How to Book Your British Citizenship Ceremony
After your citizenship application is approved, the final step is attending a ceremony. This guide explains how to book, what options you have, and what to expect on the day.
- Section
- British Citizenship
- Reading time
- 7 min
- Last checked
- 5 February 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- Book through your local council's registration service after receiving your invitation.
- Attend within 3 months of the invitation date.
- Choose between a free group ceremony or a private ceremony (extra fee may apply).
- You receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony.
The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming British. You must attend within 3 months of receiving your invitation letter. Book through your local council, choose between a group or private ceremony, and prepare for the oath or affirmation.
After Approval
When your naturalisation application is approved, the Home Office sends you a letter inviting you to attend a citizenship ceremony. This letter includes:
- Confirmation that your application has been approved
- Instructions on how to book a ceremony
- The deadline by which you must attend (within 3 months)
- Your local council's contact details for booking
You are not a British citizen until you attend the ceremony and receive your certificate. The approval letter alone is not proof of citizenship.
How to Book
Contact your local council's registration service (also called the Register Office or Citizenship Ceremony team). Most councils offer:
- Online booking: Check your council's website for ceremony dates and booking forms
- Phone booking: Call the registration service directly
- Email: Some councils accept booking requests by email
Ceremonies fill up, especially in large cities, particularly in London. Book as soon as you receive your invitation letter to get a convenient date. You can find your local council's ceremony booking page through the GOV.UK ceremony information page.
Group vs Private Ceremonies
Group Ceremony
Group ceremonies are held regularly (often monthly) at your local council. You attend with other new citizens (typically 10-30 people). Family and friends are usually welcome as guests. Group ceremonies are covered by the £130 ceremony fee you paid with your application — no extra cost.
Private Ceremony
A private ceremony is just for you (and your guests). Some councils charge an additional fee of £100-£200 for this option. Private ceremonies can sometimes be arranged at special venues or on specific dates that suit you.
What Happens at the Ceremony
For full details of what to expect, see our citizenship ceremony guide. In brief:
- You take an oath of allegiance (or affirmation) to the Crown
- You make a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom
- You receive your certificate of British citizenship
- The ceremony is conducted by a registrar and may include a dignitary
- The whole ceremony usually lasts 30-45 minutes
You can choose between an oath (which includes a reference to God) and an affirmation (which is secular). Both have exactly the same legal effect.
What to Bring
- Your ceremony invitation letter
- A form of photo identification (passport or driving licence)
- Any documentation the council has requested
Leave plenty of time to arrive. Being late could mean missing your slot and having to rebook. If you need to choose between an oath and affirmation, see the oath vs affirmation guide.
After the Ceremony
Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you are officially British. Your next steps:
- Apply for a British passport through HM Passport Office
- Register to vote and exercise your voting rights
- Update your records with your bank, employer, HMRC, and other organisations
- Explore your full citizenship benefits
Related guides:
Questions and answers
How do I book my citizenship ceremony?
After your citizenship application is approved, you receive a letter with instructions. Contact your local council's registration service to book a ceremony. Most councils offer online booking. You must attend a ceremony within 3 months of the invitation date.
How much does a citizenship ceremony cost?
The ceremony fee is £130. You pay it with your citizenship application, so the £1,839 total (£1,709 to apply plus the £130 ceremony fee) already covers a group ceremony. Some councils charge extra for a private ceremony, typically £100-£200.
Can I choose between a group and a private ceremony?
Yes. Group ceremonies are held regularly by your local council with other new citizens. Private ceremonies can be arranged for you individually, often for an additional fee. Some councils also offer ceremonies at special venues.
What happens if I cannot attend within 3 months?
If you cannot attend within 3 months, contact your local council and the Home Office to explain. The deadline can sometimes be extended in exceptional circumstances, but failure to attend can delay or jeopardise your citizenship.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.