feature: Making it special
4 January 2008
If you want to renew your marriage vows or the naming of a new child, then two new ceremonies offered by Haringey registrars are for you.
Traditionally the register office has dealt with births, marriages and deaths, but the team now also presides over civil partnerships and the popular citizenship ceremonies where people becoming British citizens are welcomed into the community.
And now it is helping mark other special occasions with new ceremonies. “These are great ways for couples to renew their vows, or mark the arrival of a new member of the family,” says superintendent registrar Paula Hall.
“We work closely with the couple so that they get exactly what they want, and presiding over these ceremonies can be very moving.”
Renewal of vows is for any married couple who wish to celebrate renewing their marriage promises in a unique and personal way.
It might be at the time of a special wedding anniversary, but it’s also popular when couples have married overseas, and now want to celebrate with family and friends here, says Paula.
The ceremony can be as individual as you want, with readings, exchange of rings, and the all-important renewal of vows, plus signing a souvenir certificate which is witnessed by two other people.
The naming ceremony is an opportunity to welcome a child into a family, and for adults involved to acknowledge their responsibilities to the child.
The ceremony includes readings, the naming of the child, and promises by parents and other supporting adults, plus extra elements of your choice. A souvenir record of the ceremony is signed by parents, supporting adults and the registrar.
Parents do not have to be married, and children of any age can have a ceremony. Often parents include their older children in the ceremony as well as a new arrival.
The ceremonies can be held either at the Haringey Register Office, at the civic centre in Wood Green, or at any of the council’s licensed venues for civil ceremonies, which include Alexandra Palace, Bruce Castle museum, Highgate school and Spurs’ White Hart Lane stadium.
Further information
To find out more about renewing your marriage vows or naming ceremonies, including the fees payable, contact Haringey Register Office on 020 8489 2605, or visit www.haringey.gov.uk/bdm
Remember that these ceremonies have no legal status. Couples renewing their marriage vows will need to produce a valid marriage certificate, and a birth certificate must be provided for children taking part in naming ceremonies.
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