Are you wondering what a Naming ceremony is and whether it is right for you ?

Sample basic Naming Ceremony order of service.

Opening words by Celebrant
First reading
Naming
Parent's promises
Supporting adults' promises
Second reading
Signing a certificate
Closing words
 
This  simple ceremony can be added to by including other adults who may wish to make promises such as Grandparents, additional readings, musical items giving gifts and  actions with special meanings.

Each ceremony I conduct has a unique script which has been written to reflect your hopes and wishes for your child's future and I love personalising them to meet my clients brief.

Please make contact if you would like to discuss your ideas further.
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The most common types of Celebrant led ceremonies are Weddings, Namings, Commitment and Renewal of vows.
 
Weddings

A wedding ceremony is conducted after a couple legally marry.  Registering your marriage should be done at a Registry Office in the presence of two witnesses. 

There are a number of reasons why you might choose to marry and then have a wedding ceremony including the freedom to celebrate where, when and how you wish. 

Every ceremony I conduct is tailor-made to each couples requirements.   The wedding ceremony can be held in a location of your choice, at a time to suit you and there are no limits to the number of people who can be present.

Your choice of music, poetry and readings can be woven into the ceremony.

Significant actions such as exchanging rings, lighting candles, a sand ceremony, releasing doves, exchanging love letters  or creating unique items to cherish are just a few of the things that can be included.

If you choose an Independent Celebrant then you can also include some religious elements, if you choose.
 

Naming Ceremonies and Welcoming ceremonies

A naming ceremony is suitable for children of all ages.  It is an ideal way of bringing family and friends together to formally welcome the newest member or members to the family.  It is also an appropriate way to welcome an adopted child or children from a previous partnership.

During a Naming ceremony parents make promises to their child or children and share their hopes and dreams for their futures.  Other adults too can pledge their support some as Supporting Adults who will play a significant part in the child or children’s lives or Grandparents.

A naming ceremony is a wonderful family occasion and can include elements such as tree planting, lighting a candle, a circle of support or gifts.

A Welcoming ceremony is very similar to a Naming ceremony and such ceremonies are often used to welcome an older child whose has been adopted. The aim of the ceremony is to acknowledge the new relationship and for the child  or children to be welcomed into their new family and community.

Commitment Ceremony

A Commitment ceremony is very similar to a Wedding ceremony in its structure and can be offered where a couple wish to acknowledge their love and commitment to each other without undertaking any legal contract.

A Commitment ceremony can also be conducted before a legal marriage has been undertaken and may be used in situations where one partner may be still technically married.
 
 
Renewal of vows

Ceremonies can take place where, when and how you wish.

Where a legal marriage has taken place a couple might choose to have a Renewal of vows ceremony to celebrate a significant wedding anniversary.

A Renewal of vows can also be incorporated into a family occasion to celebrate a Marriage which may have taken place abroad, normally more than twelve months previously.
 
 If you would like to talk about any of these ceremonies then please make contact - I always love talking about people's plans.

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Many couples choose to live together rather than marry and there are many reasons why you might prefer to do this but did you know that by doing this you may forfeit your legal status as a couple ?

So, if you do not wish to marry then a Civil Partnership may be the answer.

Couples who enter into a Civil Partnership are regarded in the same way as a married couple in the eyes of the law. The position of civil partners in relation to financial arrangements mirrors that of spouses. 

The laws governing wills, administration of estates and family provisions applies to civil partners in the same way as to spouses. 

Although we rarely like to consider what will happen when a life partner dies it is worth discussing the financial position.  When a person dies without a valid will their property must be shared out according to certain rules.  These rules are called intestacy.

Only married couples or civil partners and some other close relatives can inherit under the rules of intestacy.

Cohabiting partners who are neither married nor in a civil partnership cannot inherit under these rules.

​Food for thought.