Naming ceremony
A naming ceremony is a special way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming their arrival with friends and family. They can also be used as a celebration of adoption or to welcome step-children into the family.
What does the ceremony include?
It provides the opportunity for parents to announce the names that have been chosen and to make promises of commitment to nurture and support the child into adulthood. Each ceremony is personalised according to the family’s requirements, if could include music, the presentation of gifts and the involvement of other family and friends.
The requirements of your ceremony will be discussed with the registrar prior to the ceremony date. A souvenir certificate is presented at the end of the ceremony.
The ceremony has no legal standing and is non-religious.
Hartlepool venues
It may be possible to have your ceremony in another venue; this is subject to an inspection by Hartlepool Borough Council and at the discretion of the Senior Registrar. Inspections are subject to an inspection fee of £50.
Fees
Fees are subject to annual review; the below charges are applicable from 1 April 2023 - 31 March 2024
| Monday - Thursday (office hours) |
Friday (office hours) |
Saturday | Sunday | Bank Holidays* | |
| Middlegate Room, Borough Hall | £200 | £250 | £300 | N/A | N/A |
| Other venue | £320 | £370 | £430 | £430 | £545 |
*Bank holiday fee is applicable for Easter Sunday, also applies to Christmas Day and Boxing Day if they fall on a weekend
Room hire for the ceremony is included in the Middlegate Room fee. It is not included for other venues, please contact the venue directly for information on their hire charges
When do I pay for my ceremony?
A £50 non refundable deposit is required at the time of booking; this charge is then deducted from the cost of your ceremony. The outstanding balance is required two months before the ceremony.
How far in advance can I book the registrar?
The Middlegate Room can be booked up to 1 year in advance, all other venues can be booked up to two years in advance.
Should I book the venue or the registrar first?
You should check venue availability first but not make any confirmed bookings until you have checked if a registrar is available.
Who can arrange a naming ceremony?
Ceremonies can be arranged by anyone who has parental responsibility or legal guardianship for the child.
Can I use a naming ceremony to change my child's name?
As naming ceremonies have no legal status, they cannot be used to legally change a child's name. Please contact us before attempting to make changes to your child's registered name.
