A Beautiful Hackney Naming Ceremony Followed by a Relaxed, Kid-Friendly Pub Celebration

18 Nov

If you’re a North London family planning a naming ceremony that feels meaningful, relaxed and genuinely you, Hackney Town Hall is one of the very best places to start. As a family photographer who absolutely loves capturing these milestone moments, I’ve seen first-hand how perfectly Hackney Town Hall balances that sense of occasion with a warm, welcoming feel that puts parents, babies and excited grandparents completely at ease.

Family portrait on the steps of Hackney Town Hall, with parents holding their baby beneath the iconic façade after the naming ceremony.

Close-up family photo on the Hackney Town Hall steps, with parents smiling and holding their baby in front of the building’s grand entrance.

Collage of natural moments inside Hackney Town Hall, showing a parent holding their baby, guests chatting in the foyer, and candid shots of the baby being helped into their outfit before the naming ceremony.

Why Hackney Town Hall Works So Well for Naming Ceremonies

Hackney Town Hall, right on Mare Street, is a stunning Art Deco building with bright, elegant ceremony rooms that photograph beautifully. This naming ceremony took place in The Lanchester Suite where only yourself, your partner and 28 other guests are allowed at the ceremony – this includes any children (over 2 years) and your 2 witnesses (30 of you in total)

You don’t need to have a full wedding-style service to make it feel special. Hackney’s registrars are brilliant at shaping a personalised, heartfelt ceremony that includes readings, promises, symbolic gestures (like candle lighting or a family blessing), and a moment to officially welcome your little one into your world. It feels official without being stuffy - perfect for modern London families.

Parents walking down the aisle at Hackney Town Hall with their baby as guests clap and smile at the start of the naming ceremony.

Family gathered in the ceremony room as a parent lifts their baby up, surrounded by smiling guests at Hackney Town Hall.

A parent holds their baby while standing at the front of the Hackney Town Hall ceremony room, with guests gathered behind them.

Parents sitting together at the naming ceremony desk in Hackney Town Hall with their baby on their lap, surrounded by smiling guests.

A baby looking toward the camera while being held during the naming ceremony at Hackney Town Hall, with the registrar reading behind.

Parents standing together during the ceremony as one holds their baby across their arms in the bright Hackney Town Hall room.

Parents and guests smiling as a parent lifts their baby up during a joyful moment at the Hackney Town Hall naming ceremony.

A parent signing the naming ceremony certificate at Hackney Town Hall while the other holds their baby beside them.

Group portrait of the baby, parents, and the child’s guideparents standing together at the front of the Hackney Town Hall ceremony room.

Celebratory moment as a parent lifts their baby proudly, surrounded by clapping guests and the registrar at Hackney Town Hall.

Keeping It Laid-Back: A Family-Friendly Pub Celebration

Once the ceremony wraps up, most families want something relaxed, easy and close by - somewhere everyone can exhale, feed the kids, raise a glass and let the day unfold naturally.

This is where the Pembury Tavern comes in. Just a short walk from Hackney Town Hall, it’s one of the most baby-and-kid-friendly pubs in East London. There’s loads of space, highchairs, changing facilities, big tables, brilliant pizza, and a proper community feel. Families don’t feel like they need to whisper or keep little ones glued to their seats - it’s the opposite. Kids can move, parents can chat, and no one blinks an eye if someone suddenly needs a nap, a snack or a quick buggy-push outside.

From a photography perspective, I love the Pembury because it gives you that cosy, candid, real-life look: kids stealing chips, big family toasts, grandparents enjoying the afternoon, and babies being passed around from lap to lap. It’s the kind of celebration where you get the real emotion and connection that families treasure for years.

Exterior of The Pembury Tavern with its dark green façade and large front window framed by hanging lights and decorative hops.

Interior corner of The Pembury Tavern showing a cosy booth, hanging lights and hops, with a London bus passing outside the window.

Bright corner booth inside The Pembury Tavern with hanging lights, a Five Points Brewing Co. map on the wall, and menus on the table.

Close-up of a pink buttercream celebration cake with a red name tag on top, ready for the naming day party at The Pembury Tavern.

A hand placing down a pizza topped with basil and dollops of cheese, with Ace Pizza menus scattered on the table.

Busy, colourful scene inside The Pembury Tavern as guests chat, eat pizza and gather with prams around the room for the naming celebration.

Two guests chatting over pizza and drinks at a table by the window inside The Pembury Tavern during the relaxed naming celebration.

Guests standing and chatting near the bar at The Pembury Tavern as pizza is served on the pool table during the family celebration.

Parents smiling with their baby inside The Pembury Tavern, standing beside the pink celebration cake as guests relax in the background.

For some gentle, natural photos of you all (or just baby), Clapton Square Gardens is only a quick stroll away. It’s ideal for taking a 20–30 minute breather from the buzz of the pub and capturing something a little more intimate..