Civil Naming Ceremonies
A Civil Naming Ceremony allows the celebration of the birth and naming of your child, without any religious content.
It is not just the birth of a child that can herald a celebration of a new addition to the family. Many couples may have children from previous relationships - and what better way to make these children feel part of a new family than by celebrating with a Civil Naming ceremony? Children of any age therefore can have a Naming ceremony.
It is a perfect way to welcome babies or children into the family unit and the ceremony can be written to include Grandparents, Brothers and Sisters, and other family members as well as close friends.
For couples who adopt, a Civil Naming ceremony is a great way of welcoming the child into your lives and declaring your commitment to giving the child a loving home. It is also a chance to share with family and friends your hopes for the child's future and encourage their help and support - after all, with the joy of creating a family comes great responsibility and new challenges!
Any parent can make the arrangements, or anyone else who has legal guardianship or parental responsibility for the child. Parents don't need to be married, though if you are having a Civil Marriage ceremony or a Civil Partnership Registration, a Naming ceremony can be held immediately after.
The ceremony will be conducted by a Registration Officer or Celebrant and will be unique and personal to you and your child.
There are six essential sections to a ceremony - welcome and introduction, reading, naming of child or children, parents' promises, promises by supporting adults and closing words.
The Registration Officer will begin by welcoming the guests and by explaining what happens in the ceremony. Parents will then be able to dedicate themselves to the upbringing of the child by making a series of promises. You may choose readings, or ask your guests to select something relevant to express their wishes for the child.
During the ceremony there will be opportunities for music and reflection.
Guests who have been chosen as Supporting Adults will then also have the opportunity to make their own promises of love and friendship to the child and its parents.
The ceremony will close with the presentation of a commemorative record of the special occasion.
Of course, this is your special day and you may want to personalise the occasion and add to the ceremony. You can choose to add additional sections, for example reasons for the names, hopes for the future, parents' vows to each other, grandparents' promises, absent guests and a presentation of a gift to your child. The Registration Officer will be only too happy to assist you and offer advice to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Here on the Isles of Scilly we can offer six lovely venues for your special ceremony:
- The Isles of Scilly Register Office (There are currently no pictures)
- Old Wesleyan Chapel Opens in a new window
- Juliet's Garden Restaurant Opens in a new window
- St Mary's Hall Hotel Opens in a new window
- Star Castle Hotel Opens in a new window
- St Martins on the Isle Opens in a new window
For further information, contact details and the Registrars fees please see the Venues and Price List Opens in a new window
A commemorative certificate, which is signed during the ceremony, can be purchased.
For further information about Naming Ceremonies or if you wish to make a booking then please contact:
| Mrs Sarah Handy Superintendent Registrar Isles of Scilly Register Office St Mary's Isles of Scilly Tel: 01720 424321 Email: registration@scilly.gov.uk |  |
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Please note that this ceremony has no legal significance.
