Christening at St Paul’s Cathedral, London: A Realistic Guide to Booking & Beautiful Photography

10 Jan

If you’re considering a Christening at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, you’re not alone. This world-famous landmark is one of the most iconic places of worship in the UK, and for many families it holds deep spiritual, historical, and personal meaning. From its breathtaking architecture to its central London location, it’s easy to see why parents are drawn to the idea of baptising their child here.

That said, Christenings at St Paul’s Cathedral are rare and carefully regulated, so it’s important to understand how the process works, what’s possible, and what alternatives may suit your family if St Paul’s itself isn’t available.

Can You Book a Christening at St Paul’s Cathedral?

Yes - but only in very specific circumstances.

St Paul’s Cathedral is an active Anglican cathedral with an international ministry, meaning baptisms are not generally open to the public in the same way as a local parish church. Christenings are typically considered only where there is a strong, demonstrable connection to the cathedral, such as:

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, and those who hold the British Empire Medal and their children or grandchildren.

Because of this, availability is extremely limited and waiting lists are long. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the cathedral clergy.

What Is a Christening Like at St Paul’s Cathedral?

When Christenings do take place at St Paul’s Cathedral, they are usually held as part of a private or semi-private service, rather than during public worship. The experience is deeply traditional, formal, and rooted in Anglican ceremony.

Expect:

A reverent, quiet atmosphere
Historic surroundings under Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic dome
A focus on faith rather than celebration or photography

Because St Paul’s is a working cathedral and major tourist destination, photography is often restricted and carefully managed.

Photography Rules for Christenings at St Paul’s Cathedral

This is a big one for families.

St Paul’s Cathedral has strict rules around photography, especially during services. In most cases:

Professional photography may be limited or not permitted
Flash photography is not allowed
Any photography must be discreet and approved in advance

If capturing relaxed, candid family moments is important to you, this is something to seriously consider when applying. When I shot this Christening I was not permitted to shoot during the service, however I was allowed to take some after the Christening was over. I was not allowed to use flash but was still able to capture these lovely images using a mixture of ambient light from candles and the natural light coming in from the windows.

Parents and baby holding a christening candle inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral, photographed using available light

Candid moment of a baby reaching towards memorial plaques inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George, St Paul’s Cathedral

Christening service booklet reading “Holy Baptism” in the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George inside St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Parents holding their baby with a lit christening candle inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George, St Paul’s Cathedral

Wide view of a christening ceremony taking place inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral, showing guests and clergy

Guests smiling together inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral during a christening service

Wide view of the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George inside St Paul’s Cathedral, showing the altar and seating during a christening

Mother holding a christening candle inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George, St Paul’s Cathedral, captured in low ambient light

Group of male guests photographed together inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral after a christening

Candid moment between family members inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George during a St Paul’s Cathedral christening

Rows of lit votive candles inside St Paul’s Cathedral, creating an atmospheric, candlelit interior scene

Mother holding her baby during a christening in the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George inside St Paul’s Cathedral, photographed in low natural light without flash

Parents and baby holding a christening candle inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Baby seated with mother inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George, St Paul’s Cathedral, captured using available ambient light

Family portrait during a christening ceremony in the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George inside St Paul’s Cathedral

Close-up family christening photo inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George at St Paul’s Cathedral, candlelit and atmospheric

Priest and mother with baby during a christening inside the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George, St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Making the Most of Family Photos Outside the Cathedral

While photography inside St Paul’s Cathedral is limited, the exterior offers a wonderful opportunity for relaxed, beautiful family photographs before or after the ceremony. The grand west front, iconic wooden doors and wide stone steps provide a stunning backdrop, and because these areas are outdoors, there are no restrictions on flash or movement. With plenty of natural light and space for guests to gather, this is where we can capture those joyful, celebratory moments - family group photos, Godparents together, siblings exploring, and parents finally taking a breath. These images often become the most treasured from the day, combining the scale of the cathedral with genuine, happy interactions.

Family portrait outside St Paul’s Cathedral after a christening, parents holding their baby in front of the grand stone columns

Extended family group photo on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral following a London christening, natural light and iconic architecture

Relaxed family christening photo outside St Paul’s Cathedral, baby held between family members with classical columns behind

Candid moment of godparents interacting with a baby outside St Paul’s Cathedral during a christening photoshoot

Parents and baby photographed in front of the large wooden doors at St Paul’s Cathedral after a christening ceremony

Multi-generation family group photo outside St Paul’s Cathedral following a christening, captured in natural daylight

Mother holding her baby on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral after a christening in London

Close-up portrait of mother and baby outside St Paul’s Cathedral following a christening ceremony

Parents holding their baby on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral after a London christening

Family moment outside St Paul’s Cathedral with baby and godparents on the cathedral steps

Godmother holding a baby outside St Paul’s Cathedral with stone columns in the background

Smiling godmother holding a baby outside St Paul’s Cathedral after the christening

Parents and baby standing in front of the wooden doors at St Paul’s Cathedral after a christening

Candid family moment outside St Paul’s Cathedral with parents kissing their baby

Alternatives to St Paul’s Cathedral for a London Christening

If you love the idea of St Paul’s but find it isn’t possible for your family, there are many beautiful London churches that offer:

Easier booking processes
More flexibility for guests
Greater freedom for photography

Historic City of London churches, Westminster parish churches, and local family churches often provide a similar sense of tradition without the restrictions that come with a major cathedral.

Final Thoughts: Is a Christening at St Paul’s Cathedral Right for You?

A Christening at St Paul’s Cathedral is extraordinary, but it isn’t the right fit for everyone. Its exclusivity, formality, and restrictions make it best suited to families with a clear connection and a love of tradition over flexibility.

If your priority is intimacy, relaxed family moments, and beautiful storytelling photography, exploring London’s parish churches may give you the experience you’re truly hoping for. Either way, if you’re looking for a discreet and respectful Christening photographer to capture your baby’s special day do get in touch.

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