Naming Days
Little person, big moment.
A naming ceremony is a chance to gather the people who matter and formally welcome a new person into your family and community.
As a dad of two, I know just how quickly those early years seem to pass.
A naming ceremony gives you the chance to pause for a moment, gather the people you love and celebrate your child while making some promises for the years ahead.
It can be joyful, funny, meaningful, relaxed, traditional or completely your own.
I'll help you create a ceremony that celebrates your child, your family and the people who will be part of their life.
More than just a name
A name is only the beginning. A naming ceremony can be whatever you want it to be.
You might want to tell the story of how your child's name came to be. You might want grandparents, siblings, godparents or special friends to make promises.
You might include readings, music, symbolic rituals or traditions that have meaning for your family. .
Or perhaps you want to keep things nice and simple.
There is no prescribed format. Together, we'll create something that feels right for you and your family.
Who can have a naming ceremony?
It's your family, your ceremony.
Naming ceremonies are a beautiful way to welcome:
A new baby
An adopted child
A child joining a blended family
An older child whose family wants to mark their name and place within the family
Anyone beginning a new chapter and wanting to mark it with the people they love
The important thing isn't how old someone is having a moment to say: you're here, you're loved, and you're part of us.
The people around them
One of the lovely things about a naming ceremony is that it can involve the people who will help shape a child's life.
Parents, grandparents, siblings, godparents, guideparents, family and close friends can all have a part to play.
They might make promises, share a reading, tell a story or simply stand alongside you as you welcome your child.
We'll decide together what feels meaningful — and what doesn't.
Your beliefs. Your choices.
As an independent celebrant, I can create naming ceremonies that are religious, spiritual, non-religious or completely secular.
You can draw on family traditions, cultural traditions or create something entirely new.
There are no rules about what a naming ceremony has to look like.
How it Works
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It starts with a conversation.
Tell me about your family, your child and what you'd like to celebrate.
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We'll explore the stories, people and traditions that matter to you.
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I'll write a ceremony that's personal to your family, with everyone involved in the right way.
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On the day, I'll guide the ceremony so you can concentrate on enjoying the moment with the people you love.
Let's celebrate them.
You don't need to know exactly what you want the ceremony to look like.
Tell me about your family, your ideas and the person at the centre of it all.
We'll start there.
Call 01241 676012 | Email celebrant@lewisdocherty.co.uk | Or use the button below to complete a contact form
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