Citizenship ceremonies

In line with the national lockdown, wedding and civil partnership ceremonies should not take place except in exceptional circumstances, for example an urgent marriage where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover, or about to undergo life-threatening surgery. 

If you have any queries regarding weddings or civil partnerships, please contact us on 03000 266 000 or email theceremonyteam@durham.gov.uk.

All naming ceremonies and non-statutory celebrations are suspended. You can order birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates online or over the phone.

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 provides that applicants for British nationality make a citizenship oath and pledge at a ceremony which will be the final part of their naturalisation process. Attendance at a ceremony is mandatory for those 18 years and over applying for British citizenship.

Acquiring citizenship

We can offer advice about the ceremony only and not the process of acquiring citizenship, which must be made to the Home Office. More information is on the Gov.uk website. To arrange a Citizenship Ceremony you must first be in possession of a reference number allocated by the Home Office.

Group ceremonies

The ceremonies are regarded as significant occasions and are generally carried out as group ceremonies normally held at County Hall, Durham attended by either the Chairman or Vice Chairman of Durham County Council who officially welcomes the new citizens into the County.

Ceremonies end with a graduation style presentation of a Certificate of Naturalisation by the Chairman or Vice Chairman. There is also the opportunity of having your photograph taken and posted to you.

Group ceremonies are held approximately every 6 - 8 weeks.

Individual ceremonies

Individual ceremonies costing £100.00 and held at Bishop Auckland Register Office, can be arranged on request.