Baptisms
Find out whether you can have your child baptised at the Cathedral and how to apply for a baptism.
Around ninety children are baptised at St Paul’s each year, with services taking place on Saturdays in January and February, and from April to October.
Baptism, often called Christening, is the rite of Christian initiation, where someone is incorporated into the life and worship of the Church. It is, therefore, not a private or personal event, but one where they become part of the universal community of faith.
Baptisms take place according to the rites of the Church of England – usually in our Chapel of the Order of the British Empire, which is located in the Crypt.
Who can get baptised at the Cathedral?
As St Paul’s is not a parish church, there are some conditions on who can be baptised here. We are able to baptise members of:
- the Order of the British Empire, and their children or grandchildren
- the Order of St Michael and St George, and their children or grandchildren
- the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor, and their children or grandchildren
- the Cathedral Community (staff and volunteers, including Cathedral School, subject to length of service) and their children or grandchildren.
We can also baptise those who hold the British Empire Medal and their children or grandchildren.
How long is the waiting list?
Following an initial enquiry, it can take around two years for the baptism to take place. Normally, dates for baptisms are booked during Summer and Autumn of the preceding year.
Dates are offered on a first-come-first-served basis and there is no precedence favouring any particular order or award.
How can I enquire about baptisms?
Please complete our online application form. We aim to respond to applications within two weeks – but this may be longer during busy periods.
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