Jane and Jason brought their two little ones down to London for a christening at St Paul’s Cathedral — in the OBE Chapel, down in the crypt. It was a warm, bright autumn day, the sort you don’t count on in late September, and the Portland stone looked its best all day.
Most of the family had come down from the North East, where they all live, and made a couple of days of it in London. When you’ve travelled that far for a christening, it helps that it’s at St Paul’s.
Why the OBE Chapel
You can’t just book a christening at St Paul’s. The Chapel of the Order of the British Empire sits at the east end of the crypt, and it’s there for members of the Order and their families. Jane’s father served in the Army and was awarded an OBE, and that’s what opened the door for their children to be christened there.
It’s a lovely thing to be able to do. Grandad’s service is the reason everyone is in the room, and you can feel that it matters to the family.
Photos on the steps first
Before anything else, I wanted a few minutes on the west steps with just the four of them. Once the guests arrive and the service starts, you don’t get the family on their own again for a while, so I always try to grab it at the start while everyone is fresh and the outfits are still spotless.
The steps at St Paul’s are one of the best backdrops in London. Big columns, clean stone, and on a sunny day the light bounces up off the steps and fills in faces nicely. Small children don’t give you long, so I work quickly. A few frames of everyone together, a few of them walking, and done.
Through the cathedral and down to the crypt
Walking through St Paul’s is a reminder of how big it is. You look up at the dome and you forget you’re meant to be going somewhere.
Before the christening
The OBE Chapel is small and warm compared with the cathedral above it. Wooden chairs, a tiled floor, decorative iron screens, and a big font at the front. It feels like a family room rather than a monument, which is exactly right for a christening.
The time before the service is when most of the good photos happen. Hellos, hugs, relatives who haven’t seen the baby yet, children working out where they’re allowed to run. I keep out of the way and let it happen.
At the font
Christenings are short and there’s a lot of standing still, which suits me. The children in the chairs were more interested in each other than the service, which is how it should be.
Afterwards we did the family photos around the font. With young children you have to be quick — one big group, then just Jane, Jason and the two little ones. After that everyone can relax.
A wander upstairs
On the way out we took a few more minutes in the cathedral itself. The black and white marble floor, the stone alcoves and all that light coming in through the windows. Their daughter was happy to explore, so I mostly followed her about. Children find the best spots if you let them.
Across the square to Happenstance
Then it was out into the sunshine and across the square to Happenstance for food and drink. It’s a couple of minutes’ walk from the cathedral, which makes it an easy choice for a christening at St Paul’s — nobody has to organise taxis, and the children can walk.
By then the older children had loosened their ties and had a lot of energy to burn off. That’s usually when I get my favourite pictures of the day.
Jane and Jason
Congratulations to you both, and to your two little ones. Thank you for having me along — it was a really lovely day. Safe travels back up north to everyone who made the trip.
Planning something at St Paul’s Cathedral?
Weddings and christenings at St Paul’s are only open to people with a connection to the cathedral, such as members of the Order of the British Empire and their families. If you have that connection and want someone who knows the building, I’ve written a guide to photographing there — the steps, the inside, the crypt and the best spots nearby.
St Paul’s Cathedral wedding photographer — location guide and prices
For a smaller celebration in the City afterwards, have a look at my City of London wedding photography page, or read who can marry where in London’s churches.
More from St Paul’s Cathedral
A few more days I’ve photographed at and around St Paul’s. For the best spots, access and prices, see my St Paul’s Cathedral wedding photographer page.
Sam & MattA summer wedding under the dome, then dinner in Mayfair with immediate family.
St Paul’s & the RAF ClubA ceremony at St Paul’s followed by a reception at the RAF Club on Piccadilly.
St Paul’s to Hyde ParkA Singapore couple’s spring day across London, starting on the steps of St Paul’s.
The City of LondonQuiet weekend streets, the Millennium Bridge and the best spots around St Paul’s.
