Naming Ceremony

When families are celebrating the birth of a new baby they often wish to mark the occasion with a special ceremony. For some a religious ceremony may not be appropriate. A Naming Ceremony is a special non-religious celebration to welcome the new arrival into your family circle. The ceremony provides opportunities to express your love and commitment to your child in front of family and friends and to appoint 'supporting adults' who will have a special relationship with your child as they grow up.

Naming Ceremonies are not only for new babies; children of any age may have a naming ceremony. You may wish to include older children as well as your new child in the same ceremony. Ceremonies may also be held to welcome stepchildren or adopted children into the family.

In Southampton ceremonies can be held in The Golden Jubilee Room, 6a Bugle Street or in any of the Approved Premises that are licensed for Civil Marriages. You will need to contact the Superintendent Registrar to make arrangements. If the ceremony is to be at one of the Approved Premises you will also need to contact the venue. It may also be possible to hold a ceremony in another venue, including a private residence or garden. This would be subject to an inspection of the premises for health and safety purposes (please speak to the Superintendent Registrar for advice).

Please note: a Naming Ceremony has no legal status, it is purely ceremonial.

Contact Details:
Email: registrars@southampton.go.uk
Fax: 023 8063 3431

Register office - opening hours

Our opening hours are:

Marriages, Notices of Marriage & Civil Parnerships are by appointment only at all times

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9.00am - 4.30pm,
Tuesday: 10.00am - 4.30pm,
Friday: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Saturday: all services by appointment only
Closed Bank Holidays

Register office contact details and directions

Where is Southampton register office?