Naming ceremonies
Naming ceremonies are currently suspended.
We continue to take bookings for naming ceremonies, but please note all new bookings are made at your own risk and may be subject to change, in line with government guidelines. If you are required to move or amend any ceremony once booked, an administration fee will apply. To contact us about naming ceremonies, please email registrars.account@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
Celebrate a new arrival
A naming ceremony is not a legal ceremony, but it is a special way of celebrating a birth and welcoming the new arrival into the family.
It is also suitable to welcome a step-child or adopted child into the family.
The child can be of any age, and more than one child can be celebrated at the same ceremony.
The Haversham Room
Set within South Hill Park, the Haversham Room is the ideal venue for a naming ceremony with all your friends and family there to celebrate with you.
The Ceremonies Room
Located at Time Square, the Ceremonies Room is suitable for up to 10 guests (including children and babies) plus the couple. With a fresh, modern look, this room is perfectly suited to a private ceremony.
Other venues in Bracknell Forest
There are a range of venues in Bracknell Forest suitable for naming ceremonies.
The ceremony
The ceremony is an important part of the day, and a little time spent planning with the registrars can make it very special.
What's in the ceremony?
Naming ceremonies usually have 6 key sections:
- introduction and welcome
- reading
- naming of the child (or children)
- parents' promises
- promises by mentors
- closing words
The registrar will discuss your requirements and help you to personalise your ceremony. You may wish to add some of the following sections:
- reasons for the names
- hopes for the child’s future
- parents' vows to each other
- grandparents' promises
- further readings
- presentation of a gift to the child
Please note that there may be no religious content during the ceremony.
Key information
You can have your ceremony anywhere within the Bracknell Forest area, even if you are not a resident. You will need to provide proof of the baby’s birth, such as the baby’s red book or birth certificate.
A Bracknell Forest Council celebrant will lead the ceremony. It will last about 30 minutes, depending on the readings and options chosen.
As part of the ceremony, commemorative certificates of the ceremony are signed by parents and mentors.
Anyone with parental responsibility can arrange a naming ceremony for babies or children of any age.
Ceremonies can be held any day of the week, including bank holidays.
Readings
You can view our naming ceremony readings below.
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 Naming ceremony readings | 63.78 KB |
How to book
Contact customer services on 01344 352000, between 8:30am and 4:45pm.
Your appointment booking can be made by credit or debit card and must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Terms and conditions
Please read our terms and conditions:
Contact information
Bracknell Forest Register Office