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
Usually you will attend a group ceremony with other new British Citizens. Group ceremonies are held twice a month at the Corinium Suite, Gloucester Coroners Court, Corinium Avenue, 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.
For a group ceremony Citizens may invite up to two guests
Individual Ceremonies
You can choose to have your own individual ceremony, where you can invite two guests or more. Individual ceremonies are held every Wednesday morning at Cheltenham Register Office, St. Georges Road, Cheltenham at a fee of £140. For more information please contact our team at the Cheltenham Register Office cheltro@gloucestershire.gov.uk or on 01242 532465.
Please note that you must arrange your ceremony before making a payment
To pay for your individual ceremony click here.
Please follow the instructions to make your payment. You will receive an automatic receipt once payment is made. Please be advised that your ceremony will be cancelled if payment is not received.
If you have any problems with the online payment system, please email us immediately, using your home office number as reference at cheltro@gloucestershire.gov.uk so that we can resolve issues and avoid cancellation. Please note that any issues raised will be dealt with on the next working day.