Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals


Whether you are looking to celebrate the birth of a child, mark the loss of a loved one, or begin a new life together in marriage, we are here to support you through all these important life moments. 

Do contact any of the clergy team (see Who's Who) or the church office for more information.

Baptisms

Baptism of Children

It's easy to think of Baptism as simply a naming ceremony, but in fact is a lot more. Baptism is, in fact, the mark of starting a new life in Christ, being washed clean from all our wrong and is the formal mark of joining the Christian church - obviously babies cannot make a decision like that! That's why when babies are baptised, parents and godparents make promises on the child's behalf.  It's important that these promises are made by people who mean them, and Godparents must be baptised themselves. Baptism is the beginning of a life which is lived with God as the focus - an awesome and superb thing! We offer services, activities and support to families to help them fulfil the baptism promises that they have made.

Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child

We are also delighted to conduct Thanksgiving services for any families who want to celebrate the arrival of their child, but may not want to make the Christian promises on behalf of their child, nor commit to ongoing participation in the church family, both of which form a crucial part of the Baptism service.

Adult Baptism

We are happy to conduct Baptism of young people and adults, after appropriate exploration of what Baptism and following Jesus Christ means. These can be done in church or by full immersion in the sea, depending on your preference. We also have various groups in the parish and occasional courses that can be of help in supporting you in developing your spiritual life.

Please contact a member of the Clergy or church administrator on the Who’s who page if you have any questions or want to discuss what service might be best for you and your child.

Weddings

Our Team clergy are always willing to help and support any couples who are thinking about their wedding at one of our churches. Please contact us for a chat about your plans. There is no better way to start married life together than getting married in church with God’s blessing and with your friends and family present. We run Wedding preparation and accompany you through the planning for the big day and can help ensure that you have a wonderful wedding.

If you do not live in Swanage or Studland but are interested in have your wedding here, we still may be able to help you fulfil your special day in one of our fabulous churches.

We are also very happy to arrange Wedding or Anniversary Blessings. If you have any questions or want to find out more please contact a member of the clergy (see who's who) or contact Karon, our church administrator.

Funerals

Losing someone can be a very difficult time, but we aim to support you through each step. We would be honoured to help you plan the funeral service for your loved one so they can be committed to God’s care. It’s important to us that the funeral service, whether in one of our churches or a Crematorium Chapel, is a fitting tribute to your loved one and a celebration of their life. .

The clergy team and trained pastoral visitors can offer further support after the funeral while you are grieving, or if you have recently been bereaved. Annually we hold a service of thanksgiving and remembrance for those we love but see no longer and you and your family will be invited to attend.

We are able to organise Memorial services too.

Please contact us to find out more about how we can support you through this difficult time.

For Funeral enquiries at St Mary's or St Mark's churches please contact Karon in the Church Office 01929 421117 to email or for All Saints funeral enquiries, contact Rev'd Jo Levasier or call 01929 208217.