Can i choose different venue for citizenship ceremony?

[SNG]

Hi,
I have applied for naturalisation, i Have n't mentioned any Local authority for ceremony in application (Form AN- Sec:1.21). I think if we leave 1.21 blank, they will provide the nearest council for ceremony. as per my enquiry with the council, they are fully booked untill end of June even private ceremonies.
If i want to choose another council, how can i do that can any one suggest please..
Thanks.

[geriatrix]

After you receive the letter from your council inviting you to book an appointment for a ceremony, you'll need to check with them if they are willing to transfer it to another council. Or perhaps, you can check with them now if they will be willing to transfer.

You will not be able to book a ceremony (at any council) until your application is approved and the local council has received your certificate. But, in the meantime, you can shop around and find a council that suits your requirements.

[Jambo]

If you wish to change a council for the ceremony, then this needs to be done by having the council send the certificate back to the HO and have it forwarded to the new council. In general, the HO are not keen in doing so although if you have a legitimate reason for that (house move or that you can't get a date within the 90 days), they will do that.

[SNG]

Thanks sushdmehta and jumbo,

I have contacted the council, they suggested me to call HO,as they have no information regarding this. I have also looked at some councils which i might get early dates and/or less private ceremony fees.
I'll ring the HO and find out.

I have another query - can my wife(got Indefinite stay,who applied for naturalisation along with me) apply British passport from India after oath ceremony here? she might travel to india on Indian passport, could get fined, but she has to travel to india in 8 weeks.(if we get approval and a private ceremonywith in that time).
Thank you

[Jambo]

No problem applying for a first passport from India. It might take longer than the UK to get it. Also I'm not sure you can surrender an Indian passport from India.