Hi, I'm Sophie
I'm so pleased you're thinking about a Humanist Naming ceremony, perhaps one I can be involved in.
I love Humanist Naming ceremonies. The journey from first meet to the big day, the getting-to-know the family, the crafting of the ceremony, the celebration. Every Naming ceremony is different. Every family's story is different. I'm happy to be trained by and accredited to Humanists UK to be able to deliver Naming ceremonies to a high standard.
No Humanist Naming ceremony is like any other. Your Naming ceremony is yours alone. I craft unique ceremonies, centred on you.. You may have in mind a small, discreet affair at home, perhaps a loud party in a hotel venue, something steeped in traditions from different cultures or maybe a casual get-together on a mountain top surrounded by lycra-clad mates. Or something else.
Whatever your preferences I can help you build your celebration around your ideas or we can create those ideas together. This may be naming your child or children, celebrating the adoption of a child, celebrating your adult name. There is no template to follow. Your celebration is your opportunity to declare infront of your closest family and friends what you want for the future of your child and family as well as perhaps thanking those who have helped you reach today's celebration.
As a humanist I see Namings as the marking of an important life event, a time-honoured custom that allows us to reflect what makes life worth living. It is a privilege for me to be part of your special day.
My approach is light-heartedly sincere. I say this in all seriousness. While many, many families have a smooth journey to the Naming ceremony, I will make sure those who experience bumps along the way arrive on the given day, and really enjoy the ceremony and celebrations. If we need to delay, or bring forward, a ceremony I will work with the family to make this happen.
What gets me up in the morning? I couldn't get through a day without my wonderful dog, fresh air, yoga (I teach), a bit of exercise, music, mates; sometimes a little French, dressmaking, theatre. There are lots of other wonderful things I want to explore in life, too many to mention here.
Sophie Burkett
Where I work
The East Midlands from the Peak District to the Lincolnshire, Cambridge and Norfolk coast. I am also happy to travel further afield.
Fees from...
£225
How to contact me
Phone
Website
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.
