Ceremonies and venues

You need to attend a citizenship ceremony if you're 18 years-old or over and have successfully applied to become a British citizen.

You should begin your application at GOV.UK: become a British citizen. The Home Office informs successful applicants by post or email.

Once you have received confirmation from the Home Office of your successful application, you can contact us to book your ceremony. You can choose either to be part of a group citizenship ceremony or to have a private citizenship ceremony.

You must attend a citizenship ceremony within 3 months of receiving your confirmation from the Home Office.

At the citizenship ceremony, new citizens make an oath or affirmation to His Majesty The King and a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom. After this the citizen receives a certificate.

Group citizenship ceremony

Citizens are invited to attend a local citizenship ceremony as part of a group.

You don't have to pay a fee if you're part of a group citizenship ceremony as the cost is included in the Home Office application fee.

Private citizenship ceremony

If you prefer, you can pay for a private citizenship ceremony as an individual.

From 1 April 2024 you must pay a non-refundable fee of £234 when booking a private citizenship ceremony at Thurrock Register Office or any approved premises.

You should give at least 24 hours' written notice if you need to cancel or change your appointment. A £47 admin fee is payable if the date of your appointment is changed.

We will charge the full fee for:

• failure to attend
• cancelling or changing your appointment date with less than 24 hours' notice

Private citizenship ceremonies at the register office may be held in our Council Chamber, below.

Contact us for more information or to ask about arranging a ceremony.