Mayor's Office

Ceremonial Documents Policies and Procedures

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND DATES:

  • Thursday, December 18, 2025, is the final day to submit a ceremonial document request for the remainder of the year.
  • Requests for Proclamations will be processed as promptly as possible, provided they have met all criteria, including sponsorship from a City of Houston official, are submitted with a draft text for the document, and are approved for processing.
  • Tuesday, December 23, 2025, is the final day to pick up any issued documents for the year.
  • Due to the holidays, the Mayor's Office cannot accept new requests or issue documents again until Monday, January 5, 2026.

Thank you for your interest in requesting a ceremonial document from the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Communications. Please read the information below carefully, as it outlines the requirements and process for receiving a ceremonial document from our office.

We issue the following types of documents:

  • Proclamations
  • Certificates of Recognition
  • Mayoral Letters

What Is a Proclamation?
A proclamation is a special 11” x 17” document issued by the Mayor of Houston. It is one of the city’s highest honors and is used to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the community, important events, or causes.

Proclamations can:

  • Honor individuals or groups
  • Mark historic milestones or anniversaries
  • Declare special days, weeks, or months for public awareness

Who Can Receive a Proclamation?
Because proclamations are a prestigious form of recognition, requests must meet specific criteria, which may include:

  • The person or group being honored lives in or is based in Houston
  • The event takes place within Houston city limits
  • The request is supported by the Mayor of Houston or sponsored by a City Council Member or City of Houston official

Please note: We generally do not issue annual proclamations for the same individual, group, church, or event if one has been issued within the last five years. Events or anniversaries must demonstrate meaningful impact or significance.

How to Request a Proclamation:

  1. Contact your City Council Member to ask if they are willing to sponsor your request.
  2. If they agree, their office will forward your request to the Mayor’s Office for review and processing.
  3. Prepare a 300–400-word draft of the proclamation language. This should highlight:
    • The individual or group being honored
    • Their connection to the City of Houston
    • Their contributions to the community
    • When and where the event is taking place (must be within Houston city limits)

Need help finding your Council Member?
You can look them up here: https://www.houstontx.gov/council/whoismycm.html

What Is a Certificate of Recognition?
A Certificate of Recognition is an official document from the City of Houston signed by the Mayor, to honor an individual or organization for outstanding contributions, special anniversaries, or significant events.

To request a Certificate of Recognition, please provide:

  • A brief biography or background on the person or group being honored
  • The ZIP code of the person, group, or event (must be within Houston city limits)
  • Details about the event, including the date and location

Ceremonial Documents Timeline & Presentation

  • Once we receive the request from the Council Member’s office, please allow at least two weeks for processing.
  • We do not expedite requests, except for in memoriam proclamations (for individuals who have recently passed away).
  • The Ceremonial Documents Office does not coordinate or schedule proclamation presentations by the Mayor or Council Members.

Pick-Up Instructions

  • Approved and issued ceremonial documents must be picked up from Houston City Hall in downtown Houston.
  • You will be contacted when your document is ready for pickup.
  • To save time, we suggest you do not come to City Hall unless the Ceremonial Documents Office has contacted you.

Any Other Inquiries?

  • Phone: Mayor’s Office of Communications
    Ceremonial Documents
    832-393-0802
    Hours: Monday–Friday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Email: You may also email us at CeremonialDocs@HoustonTX.Gov and include a detailed message with relevant information and context so we can best address or direct your inquiry.

Thank you for your interest in celebrating the people and events that make Houston great.

Mayor's Office Links

Contact the Mayor

City Council Chambers
City Hall
901 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002