Naming Ceremonies Brisbane and Moreton Bay

A welcome they'll hear about for years to come

You chose their name for a reason. Maybe it belonged to a great-grandparent, maybe it came from a place or a song that means something to you both, or maybe you just knew the moment you saw them. A naming ceremony is your chance to share that story with the people who matter most.

It brings together everyone who'll be part of your child's life, grandparents, aunties and uncles, godparents, close friends and the mate who's already planning to be the fun one. For a little while, everyone stops, listens and makes a promise to this new person in the world.

And one day, your child will look back at the photos and see just how loved they were from the very beginning.

See What’s Included

Why Families Choose a Naming Ceremony

A way to mark the beginning of their story

Some families want a meaningful alternative to a christening. Some want to bring both sides of the family together, especially when relatives live far apart and rarely get to celebrate in the same place. Others simply want a reason to gather everyone and say thank you for the support that surrounds their child.

Whatever brings you here, a naming ceremony gives you the space to say out loud what this little person means to you, and to invite the people around you to play a part in their life.

Tell Me About Your Family

Who It's For

Every Family, Every Age

Naming ceremonies suit all kinds of families and all kinds of moments, including:

• Newborns and babies in their first year

• Toddlers and older children (it's never too late!)

• Adopted children being welcomed into their forever family

• Blended families celebrating a new beginning together

• Families with more than one child, named in the same ceremony

• Rainbow families, single-parent families and every family in between

If your child is old enough to take part, we can give them a role of their own too.

Let’s Plan It Together

What Your Ceremony Can Include

The Little Things that Make the Difference

The story behind the name. Where it came from, what it means and why it felt right. This is often the part where Grandma reaches for the tissues.

Promises from parents. Simple, heartfelt words about the kind of family you want to be and what you hope for your child as they grow.

Godparents, guide parents or mentors. The special adults you've chosen to stand beside your child through life. They can make their own promises, and you can call them whatever feels right for your family.

Brothers and sisters. Big siblings can hand over a gift, help with a ritual, read something short or make a promise of their own. Usually the cutest bit of the day!

Grandparents and extended family. A blessing, a reading, a family tradition passed down, or a few words of welcome from the people who've waited a long time to meet this little one.

Readings and music. A poem, a favourite children's book passage, a song with meaning or a piece of music played as everyone gathers.

Remembering loved ones. If there's someone who isn't here to meet your child, we can make gentle space to honour them, especially if your child carries their name.

Ask Me About Rituals

Ritual Ideas

A Ritual with a Reason

A ritual is a lovely way for guests to take part rather than simply watch. Every ritual we include will have meaning for your family. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

• Tree or garden planting. A tree that grows alongside your child, planted on the day or soon after.

• Wishing stones. Guests hold a stone, make a wish for your child and place it in a bowl to keep.

• Time capsule. Letters, photos and wishes sealed away to open on a milestone birthday.

• Sand or candle ceremony. Family members each add their colour or light to represent everyone coming together.

• Wish book or wish tree. Guests write a message for your child to read when they're older.

Have an idea of your own, or a family or cultural tradition you'd love to include? Bring it along and we'll work out how to make it feel natural on the day.

How It Works

3 Easy Steps

Let's chat

Tell me about your family, your child and what you're imagining. If you don't know yet, that's completely fine. Our first chat is free.

I'll write your ceremony

We'll meet to plan, and I'll ask about your child, the name, your family and the people you'd like involved. Then I'll write a ceremony around you and send through a draft so you can review it before the day..

Celebrate

On the day I'll guide everyone through the ceremony, let your special people know exactly when it's their turn and keep things relaxed. You can enjoy every moment.

Naming Ceremony Package

Welcoming your child. Celebrating your family.

"We want to welcome them properly, with everyone who loves them."

This is a ceremony written entirely around your child and your family. We'll talk about the story behind the name, the people you'd like involved and the promises you want to make. I'll bring it all together into a warm, relaxed ceremony that feels like your family, then guide everyone through it on the day so you can simply be there.

What's included

• A free initial chat

• Planning meeting

• A personalised ceremony written around your child and family

• The story behind their name, if you'd like it included

• Parent promises

• Roles for siblings, grandparents and godparents or mentors

• Guidance with readings and music

• One personalised ritual, if you'd like one

• Ceremony draft for your review

• Phone and email support while we plan

• Ceremony delivery on the day

• PA system where required

• Personalised naming certificate

• Certificates for godparents, mentors or supporting adults

• A keepsake copy of your ceremony

• Local travel within 50 km (extended travel quoted separately)

Not included

Physical items for rituals (such as trees, stones or candles) unless agreed otherwise, venue hire, catering or styling.

From $450 (incl. GST)

Let’s Plan Their Naming Day

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a naming ceremony a legal requirement?

No. Your child's name is legally registered through Queensland's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. A naming ceremony is a celebration, and your naming certificate is a keepsake rather than a legal document.

What's the difference between a naming ceremony and a christening?

A christening is a religious ceremony held within a church. A naming ceremony can be completely non-religious, or include faith, cultural or heritage elements if they matter to you. You decide what's included.

What's the difference between a godparent, mentor or a guide parent?

Not much, other than the name! Some families prefer "guide parent", "mentor" or "special person" if they'd rather not use a religious term. Whatever you call them, they're the people you've chosen to support your child as they grow.

How old does my child need to be?

Any age at all. Many families choose the first year, but I've welcomed toddlers and older children too, and it's a lovely way to celebrate an adoption or a blended family.

Can we name more than one child in the same ceremony?

Absolutely. Siblings can be welcomed together, and each child will have their own moment and their own certificate.

Where can we hold it?

Anywhere that feels right, your backyard, a park, the beach, a family property, a café or a function venue. Just check whether your chosen spot needs a booking or permit.

What if our baby cries or gets restless?

Babies cry, toddlers wander, and everyone understands. I'll keep the ceremony moving and adjust as needed so nobody feels any pressure.

How much does a naming ceremony cost?

Naming ceremonies start from $450, which includes your personalised ceremony, certificates, a keepsake copy and local travel within 50 km.

How far ahead should we book?

Weekends fill quickly in spring and autumn, so a couple of months ahead is ideal. If your date is sooner, get in touch and I'll see what I can do.

Do you travel outside Brisbane and Moreton Bay?

Yes. Travel within 50 km is included, and anything further is quoted separately.

Still Wondering? Let’s Chat

Let's Create a Welcome Worth Remembering

One day your child will ask who everyone is in the photos. They'll hear about the people who promised to love them, the wishes made in their honour and the story behind the name they carry.

I'd love to help you create that moment.