BCP Ceremonies Guide

Photography by Emma Rolfe

Celebration ceremonies

Naming/welcoming Ceremonies A baby naming/welcoming ceremony is a non-religious alternative for you to welcome children into your family, whether a new baby, an older child, a step-child or an adoptive child. Each ceremony is designed to meet the individual needs of the family and includes words of welcome to the child and promises of commitment by the parent(s), mentors or guiding parents or grandparent(s). You may choose to personalise it further by including a reading or a suitable piece of prose and presenting the child with a gift. Your own choice of content will ensure that it is a truly unique celebration that you and your family will remember as your child grows older. Each child will receive a Commemorative Certificate on the day to cherish forever. Renewal of vows Couples often choose to renew their vows and their commitment to each other, usually to celebrate a special anniversary or they may have had their ceremony abroad and wish to have another celebration to include family and friends who could not attend the original ceremony. To create a ceremony unique to you that reflects the love you share and is symbolic of your journey together we will work with you to personalise your ceremony through promises, readings and musical arrangements that have a special meaning to you, You will receive a Commemorative Certificate on the day for you both to cherish… For a naming ceremony or a renewal of vows You can book a ceremony room at BCP Civic Centre or Poole Guildhall, one of our licenced venues, or, as there is no legal element to the ceremony and providing you have permission, a location of your choice*, i.e. a village hall, or a garden.

Combination Ceremonies Thinking of using a celebrant for your special day? Our combination ceremonies could be the answer. You can be confident that you will be in the safe hands of our experienced celebrants and that all your legal requirements are seamlessly taken care of. Our combination ceremonies enable couples to have a small legal ceremony in one of the ceremony rooms in either the BCP Civic Centre or Poole Guildhall followed by a bespoke ceremony created for you in your dream location. Whether it’s a big or a smaller ceremony, aboard a boat in Poole Harbour, a marquee in your garden, or a location that is special and unique to you*, you can discuss your thoughts and ideas with our experienced coordinator, to create a truly unique ceremony. Your ceremony may be traditional, modern or have quirky elements, whatever you choose, BCP celebrants are professional, considerate, cheerful and fun, we can adapt to most requirements. *Of course, you would first have to gain permission from the owner of the location to enable your ceremony to go ahead, and assess health and safety requirements.

Contact us with your requirements and your coordinator will be in touch:

Bournemouth or Christchurch: b-c.ceremonies@bcpcouncil.gov.uk Poole: poole.ceremonies@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

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