Hi, I'm Rachel

Image of Rachel Buchanan

I trained in naming ceremonies first and (don't tell weddings) namings are my very favourite ceremonies to do.

They are always happy occasions, fun and filled with love, hope and cake.

I love getting to know a family and finding out all about you and your new arrival, and helping you plan the very best welcome for them.

This is your opportunity to introduce your child to their community of family and friends, talk about your hopes for the future, what kind of family you would like to build together, and include all those other people that you would like to involve.

Naming ceremonies can include parental promises, introducing guide parents, readings, songs, story books, jokes, advice, thank yous, seeds, tree planting, bubbles... in short, whatever you like! I have named one baby, several babies, cousins and siblings in the same ceremony - whatever your family looks like, I can make a ceremony to suit you.

I will be there with lots of suggestions to guide you, but in the end you are in charge - whatever we do on the day is what you have chosen, and I will there to help you hold everything together and keep us on track - no matter what surprises babies and small children might throw at us!

It's A here, you did a naming ceremony for our daughter C nearly 5 years ago! Hope you're well.

We've just had another baby, a boy called J and we'd like to have a naming ceremony for him too! It's going to be at the same place... And if you're available we'd love it if you could be our celebrant again! 

— A, S, C and J

Image of Rachel Buchanan

Rachel Buchanan

Where I work

I mostly work in beautiful Shropshire, Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches, however I am happy to travel further afield

Fees from...

£250

How to contact me
Email

rachelonthehill@gmail.com

Website

humanist.org.uk/rachelbuchanan

HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.

You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.

Humanist naming ceremonies

A humanist naming ceremony is a joyous event, and the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family to welcome your child into the world, with no reference to religion. It focuses on the child, their future and the circle of love and support around them, offering a sincere and personal alternative to a christening or other religious ceremony.