming ceremony
  • The ceremony can't be used to change a child's name. You'll be required to produce the child's birth certificate for the registration service officer at the time of booking your ceremony
  • The registration service officers won't be acting in their official capacity as registration officers

Have you had your ceremony?

Tell us how it went...