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 from us, with you to the ceremony. Please also bring a form of photographic identification (passport, travel document, or photo card driving licence).
Arranging your Citizenship Ceremony
We offer small group citizenship ceremonies at Shire Hall in Gloucester.
We are also able to offer private ceremonies at The Register Office, Cheltenham for which there is an additional fee.
Please read the following before you contact us to make a booking:
- You will need to have received an invitation letter, either through the post or by email, from the Home Office to be able to book a ceremony with your local authority. This letter includes your Home Office reference number and is issued to you at a similar time to your Certificate being dispatched to us.
- We can only book your ceremony if we have received your certificate of naturalisation from the Home Office.
- You are able to bring along 2 guests to a Group ceremony. Depending on the Private ceremony option you book you are able to bring along a number of guests. If you bring any additional guests they will be asked to wait outside.
- Please note that Children under the age of 18 who have been granted citizenship do not need to attend the ceremony. Their certificate can be presented to their parent(s).
In order to discuss booking a ceremony please contact us on 01452 425060, selecting option 3 – you will be asked to provide your full name, Home Office reference number and an email address and contact telephone number.
Alternatively please email GRSCitizenship@gloucestershire.gov.uk supplying these details.
We will be able to respond to your enquiry and give you further information and then arrange a ceremony date for you - thank you.
Group Ceremonies
Currently you will attend a group ceremony with other new British Citizens. Group ceremonies are held at the Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2TG
We are able to accommodate up to two guests for each citizen at a Group ceremony.
Please see the following link for parking Shire Hall Parking
Please allow plenty of time to park for your ceremony.
A Deputy Superintendent Registrar will conduct the ceremony. If available, a local dignitary and either the Chair or Vice Chair of the County Council will also be present to welcome you to the county of 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.
Private Ceremonies
You can choose to book a private ceremony and there are two options available. Private ceremonies are held during the morning on a Monday or Tuesday at The Register Office, St. Georges Road, Cheltenham GL50 3EW.
Option 1 - The total number in your party must not exceed 6 persons.
Option 2 - For larger Private ceremonies the total number in your party must not exceed 22 persons.
There is an additional fee for a private Citizenship ceremony, please see the below table.
Fees & Charges
Private Citizenship Ceremonies
| Service |
When Offered |
Description | Fees 2025/2026 | Fees 2026/2027 | Fees 2027/2028 |
| Option 1 – Private Citizenship Ceremony | Monday and Tuesday mornings in The Register Office, Cheltenham | The total number in your party must not exceed 6 persons | £185.00 | £200.00 | £216.00 |
| Option 2 – Private Citizenship Ceremony | Monday and Tuesday mornings in The Register Office, Cheltenham | The total number in your party must not exceed 22 persons | £250.00 | £270.00 | £292.00 |
| Amendment Fee | According to availability | Any change to date/time of ceremony | £55.00 | £55.00 | £55.00 |
| Amendment Fee | According to availability | Any change to date/time of ceremony made within 2 weeks or less of the ceremony date | £75.00 | £75.00 | £75.00 |
Please follow this link to view our terms and conditions regarding our cancellation and amendment policy.
Please note that you must book your ceremony before making a payment.
To pay for your private 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, at GRSCitizenship@gloucestershire.gov.uk using your home office number as the reference. We can then assist to resolve issues and avoid cancellation. Please note that any issues raised will be dealt with on the next working day.
Once the fee has been received, we will issue your Invitation letter.
A Deputy Superintendent Registrar will conduct the ceremony and welcome you to the county of 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.
On the day of your ceremony
- If you feel at all unwell please do not attend your ceremony and call us on 01452 425060 to rearrange. We will then discuss the available options with you.