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Hertfordshire County Council

Civil naming service

A naming ceremony is a non-religious alternative to a Christening and welcomes a new child into the family.

Children of any age can have a naming ceremony and any parent or guardian of the child can arrange it.

 

What a naming ceremony is

It’s an event where your child's name is confirmed and you promise them your commitment. Friends and family can take part in the ceremony and pledge to support you and your child. You could have readings and music as part of the ceremony too.

A ceremony can’t be used to change a child's name and the certificate you get at the ceremony can't be used as identification.

 

Where to have a naming ceremony

They can be held at a register office, an approved licensed venue or a village hall. An experienced celebrant from our registration service will run the ceremony.

 

How much a naming ceremony costs

Fees from 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024

Civil naming ceremonies at a Hertfordshire register office

 DayCost (net)VATTotal Cost

 Monday – Friday

£325

£65

 £390

Monday-Friday (for ceremonies at 16.30)

£507.50

£101.50

 £609

Saturday

£507.50

£101.50

 £609

Sunday and Bank Holidays

£558.33

£111.67

 £670

Civil Naming ceremonies at an approved venue

DayCost (net)VATTotal cost

 Monday – Friday

 £408.33

£81.67

 £490

 Saturday

 £590.83

£118.17

 £709

Sunday and Bank Holidays

 £640.83

£128.17

 £769

Anywhere ceremonies (at a location which is not licensed as an approved premises)

DayCost (net)VATTotal Cost

 Monday – Friday

£408.33

£81.67

 £490

 Saturday

£590.83

£118.17

 £709

Sunday and Bank Holidays

£640.83

£128.17

 £769

Anytime ceremonies (including Anywhere) - between 6pm and 9am
DayCost (net)VATTotal Cost

Monday – Saturday

 £720.83

 £144.17

 £865

Sunday and Bank Holidays

 £791.67

 £158.33

 £950

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