British Citizenship Ceremonies

We help prospective citizens with their applications (Nationality Checking Service) and also provide Citizenship Ceremonies.

The final stage in becoming a British Citizen is to attend a citizenship ceremony to be welcomed into the community.  Dignitaries, such as the Mayor of the Borough, the Lord Lieutenant of the County etc attend the ceremony and you are able to bring members of your family or friends along.
We organise ceremonies for successful applicants for British Nationality. Simply request 'Cheshire East’ as the place you would like to attend a ceremony on your Home Office application form.

We recognise that becoming a British Citizen is an important lifetime event. For this reason our ceremony venues are chosen for their historical or architectural interest. We will ensure that your ceremony is a meaningful and reflects the significance of the occasion.

What happens at a ceremony?

Applicants are invited to join the dignitaries for refreshments before the ceremony. The ceremony includes a welcoming speech and the applicants then swear or affirm an oath of  allegiance to the Queen. The applicants also make a pledge to be a loyal subject to the United Kingdom. The new British Citizens are presented with their certificate of citizenship, a small token of welcome from Cheshire East Borough Council and have the opportunity to be photographed with the dignitaries.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring your:

• Home Office Invitation letter
• A form of photo identification (driving licence or passport)

How long does a ceremony take?

The ceremony usually lasts around 45 minutes. However, we ask that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony is due to begin so that you can complete the registration formalities and enjoy the refreshments. 

Is there a dress code?

We do not specify a dress code. The ceremony is formal and most citizens choose to wear smart casual dress.

Can any applicant attend a ceremony in Cheshire East?

Any person residing in the UK can choose to have their ceremony with us. To do this, simply indicate ‘Cheshire East’ as your preferred ceremony location on your Home Office application form.

What if I’m not able to attend the allocated ceremony?

Under certain circumstances, it is possible to arrange a private citizenship ceremony in the Register Office. There is an additional fee of £50.00 per applicant for this service.  For further details, contact the Register Office.

How do I apply for citizenship?

If you are interested in becoming a British Citizen, please contact the Home Office UK Border Agency on 0845 010 5200 between 9.00am and 9.00pm, Monday to Friday or visit the Home Office website. Additional inforamtion is available at Directgov and Life in the UK.