Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

Anyone living within the parish boundaries of St Matthew’s Church are welcome to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. It is hoped that you and your family will be worshipping members of the church community but there are no conditions as Baptism is a gift given from the generosity of God: a sign of welcome and belonging and the vehicle of God’s grace through the Holy Spirit. As a result there is no charge for Baptism but a thanksgiving offering is always welcome. Baptisms are normally celebrated on a Sunday and potential dates should generally be discussed at least two months in advance with the Vicar.

Those who live within the boundaries of the Parish of Wimbledon are welcome to be married at St Matthew’s, and a new relaxing of the regulations surrounding marriage in church mean that others may also celebrate this Sacrament in St Matthew’s Church. Preparation for marriage involves a focus on the communication skills required to build a lifelong, honest and trusting relationship. There is a fee for the wedding service which covers the use of the church, legal costs, organist and time taken for preparation. It is helpful to discuss dates for potential weddings at least six months in advance.

Christian Funerals provide a way of celebrating a person’s life, commending them to our forgiving God and uniting them with the risen, living Christ. Funerals may happen in the church or in a crematorium chapel and the Church of England sets statutory fees for these services. If you wish St Matthew’s Parish Priest to conduct the service and/or wish to use the church itself, dates and times should be discussed with the Vicar before settling anything with the undertaker.