Private Services

It does not matter if the baby is a tiny newborn, one year old, a lively toddler or perhaps an older child who has been adopted into the family. The timing is something for the parents to consider.   A naming ceremony is a ceremonial way for extended family and friends to officially welcome the newcomer.
 

While the format can be discussed between the celebrant and the parents, it often includes an explanation of the name,  promises of love and support for the future from family – such as parents, grandparents and older siblings as well as the traditional godparents -often called sponsors or guides in a civil ceremony. 
 

Siblings and cousins might offer love and gifts together with promises to teach and share with the newcomer.  Candles, bubbles, rose petals, balloons and similar symbols can contribute to the ceremonial messages as well as providing entertainment for a guest list that will often contain many other children.

Why not consider asking us to host a naming ceremony for you, all you need to do is contact us to ask for more information. 

We are happy to conduct ceremonies for marriage, civil partnerships and same sex unions.

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Based on our long history of relying more on reason and conscience rather than on holy books, the rite of marriage in a Unitarian place of worship has more to do with the desire of people to add a spiritual dimension to their freely chosen act.

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We will be pleased to arrange a marriage service in our beautiful chapel in accordance with a couple’s needs.

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Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Yes, we can even hold pet funerals for those who really want to celebrate their pets passing on. If you would like more information and discuss your requirements please contact us

We stand on the side of Love! Our congregation has voted overwhelmingly to endorse same-sex marriage.

If you would like to have a wedding officiated at our church, either same-sex or not, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

When a transgender person decides that they want to be known by a different name it's not necessarily because they don't like their name, it's because they don't identify with that name anymore - and maybe they never did.

If a transgender man's birth name was Emily they may feel that no longer fits their identity, so a new name is chosen that feels right.
 

You may associate Naming Ceremonies with babies or small children.  They're held as an alternative to a religious ceremony, welcoming the child into their extended family and celebrating their chosen name, but what a wonderful way to celebrate people of any age wanting to present themselves to their family and social circle with a new name and a new identity.

 It's a great way to tell a big group of people in your life that from that point on you'd like to be known by your new chosen name and your preferred pronouns

You might have chosen a name that is more gender neutral or more in keeping with the gender you are transitioning to... either way in a Naming Ceremony you and your new name are celebrated.   
 

This ceremony marks a very important transition in your life, leaving behind the old and looking forward to a more comfortable, confident, authentic future.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

We have funerals at our chapel.

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Most Unitarian officiants will fit-in with the wishes of the deceased and the family and may exclude what many may see as traditional religious language.

We try to start where people are and to reflect the person’s life rather than speculating on any unknown future.

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Please contact us to discuss your requirements.