Naming ceremonies

Child naming ceremonies

Gateshead Register Office is able to offer you a naming service for your new born or an older child.

A naming ceremony is a special way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming the new arrival into the family and the wider community. It is also ideal for welcoming an adopted child, or stepchildren into your family. Parents do not need to be married and can come from any cultural background with any or no spiritual or religious beliefs. Any parent or legal guardian can make the arrangements.

The ceremony includes a welcome, naming of the child or children, parent's promises, promises by mentors and grandparents and signing of the naming register. 

A naming ceremony has no legal status. It is simply a celebration that you have chosen as a public gesture of love and commitment to your child. It is not a replacement for registering your baby, which is a legal requirement. 

Every naming ceremony is unique, will be tailored to your individual wishes, and offers the flexibility to meet your needs and requirements. A naming ceremony is not just for babies, older children are also welcome. Ceremonies can be held at Gateshead Civic Centre or at a number of other venues.