Citizenship ceremonies

Who can have a citizenship ceremony

If the Home Office grants you British citizenship and you’re aged 18 years or over, you must attend a ceremony to finally become British. At this ceremony, you’ll receive your naturalisation certificate. 

If you’re under 18 years old and a new British citizen, you don’t need to attend a ceremony. However, you can if you would like to. If not, a family member can collect your certificate on your behalf. 

How long you have to book your citizenship ceremony

The Home Office allows a limited time period between approving your British citizenship and when you must attend a ceremony. 

You have three months to attend a ceremony. 

We recommend you book your citizenship ceremony with us as soon as the Home Office invites you to do so. 

How to book your citizenship ceremony

When the Home Office approves your citizenship, they will: 

  • Send your certificate to us as your local Registration Service
  • Invite you to contact us to book a place at a citizenship ceremony

There are two options for citizenship ceremonies – group or private. 

Group citizenship ceremonies

We hold group citizenship ceremonies at Peterborough Town Hall. They take place every three to four weeks on a Tuesday afternoon. We will let you know the available dates when you contact us. 

The Mayor or Deputy Mayor attends the ceremony and there’s a reception afterwards with tea and cake. 

There is no fee for this ceremony. 

When you come to the ceremony, please bring a form of photo identification with you, such as passport, driving licence or other ID card.

Private citizenship ceremonies

We usually hold private citizenship ceremonies at Peterborough Register Office by arrangement. We will discuss available dates when you contact us. 

Dignitaries do not attend private ceremonies. There is no reception afterwards. However, we still hope to make it a memorable occasion. 

We currently offer private citizenship ceremonies on weekdays only. The fee is £220 until 31 March 2024.

A single fee covers multiple members of the same immediate family.

We will update our fees for 1 April 2024 onwards nearer the time. 

Call us to book your ceremony

To book either a group or private ceremony, please call us on 01733 864646. 

Please also get in touch if you have any questions about the ceremony.