Naming ceremonies
Naming ceremonies are a great way to celebrate key life events such as the birth of a new baby, welcoming an adopted child or step-child into the family or formally naming an older child. The ceremony can include the presentation of a gift and the nomination of supporting adults who will take a special interest in the upbringing of your child/ren.
The celebration takes the form of a unique civil ceremony that is personal to you and your family, giving an opportunity for you to express publicly your love and commitment to your child/ren.
Naming Ceremonies can be arranged by any parent, from any cultural background, and with any spiritual or religious beliefs. There is no age limit to the Naming Ceremony and more than one child in the same family can be named at the same time. Your ceremony will be delivered by a professional and highly trained member of the registration team.
Please note that naming ceremonies have no legal status and the certificates issued are for commemorative purposes only.
Venues for ceremonies
You can decide on the most appropriate venue for your ceremony, which may be a Register Office, your home or garden, a hotel, a village hall, or other suitable non-religious place.
Booking a ceremony
In order to book a date for your ceremony please contact the Register Office which is closest to where you wish to hold your naming ceremony.
Fees
There is a non-refundable booking fee of £25 for ceremonies in Hampshire. This reserves the date and time that you have requested for your ceremony. You will then be required to pay in full three calendar months prior to the date. Payment of the booking fee and other associated costs may be made by credit/debit card, cheque (payable to Hampshire County Council) or cash at the Register Office.
The booking fee is payable in addition to the ceremony charge e.g. Friday £130 + £25 = Total fee charged £155
| Register offices | Charge excluding the booking fee |
|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | £110 |
| Friday |
£130 |
| Saturday afternoon | £220 |
| Sunday / Bank holidays | £280 |
| Other venues |
Charge excluding the booking fee |
| Monday to Friday | £230 |
| Saturday | £290 |
| Sunday | £330 |
For a naming ceremony the above fees include any number of children in the same family.
Additional alternative ceremony, e.g. Renewal of Vows or Commitment, at the same time - £100.
Cancellation Policy
In the event that you need to cancel a ceremony for which you have already paid, you will be required to provide a minimum of three calendar months notice in writing to be eligible for a full refund. Any requests for a cancellation inside this time scale will also need to be made in writing and will be subject to the following guidelines:-
Two to three calendar months notice of cancellation – 50% refund
Less than one calendar month notice of cancellation (or failure to cancel) – no refund