In addition to its legal duties of registering births, deaths and marriages, Bedfordshire Registration Service now offers, in partnership with Civil Ceremonies Limited| (new window), a number of celebratory services such as:

These ceremonies have no basis in law and officers who conduct them do so not as Registration Officers, but as Bedfordshire County Council Celebrants.

Ceremonies may be held at the Bedfordshire Register Office or at any of the approved venues around the County. Civil Funerals can be held almost anywhere with the exception of religious buildings and churches.

 

The Civil naming ceremony provides parents, family and friends with an opportunity to welcome a child into the world, to make commitments of love and support, recognise responsibilities and share hopes and dreams for the future. As it carries no legal status, each naming ceremony may be highly personalised and tailored to individual circumstances. Readings or poetry may be included along with music and perhaps gifts for the child.

 

A renewal of vows ceremony provides couples with a unique opportunity to recognise and celebrate their relationship. Any married couple, regardless of how long they have been married, may choose to renew their vows. Couples will have their own reasons for choosing this ceremony perhaps because they have reached a significant anniversary or were married abroad or have come through a difficult period in their relationship and wish to celebrate their renewed commitment to one another in front of friends and family.

Typically a renewal of vows ceremony will include the marriage vows and re-dedication or giving of new rings. As the ceremony has no legal status it can be highly personalised ensuring that it is unique and meaningful for each couple.

 

For those wishing to enter into a civil partnership a ceremony is available for those who wish to enhance the basic registration. The ceremony allows couples to celebrate their commitment to each other. Each ceremony can include music, readings, poems and can be tailored to individual requirements.

 

A Commitment ceremony is intended for those not wishing to undertake a civil partnership registration. It is a meaningful and dignified ceremony for adult couples. The ceremony allows the couple to make a public declaration of life-long commitment, love and dedication between two people in front of family and friends. Each ceremony is unique and can include music, readings, poems etc that have special meaning for the couple.

 

This ceremony provides for a range of choices about the content and style of the funeral creating a personal tribute and a celebration of life. The Ceremony is appropriate for either a cremation or burial at any non-religious burial ground. The person conducting the Ceremony is a trained professional Civil Funeral |Celebrant who will offer help and advice on all the options available ensuring the ceremony reflects the wishes of the deceased and their family.

For further information in relation to any of the above services contact the Superintendent Registrar on (01234) 290450 or e-mail: lifeevents@bedscc.gov.uk|