Here in Lancashire we pride ourselves in making sure each and every ceremony is a unique and memorable experience. We hope you will have a wonderful day with many memories to treasure.

The naming of your child is one of the most important decisions a parent has to make. A name gives a child an identity and provides a sense of belonging to the family.  The ”Naming Ceremony” is designed to meet the individual needs of the family and provide a dignified and formal opportunity to:

• Celebrate the birth and welcome your child into the family and wider community
• Announce the names that you have chosen and, if appropriate, explain the reasons behind the choice
• Make promises of commitment to nurture and support your child into adult life
• Choose other adults prepared to promise a special supportive relationship to your child.

Naming ceremonies are not just for babies. Children of any age can have a ceremony and you can, if you wish, include your other children as well as your new child. A naming ceremony is a unique occasion for all your family and friends to feel involved as they offer their love and support for your child's future development.

A naming ceremony can also be used to celebrate adoptive and/or step children into your family and to announce the new relationship.

Any parent can arrange a naming ceremony whether married or not.

We will provide the framework for you to select your ceremony. You will have the opportunity to discuss the content of your ceremony so you can create something that is unique for you, and your family, to remember and cherish. You can have music of your choice played on CD, or by live musicians if you wish, and you can have someone recite poems, or readings, to enhance the ceremony. We can provide you with a choice of poems and readings. You may also wish to present your child with a special gift to mark the occasion.

A special commemorative certificate is available and can be presented at the end of the ceremony.

Your ceremony will normally contain some, or all, of the following:-

• Special Music
• Introduction and welcome
• Reading/poem
• Parents promises
• Reading/poem
• Pledges by supporting adults
• Pledges by grandparents
• Reading/poem
• Optional gift presentation
• Signing of Commemorative Certificate
• Closing words

Lancashire is renowned for it’s beautiful countryside and has a wide choice of venues for you to celebrate your special occasion. There are stately homes and country house hotels –something to suit all tastes and budgets. In addition there are eight Registration Offices located in the main Lancashire towns. These offices have ceremony rooms with excellent facilities at an affordable price. Ceremonies may be celebrated on any day of the year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. A list of all the Registration Offices and approved premises can be found on our website.

The birth of your child must be registered and birth certificate has to be produced before your ceremony can be booked. For further information and to make a booking please contact the Ceremonies Officer for the area in which you intend to have the ceremony.