Welcoming ceremonies
- What is a welcoming ceremony?
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Welcoming ceremonies are a great way to celebrate key life events such as the birth of a new baby, welcoming an adopted child/children or step-child into the family or formally naming an older child.
- What happens at a welcoming ceremony?
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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 children.
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 children.
- Legal status
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Welcoming ceremonies have no legal status and the certificates issued are for commemorative purposes only.
- Venues
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You can decide on the most appropriate venue for your ceremony.
This may be a register office, your home or garden, a hotel, a village hall, or another suitable non-religious setting.
- Ceremony fees
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There is a non-refundable booking fee for ceremonies in Hampshire. This reserves the date and time you have requested for your ceremony.
You are required to pay in full three calendar months prior to the ceremony.
- Book a welcoming ceremony
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To book your ceremony please complete the booking enquiry form and one of the Ceremonies Liaison Team will be in contact to talk to you through your booking.
