Civil Naming Ceremonies

What is a naming ceremony?

Shropshire Registration Service is pleased to offer the opportunity for parents to celebrate the birth and naming of their child with their family and friends

The words of the ceremony are used as an outline. You can personalise your ceremony by including readings and by asking other people to be involved in some way by making promises. For example, you may appoint chosen friends or family to make promises regarding the welfare of your child. You can download our example wording, suggested readings and suggested room layout via the links at the bottom of this page.

The Ceremony

• opening words
• reading
• naming of the child
• parents' promises for the raising of their child
• chosen family or friends promises
• grandparents' promises
• signing of the record of ceremony
• presentation of the certificate (this will have no legal status) and closing words

The ceremony will be conducted by registration service personnel, acting in their capacity as celebrants and not registration officers.

Certificates

A commemorative certificate will be presented as a memento of the occasion; these certificates have no legal standing.

Where can I have a ceremony?

At any Register Office across the Shropshire Council area on a weekday during their opening hours, or at any of the approved venues in the Shropshire Council area at a mutually convenient time, Saturdays and Sundays included.

How do I arrange a naming ceremony?

You should first contact the Shropshire Register Office on 0345 678 9016 or via email to discuss and arrange your ceremony requirements.

What is the charge for this ceremony?

The current charges for this ceremony are as follows:

• For a ceremony at the Shropshire Register Office, Shrewsbury or in any of the Registration Service ceremony rooms situated in Ludlow, Oswestry, Wem, Bridgnorth and Bishops Castle - £135.00 (including VAT.)
• For a ceremony at an approved venue, taking place on Monday to Friday - £160.00 (including VAT.)
• For a ceremony at an approved venue taking place on a Saturday - £185.00 (including VAT.)
• For a ceremony at an approved venue, taking place on a Sunday or Bank Holiday (excluding Christmas day and Good Friday) - £195.00 (including VAT.)

Important

• these ceremonies have no legal status
• you cannot have any religious content in your naming ceremony
• the ceremony cannot be used to change a child's name. You will be required to produce the child's birth certificate to the registration service officer at the time of booking your ceremony.
• the registration service officers will not be acting in their official capacity as registration officers

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