Baptisms, weddings and funerals and services of thanksgiving

If you live in the parish of St Martin’s, have a close pastoral connection with the church, or regularly attend services here then do please make contact with us about services of Baptism or Marriage as well as Funerals and services of Thanksgiving.

You can find out which is your local parish church at A Church Near You.

We are committed to sharing God’s abiding faithfulness, through prayer, worship, celebration and pastoral care through all of life’s journeys and relationships, including services of Thanksgiving For the Birth of A Child, Prayer and Dedication After Civil Marriage, and, where pastorally appropriate, in response to the needs of individuals within the St Martin’s community, A Service of Prayer and Dedication after a Civil Partnership or Same Sex Marriage.

Baptism

Baptism (sometimes referred to as christening) involves an ‘initiation’ and welcome into the world church, represented by a local church with which you have a relationship. If you live in the parish of St Martin-in-the-Fields the baptism can take place here. If you have a close pastoral connection with St Martin’s or regularly attend services here, but do not live in the parish, then the baptism can take place here.  If you do not live in the parish and do not have a pastoral connection you might like to make contact with your local parish church who can nurture your faith and welcome you to become part of its community.

Confirmation

Confirmation For young people and adults wishing to be baptised and confirmed there is a preparation course that runs annually. Courses take place on Sunday mornings from 12.15-1.15 (after the Parish Eucharist) and usually begin in March preparing for Confirmation by the Bishop which usually takes place in May or June. If you or your child would like to be baptised or confirmed, please let a member of the clergy team know. Registration takes place in January- February each year.

Marriage

This Church of England website Your Church Wedding has lots of helpful information about preparing for marriage

Marriages can take place at St Martin-in-the-Fields of those who fulfil one of the criteria listed below under the guidelines set out by the Church of England.  Under these guidelines a couple may be married here if either of you can show one of the seven connections with the parish.

That one of you:

  • was baptised in the parish or 
  • was prepared for confirmation in the parish or 
  • has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or 
  • has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months and is on the electoral roll* or

That one of your parents, at any time after you were born:

  • has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months or 
  • has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months and been on the electoral roll* or

That one of your parents or grandparents: 

  • was married in the parish

* The electoral roll is our membership list, made up of those who worship here regularly. People can join the electoral roll once they have attended St Martin’s regularly for six months, and if they intend to continue doing so.

In all cases involving church services – i.e. going to normal church services, baptism, confirmation or marriage – this applies only to Church of England services.

If you still not sure whether you are eligible to be married at St Martin’s, or whether you live in the parish, please contact the Parish Office, e-mail: church.admin@smitf.org

You can find out which is your local parish church at A Church Near You.