Choosing godparents

Choosing godparents

Godparents are really important. Choosing them is one of the biggest decisions you will make. Whether you are still thinking or have already asked some special friends, discover more about what it means to be or have godparents. Whether you have questions about gifts or want to explore the promises, there are answers to your questions here.

Choosing the right people as godparents for your child is a big decision. Here are some key things which might help you decide:

  • Because of the very special role godparents have in supporting your child’s faith journey, they must be baptized themselves. Ideally they should be confirmed too, but check with the vicar about local policy on this.
  • If the people who you'd like to be godparents aren't baptized, they can still be involved in the christening service and in your child's life as they grow up. Ask your vicar about this who'll be pleased to advise.
  • Godparents will be people who’ll be in touch with your family for many years to come. They may be relatives or friends of the family.
  • They’ll be people who you know you can trust and who’ll be there for your child to talk about the bigger questions in life; questions about faith, hope and love.
  • They should feel ready to make some big promises about faith for your child in church.
  • Every child should have at least three godparents, two of the same sex and at least one of the opposite sex to your child. Although there is no official maximum number of godparents, three or four is usual. If you’d like more than that, talk to your vicar about the practicalities and they’ll be pleased to advise.
  • Parents may be godparents for their own children, providing they have at least one other godparent.
  • If you’re thinking about asking someone who is under 18 to be a godparent, talk to your vicar first. There’s no minimum age for godparents, but they must be mature enough to understand the responsibilities they’re taking on; your vicar can help you decide if this is the right choice for your child and the young godparent.

You can talk to your vicar about choosing godparents and involving them in the christening preparation too.