Humanist Naming Ceremony Celebrant
Hello!Somehow, against all the odds, you’ve brought a small person into the world and you’re wondering how to celebrate this momentous occasion!? That’s exciting!
A naming ceremony is a wonderful way to welcome your baby or child into your family and community. As an experienced Humanist celebrant, I create bespoke naming ceremonies that celebrate your child's arrival with warmth, meaning, and joy—without religious content.
Whether you're looking for a baby naming ceremony, child welcoming ceremony, or non religious christening alternative, I'll work closely with you to design a relaxed celebration that reflects your family's unique story, values, and your hopes for your child's future.
Welcome your child to the family with a personalised Humanist naming ceremony!
What is a Humanist Naming Ceremony?
A Humanist naming ceremonies are non-religious celebrations that formally welcome a child into their family and wider community. Unlike traditional christenings or religious ceremonies, Humanist naming ceremonies are:
Completely personalised to reflect your family's values, beliefs, and story
Inclusive and welcoming to all family members and friends, regardless of their beliefs
Focused on the child and the love and support surrounding them
Flexible in format and can take place anywhere meaningful to you (your garden, your favourite pub, the place you go for playgroup, the park - anywhere!)
A celebration of community with the appointment of guide parents (similar to godparents).
Bespoke Naming Ceremonies
Every naming ceremony I create is unique and tailored to your family. From readings and music to symbolic gestures and the appointment of guide parents, every element is chosen by you, with guidance from me.
Having recently become a first-time mum myself, I’m all too aware that you probably have your hands full as new parents, and so I’ll do everything in my power to make this a smooth and enjoyable experience.
I also understand that you might not be doing this with a newborn - that’s totally fine too! Lots of families choose to wait a little while until life is a bit more under control before planning their naming ceremony. You might want to celebrate one child, or the naming of more than one sibling. I can adapt to your family’s unique situation and create a ceremony that works for everyone.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, so we can honour and celebrate the contributions of step-parents, step-siblings, grandparents, and anyone else who feels like family! We can also welcome adopted children into your family, and reflect on your journey to each other.
Professional Celebrant
As a trained and accredited Humanist celebrant with over five years’ experiences, I bring warmth, joy and professionalism to ensure your naming ceremony is memorable for all the right reasons.
Families tell me they love my sense of humour, the way I tell their story, and the sense of calm I bring to their naming ceremony day.
Flexible Locations
I’m based in York, in beautiful Yorkshire and I work across the North of England. I’m very happy to come to you and celebrate with you, wherever that may be!
Your naming ceremony can take place anywhere that's special to you—your home, a garden, a favorite venue, or a beautiful outdoor location.
What’s Included in Your Naming Ceremony?
When you choose me as your naming ceremony celebrant, you'll receive a complete, personalised service:
Initial Consultation
We'll meet (in person or online) to discuss your ideas for the ceremony, your family story, and what you'd like to include. This is your opportunity to share what matters most to you, and for us to get to know each other.
Ceremony Design and Script
I'll craft a beautiful, bespoke ceremony script weaving together your child's story, your chosen readings and music, the appointment of guide parents, and any symbolic rituals you'd like to include—such as planting a tree or bulbs, creating a time capsule, or a candle lighting ceremony. It’s okay if you don’t know what you’d like yet - I have lots of ideas!
Guide Parents
Naming ceremonies often include the appointment of guide parents—special people who promise to support and guide your child as they grow. This can include as many people as you wish, and there are no restrictions on who can be chosen. You might call them something else - odd parents, fairy godparents, or anything you choose, but fundamentally, they’re people who you trust to be there for your child.
Ceremony Delivery
On the day, I'll conduct your ceremony with warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail, ensuring everything runs smoothly and your guests feel engaged and included. I like to arrive at least 45 minutes before the ceremony starts to ensure everything is set up, and I only ever do one ceremony a day so I can give you my whole attention!
You might be wondering whether your baby or toddler can keep it together for twenty minutes - we can work around that! I always encourage parents to let me know if a child needs feeding or a little rest break during the ceremony, and I’m happy to facilitate this.
Keepsake Certificate and Script
As well as creating gorgeous family memories, you'll receive a beautiful commemorative certificate as a lasting reminder of your child's naming ceremony, and a presentation copy of the ceremony script. This is a lovely document for your child to look back on as they grow older, and to understand how their parents and family all felt about their arrival.
Why Choose a Humanist Naming Ceremony?
We all like a good party! And what could be more exciting than the arrival of a child? More and more non-religious families are choosing Humanist naming ceremonies as a meaningful alternative to religious christenings.
Here's why:
Give structure and meaning to your family gathering - Start your family party with a moment to acknowledge your excitement at becoming parents, celebrate your child’s new name and share your hopes for their future
No religious content – Perfect for non-religious families or those from different faith backgrounds
Truly personal – Every word, reading, and ritual is chosen by you
Inclusive celebration – Everyone is welcome, regardless of their beliefs or background
Your choice of venue – Ceremonies can be held anywhere meaningful to your family
Telling your story – a chance to reflect on how you became a family, and your feelings as parents
Focus on values – Celebrate the principles and dreams you have for your child, and the things you wish to teach them
Guide parents you choose – Honour the people who will support your child, and let them know why you think they are special
Perfect for blended families – Humanist ceremonies can include children of all ages, including older children and step-children.
Ideas for Your Naming Ceremony
Every naming ceremony is unique, but here are some popular elements families choose to include:
Symbolic Rituals
Tree, seed or bulb planting – Plant a tree that will grow alongside your child
Time capsule – Guests contribute messages and mementos to be opened in the future
Candle lighting – Light candles representing family, friendship, and the future
Handprint art – Create a keepsake with your child's handprints, or have guests sign a certificate with their fingerprint
Promises and wishes – Guide parents and family members share their hopes for the child
Readings and Music
Choose from poems, literary excerpts, song lyrics, or personal writings that reflect your family's values. Live music, recorded music, or even a family performance can make the ceremony extra special.
Multiple Children
Naming ceremonies aren't just for babies! You can celebrate older children, adopted children, or multiple siblings in one ceremony. Some families choose to celebrate the moment of knowing their family is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naming Ceremonies
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Naming ceremonies can be held at any age—from newborns to older children. Many families choose to wait a few months after birth when they and the baby are settled, but there's no right or wrong time. Some families even hold naming ceremonies for adopted children or as part of blended family celebrations. When you feel the time is right, send me an email or drop me a text. I can usually prepare a naming ceremony within a month, and I’m happy to work around your availability, naptimes, or life in general!
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Anywhere you like! Popular choices include your home, a family member's garden, a favourite park, a community hall, a hotel or pub function room, or a special outdoor location. The ceremony is completely flexible to suit your preferences.
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Typically around 20 minutes, depending on how many elements you'd like to include. We'll discuss the structure during our consultation to ensure it's the right length for your guests and your child.
I’m all about hitting that sweet spot where guests understand the solemnity of the occasion, but are still enjoying themselves (and little ones too)!
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As many as you like! Unlike traditional godparents, there are no limits or rules about who can be a guide parent or how many you can appoint.
Choose the people who you'd like to play a special role in your child's life.
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Humanist naming ceremonies are inclusive and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their personal beliefs.
The ceremony focuses on shared human values like love, kindness, and community, making it comfortable for all guests.
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Absolutely! Your naming ceremony should reflect your family, so I encourage you to share any ideas, readings, rituals, or personal touches you'd like to include.
This is your celebration, and I'm here to bring your vision to life.
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It’s a lot of fun! I am easy to talk to, creative, calm and practical. I just want to help you celebrate this exciting moment in a way that feels authentic, fun and comfortable for you, your kids and your guests.
The Process
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Contact me to check availability for your preferred date and location. We'll have an informal chat about what you're looking for. Description text goes here
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We'll meet to discuss your family, your child(ren), and your ideas for the ceremony.
I'll explain the process and answer any questions you have. You can book a chat here.
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I’ll share my questions with you, and depending on your preference, we can chat through them or you can email me your answers.
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Where the magic happens!
I'll draft your ceremony script, incorporating your chosen elements, readings, and rituals.
You'll have the opportunity to review and request any changes until it's perfect.
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Before the ceremony, we'll finalise all the details—timing, logistics, music, and any practical arrangements.
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On the day, I'll arrive early to ensure everything is ready, then conduct your beautiful ceremony with warmth and professionalism.
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After the ceremony, you'll receive a keepsake certificate celebrating your child's special day, and a beautifully presented copy of the ceremony script.
