St James the Less is an outstanding venue for weddings and baptisms, and Reverend Mark will be delighted to hear from you if you would like to use the church for your special day.
Baptisms
Baptisms are always free in this parish. Baptism and christening are two words for the same thing.
→ Enquire about a baptism or christening
Filling in the form does not book a date. We will be in touch to arrange a time to meet, talk it through and agree a date together.
Jesus said, “Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.”
The Church of England’s guide to christenings answers most of the questions families ask, including what godparents are for and what happens on the day.
Confirmation
Confirmation is when someone who has been baptised affirms that faith for themselves, and the bishop prays for them and lays hands on them. Many people are confirmed as teenagers or adults, and it is never too late. An adult who has not been baptised can be baptised and confirmed at the same service.
If you have been baptised but never confirmed, and would like to be, we would love to talk with you. The bishop holds confirmation services for the churches of our deanery; the next is on Sunday 22 November 2026 at 3.00pm at St Clement’s, Leigh-on-Sea.
Weddings
We do have to charge a marriage fee, but we always try to keep the costs to a minimum.
Your banns of marriage will need to be read before the wedding — there is more about that, and the application form, on our Banns of Marriage page.
The Church of England’s Your Church Wedding pages will take you through everything else.
Funerals
A funeral is usually arranged through your funeral director, who will contact us on your behalf and settle the date and time with us. You are very welcome to speak to us directly as well, whether or not you have a connection with the church.
The Church of England’s funerals pages explain what a church funeral involves and what choices you have.