Arrange a naming ceremony
A naming ceremony is a celebration for a baby, an older child, or more than one child at the same time. It has no legal status, but you can arrange it as a special occasion for you and your family.
You can also hold a naming ceremony directly after a marriage or renewal of vows ceremony.
Where you can hold a naming ceremony
A naming ceremony can be held at Swindon Register Office or at any venue in the borough, subject to the Superintendent Registrar’s approval.
The ceremony will usually last between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the options you choose.
You can decide who takes part. For example, you may want to involve siblings, special adults, grandparents, or a combination of these.
Religious content is not permitted.
What happens during the ceremony
The usual sequence of events is:
- an introduction
- you, as the parents, name the child or children and may explain why you have chosen these names
- you make promises about how you will bring up your child
- invited special adults make promises, chosen by you or them
- grandparents can also make promises to the child and to you
- readings or poetry, or both
- everyone present signs the commemorative certificate towards the end of the ceremony, which you can keep
This sequence can be amended to suit your wishes.
What we provide
We provide:
- one of our trained celebrants to welcome you and your guests and conduct the ceremony
- a personalised order of service for your guests
- a celebratory certificate
- a guest record for your family and friends to sign to show they were present
How to book
Contact Swindon Register Office and Ceremony Rooms to discuss a venue, date and time.
We will then arrange for you to pay a deposit. We will also give you a pack to help you decide what words you want to include in the ceremony.
Availability and fees
Availability and fees depend on when and where the ceremony takes place.
See the marriage and civil partnership fees page for details about naming ceremony fees.