How does adult baptism work Church if England?

[3m1ly68]

I’m looking to get baptised, but for varying reasons none of my friends or family would be there. Can you be baptised on your own? I’ve heard of multiple adults being baptised in one a ceremony - does this mean there would be other people being baptised at the same time as me and, if so, do people normally have guests?
I know with christenings the godparents and family are there and there’s normally a big celebration after. Is that the same with baptism?

Thank you in advance

You need to speak to the vicar at your local church as it can be different based on how each church does it. You definitely don't need godparents or anyone with you as it's entirely personal to you.

There should be contact details on your church's website, with any luck the vicar has an email address and you can drop them an email and ask. Or failing that, just speak to the vicar next time you're at church. They'll be delighted to welcome you, I am sure!

Adult baptism is normally part of the main service. Some churches have full submersion baptism, others use water from a font like with a christening.
Adult baptism in CofE also has the confirmation elements as well I believe.

There's no godparents and is more of a statement of faith and welcoming into a community. Often there will be a requirement to do some sort of course to explore faith but this is church dependent.

You'd be best asking your vicar/pastor

you don't need godparents for adult baptism, and there is no requirement for a party.

our church does 'separate' baptism services for families who are doing baptism as a family naming ceremony party thing, typically just before lunch time on a sat or sun. typically these are families we only see at Christmas time. they are invited to come to a Sunday eucharist the following weekend so that the congregation can welcome them but only about 50% do so.

adult baptisms and the baby baptisms of more regular church members get baptised during a church eucharist so that the whole church can be part of welcoming them into the family. they all get done one by one typically 4 or 5 individuals in one service. there is no judgement about the different circumstances bringing each to baptism, only joy in sharing such a special occasion across generations.

Thank you for all your answers!

The C of E church that I go to has one service a year where the bishop comes and does baptisms, renewal of baptismal vows and confirmations. We have a pool (heated!) and people of all ages are dunked. Some have family there, others don't but their church family is there cheering them on.
We always have a big bring and share lunch afterwards to celebrate. It's a really lovely, informal service with such a good atmosphere.

Here is some background, but remember all churches differ.

The theology around Baptism is complex. Many churches, including CofE some ones, don't support infant baptism. This is because the belief is that baptism should be the choice of the individual. In the CofE there is confirmation (where you confirm the baptismal vows your parents and godparents made on your behalf). As such, when an adult presents for baptism there may be an expectation that you also prepare for confirmation. This is Canon Law (church law, B24 if you want to Google it) but because people disagree on the theology may not be necessary.

With this is mind you cannot have godparents (because you're old enough to confirm your faith) but you can have sponsors if you choose. Unlike godparents they would not be noted in the Baptismal register.

Christening is the name of the ceremony where baptism takes place and often terms are used interchangeably. That said the preference is to hold a baptism in the main service so: no you won't be alone! You'll literally have the whole church behind you :)

Sorry for my rambles. It's late. The Church of England recently posted something about adult baptisms so may be worth a look.

God bless.

Hello, I am ages 68, I was Baptised yesterday. I was the only one Baptised, and I only had my wife with me. I could have been on my own, just the vicar and I (very cosy). It is a great feeling afterwards!!!! Take a few tissues ha. I hope this helps. Kind regards John.