Information about naming ceremonies, citizenship ceremonies and the renewal of vows
As well as marriages and civil partnerships, we provide a range of other types of ceremonies.
Citizenship ceremonies, naming ceremonies and eternity ceremonies are wonderful markers of milestone events.
Naming ceremony
Sometimes called a ‘welcome ceremony’, we offer a ceremony to celebrate a child and recognise their place in their family. It’s a non-religious alternative to a christening ceremony, and a great opportunity for friends and family to come together and celebrate the new addition to a family – new babies, extended families with step-children, adopted families, fostered children. The ceremony can be tailored to your needs and can include music and readings.
The ceremony can be held at a register office, one of our approved premises, or a village hall.
Get in touch with our team to check availability and book an appointment to plan your ceremony.
Eternity ceremony
Sometimes called a renewal of vows, we offer a ceremony to reaffirm your marriage or civil partnership vows. This is a formal yet romantic opportunity to reflect on your marriage or civil partnership and look forward to the future in the presence of your family and friends.
The Eternity ceremony is available to any married or civil partnered couple who wish to renew their commitment in a joyful celebration. It has a format similar to a civil ceremony but with no legal status. It can be personalised and totally unique. Each ceremony lasts about 30 minutes, depending on your requirements
The ceremony can be held at a register office, one of our approved premises or a village hall.
For either ceremony, you must contact your local Register Office to make an appointment.
At the appointment you can check our availability, book the ceremony and run through your specific requirements.
You will need to:
At a Register Office – Monday to Friday
At a Register Office – Saturday
At approved premises or a village hall ceremonies cost
In January 2004 the Government introduced a requirement that everyone aged 18 years or over, who is accepted for naturalisation or registration as a British citizen, must take a citizenship oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony. A citizenship ceremony is a memorable and enjoyable event which celebrates the important occasion of gaining citizenship.
A citizenship ceremony involves new citizens making an oath of allegiance to the Queen and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom.
After you receive your letter of approval from the Home Office you will be sent a letter from the citizenship ceremonies administrator at Somerset Registration Service confirming the date and time of your ceremony.
You must attend a ceremony within three months of the approval being given, or you may have to make a new application.
Ceremonies are normally held every four to six weeks on a Tuesday at
Somerset Register Office The Old Municipal Buildings Corporation Street Taunton TA1 4AQ
Ceremonies take about 30 minutes, although you will be there for about an hour and a half as this includes registration before the ceremony and photo opportunities after the ceremony.
A standard group citizenship ceremony involves:
If your children have attained British citizenship with you then they are welcome to attend a ceremony although they do not have to. You can collect their certificate if they do not attend.
There is no additional fee for a standard group ceremony. Payment for the ceremony was included in the money you have already paid in your application for British citizenship. You will need to pay extra if you choose to have an individual ceremony.
You need to bring the invitation letter sent to you by the Home Office. If you do not bring your letter you may not be allowed into the ceremony.
Your friends and family are welcome to attend the ceremony with you. Unfortunately space is limited so we must restrict the numbers of guests to two per family.
If you have a large number of guests you may like to have an individual citizenship ceremony.
There is an additional charge of £120 for an individual ceremony held in the Somerset Register Office.
Individual ceremonies are subject to staff and accommodation availability, and compliance with the Home Office’s deadline for the ceremony to take place.
Once you have received your citizenship certificate you can apply for a passport.
For more information about how to apply for a passport:
Contact details and opening times of our Register Office and all our Registration Offices
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Adoption is one of the most rewarding ways of making a difference in a Child's life. If you decide to take up the challenge, we'll be there to support you every step of the way.
