Useful Information

Baptisms & Marriages

If you wish to be baptised, to have your child baptised, or to be married at St Martin's, the general guidelines regarding eligibility are as follows.

The Church of England operates on a geographical basis. Your local parish church has a responsibility for your pastoral care and as part of this offers the services of Baptism and Marriage.

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 do not live in the parish but have a close pastoral connection with St Martin's or regularly attend services here then the baptism can take place here. However, if you do not live in the parish and have no such connection you will need to see your local parish priest about baptism, as it is important that the baptism takes place in a church community with which you will have the opportunity for an ongoing connection.

Marriages can take place at St Martin-in-the-Fields of those who fulfill one of the criteria listed below under the new 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 ring the Parish Office on 0207 766 1100.

Memorials and Special Services

We are glad to receive enquiries from organisations and individuals who wish to mark a special occasion or commemoration with a service in church.

Our clergy, musicians and administrative team will work with you as your particular service is put togther. We will strive to ensure that the service reflects the nature of the occasion, your individual needs and desires and the Christian context in which the service takes place.

We try to be flexible in our response, for example, to requests for the use of audio-visuals , more unusual music and secular as well as biblical readings. We are open to the possibility of people of other faiths contributing to the service.

The initial contact for enquiries is our Parish Administrator, Elinor Newman. Tel: 020 7766 1100 or e-mail: elinor.newman@smitf.org