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Update for Marriage & Civil Partnership Ceremonies

Update for Period of National Restrictions

In order to support the UK Government’s Stay at Home message – only essential appointments will be undertaken

Marriage & Civil Partnership Ceremonies

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister, from 5th January 2021 marriage and civil partnership ceremonies should only take place in exceptional circumstances (for example, urgent marriages where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover, or due to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery).  In such circumstances, ceremonies must only take place with up to 6 people, dependent on Covid-safe room capacity.  

NO receptions are allowed.

We are contacting couples with ceremonies booked during these restrictions to assist them in postponing, amending or cancelling their ceremony. 

 

Notice of Marriage / Civil Partnership

During the period of the National Lockdown we will only be taking essential Notice of Marriage / Civil Partnership appointments.

Those couples who live outside of Gloucestershire should contact their local Register Office to find out what arrangements they have put in place for notices which need to be given.

 

High Volume of Calls

On Mondays and at certain times of the day (particularly 12-2.30pm) we may experience a higher volume of calls to book birth and death appointments and ceremonies. Please bear with us and we will do our best to answer your call as soon as possible. Alternatively you can book online for birth or death appointments. 

 

UPDATE REGARDING CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES

Our next set of ceremony dates in Gloucestershire will be from January 2021 onwards.

For information - To be able to book and attend a Citizenship ceremony you will need to have been issued with an Invitation letter from the Home Office. When they issue your Invitation letter they will also dispatch your Citizenship certificate to the local authority where you plan to attend your ceremony.

Once you have received your Invitation letter, which will include your Home Office reference number, you will then be able to make arrangements to book your ceremony with your local authority.

Please do not contact us to arrange your ceremony until you have received your Invitation letter – thank you.

For any further help and guidance please email GRSCitizenship@gloucestershire.gov.uk

 

  1. Celebrate with us
  2. Citizenship ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies give added significance to attaining citizenship and provide an occasion at which you, your family and close friends can celebrate a life defining moment.

In Gloucestershire we understand becoming a British citizen is a significant event in your life. As a British citizen, you are joining a community made up of many different backgrounds, cultures and faiths.

Who attends a ceremony?

It is mandatory for all new British Citizens over 18 years old to attend a citizenship ceremony.

When your application for British Citizenship is successful the Home Office will send you a letter to confirm this and invite you to attend a ceremony. This letter will tell you how to contact us about attending a ceremony.

You must bring your Home Office letter, along with the confirmation of your ceremony booking, with you to the ceremony. Please also bring a form of photographic identification (passport, travel document, or photo card driving licence).

Group Ceremonies

   

Currently you will attend a group ceremony with other new British Citizens. Group ceremonies are held at Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester. A registration officer will conduct the ceremony. A local dignitary and either the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the County Council will also be present to welcome you to Gloucestershire, and remind you of the rights and responsibilities associated with being an active member of your local community.

At the end of the ceremony you will be presented with your certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack.

There is no charge for this ceremony as it is included in the fee that you paid when making your application for British Citizenship.

Due to the current Covid restrictions and social distancing guidelines we are unable to accommodate any guests

 

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