Christenings and Naming Ceremonies: What the Church of England and Humanists UK Say About Godparents, Guideparents, Cost and Timing (England)

A christening or a naming ceremony gives families a day to welcome a new baby together, often with a small party afterwards. This guide compares two options using their own published guidance: the Church of England’s christening pages, which apply to Church of England churches in England, and the naming ceremony pages of Humanists UK, which describe non-religious ceremonies led by a celebrant. Neither is legally required, and neither replaces registering the birth. Practices differ between parishes and celebrants, so details should be checked locally.

How a Church of England christening works

The Church of England says a christening and a baptism are the same thing; the moment water is poured or wiped on the child’s head is the baptism and is at the heart of the service. It describes the order as a welcome, promises made by parents and godparents on the child’s behalf, a sign of the cross, often with oil, the water, and prayers, and a candle that may be given at the end or soon after.

The church says it welcomes all babies, children and families, whatever shape the family takes. Parents do not have to be married, regular churchgoers or baptised themselves. There is no minimum or maximum age for a christening. The service is free, although a party afterwards will cost money, and a christening gift or gown is not compulsory; the church notes that a handed-down gown may be more meaningful and saves money.

Where and when

According to the church, unless there are very exceptional circumstances a christening must take place in a church, so it is usually not possible at home, in a function room or outdoors. A baby can be christened at the local parish church, and the vicar of another church, such as one where the parents married, can be asked what is possible. Christenings usually take place during the Sunday service so the congregation can welcome the family, and the church suggests asking the vicar about alternatives, which are again usually on a Sunday.

Choosing godparents in the Church of England

The church says each child should have at least three godparents, two of the same sex as the child and one of the opposite sex, although two will suffice if three cannot be found. Three or four is usual and there is no official maximum. Godparents must be baptised and ideally confirmed, and people baptised in the Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, United Reformed and other Christian churches can act. Parents may be godparents provided there is at least one other.

There is no minimum age, but someone under 18 should first be discussed with the vicar. Godparents must be physically present, as the church has no provision for godparents by proxy, although an absent friend can take an unofficial godparent-like role. Names are recorded permanently in the Baptism Register and cannot officially be changed.

What a humanist naming ceremony is

Humanists UK describes a naming ceremony as a way to welcome a child into the family without reference to religion, focused on the child, the joy and responsibility of parenting and the people close to the child. It does not induct a child into a belief system. Ceremonies are available to anyone who wants a non-religious ceremony, whether or not they identify as humanist, and can be held for a new baby, adopted child or stepchild. Like christenings, naming ceremonies have no legal status.

Humanists UK says each ceremony is unique and can include readings, music, promises from parents, a celebration of why the name was chosen, and symbolic acts such as sand-blending, tree planting, wish trees, time capsules or a signed certificate. It states that a ceremony usually lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, and the day can run on longer. Any venue works, including the home, garden, a hotel, a park or woodland. Many families combine a naming ceremony with a first birthday party, and the guide to planning a first birthday may help.

Guideparents and cost

Humanists UK says the most popular alternative to godparents is “guideparents”, though some families use mentor, guardian or a light-hearted word, and some keep the word godparent. Guideparents are supporting adults who promise to be in the child’s life, and a family can have as many as it likes. The humanist guidance says it has known children with as many as ten.

Humanists UK’s FAQs state that fees are not fixed and range between £150 and £450 plus travel expenses, covering preparation, writing the ceremony and delivery, which may include props and activities. Parents who dislike public speaking do not have to speak; the celebrant can read promises and invite parents to say “I promise”. The celebrant also provides a copy of the script as a keepsake. For gift ideas that suit either ceremony, see the guide to choosing baby gift sets.

FAQs

Is a Church of England christening free?

Yes. The church says the service is free, though there may be costs for a party afterwards.

Can a christening be held at home?

The church says that unless there are very exceptional circumstances, a christening must take place in a church.

Is a humanist naming ceremony legally binding?

No. Humanists UK says naming ceremonies, like christenings, have no legal status.

The bottom line

A Church of England christening is a free church service with at least three godparents, who must be baptised, while a humanist naming ceremony is a celebrant-led, non-religious event that can be held almost anywhere and usually costs a fee. Neither is a legal requirement and neither is a registration. Asking the vicar or celebrant early about dates, venue and who will take part makes the day easier to plan.

Sources

• Christening FAQs (churchofengland.org)
• Christening service step by step (churchofengland.org)
• Choosing godparents (churchofengland.org)
• What happens at a humanist naming ceremony? (humanists.uk)
• Naming Ceremony FAQs (humanists.uk)