Close-up of an adult and baby hands holding each other.

“You are trailing a beautiful pathway through this life. An invisible star-bright network of you.”

Donna Ashworth

Close-up of a young boy with bright blue eyes, light skin, wearing a hooded jacket with the hood over his head, and a shirt underneath, lying on a gray surface.

There are many reasons for celebrating the giving or the changing of a name, I can work with you to create a special ceremony to help you recognise this pivotal moment in life.

Whether it’s for a baby or young child, an adoptive baby/child joining their family, someone choosing their own name in adulthood for whatever reason - to reclaim themselves, renaming for a transgender person, or after divorce. Our names are important identifiers and should be recognised as such. 

There is no template for this type of ceremony, we can discuss your wishes and I can give you suggestions about rituals and readings as we plan your rite of passage celebration.

Two young boys sitting on steps in front of a historic building, wearing matching white shirts with black polka dots, black braces, black pants, black shoes, and black bow ties, posing for a photo.
Close-up of a man holding a sleeping baby in his arms.

What is covered by my fee?

  • An initial discovery call (free of charge) to see if I am the right celebrant to honour the needs and wishes for your naming ceremony

  • We will meet, ideally face-to-face (or online if that suits you better) to discuss your thoughts and hopes for the ceremony. I can also provide suggestions for rituals and readings

  • I will share a draft of your script for you to consider and make any changes

  • We can have as many meetings as you feel you need and you can call or email me with any questions during this time*

  • I will share the final script with you

  • I will attend a rehearsal with you, a couple of days before the ceremony

  • Officiate your ceremony (as per the approved script)

  • You will receive a printed copy of the script as a memento

*Based on the date of your naming ceremony and how long we have to plan, I can share a timeline so we have plenty of time to create something that you’re happy with.

What do I charge?

£395 - as mentioned above, a discovery call is free before you commit.
Then a 50% deposit is required to confirm the booking and secure the date. The remaining 50% is due 4 weeks* before the ceremony.

*If there is a short turnaround this will vary accordingly and be agreed at the initial meeting.
There is a travel fee of 50p per mile for ceremonies more than a 30 mile radius from Leeds.