Baptism

The beginning of life in the church of Christ

Baptism is the starting point of life in the church of Christ. In the National Church, it is most common for a child to be baptized while still a baby.

Choosing a location and form of activity

The main rule is that baptisms take place in a church and in the presence of the congregation or its representatives. However, there is a long tradition in Iceland that baptisms can be performed outside of a church.

  • Baptism in church service

    The baptism takes place at the beginning of a general church service. This service is free of charge to parents.

  • Private ceremony in the church

    It is possible to request a private ceremony for loved ones at Hallgrímskirkja. This service is free of charge for parents.

  • Baptism in a home or hall

    A priest can be called to your home or hall to perform a baptism. This service is charged according to the government fee schedule.

If an organist or churchwarden needs to be called out specifically for a private ceremony or home baptism, a fee will be charged for that service.

Contact and orders

Please contact the church pastors:

  • Irma Sjöfn Óskarsdóttir: 7718200 - irma@hallgrimskirkja.is
  • Eiríkur Jóhannsson: 864 0802 - eirikur@hallgrimskirkja.is

Meaning, etiquette and preparation

  • The meaning and sacredness of the ceremony

    According to the instructions of Jesus Christ, a child is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is consecrated to God through his word and prayer, sprinkled with water, and blessed.


    It is customary for the child being baptized to be dressed in a white baptismal gown, which symbolizes the forgiveness of sins. The gown is smaller, which symbolizes that the child is to grow in faith, hope, and love.

  • Baptismal witnesses

    Loved ones choose godparents for the child. There are never fewer than 2 witnesses, but there can be a maximum of 5.


    It is desirable that at least one of the godparents is of an age that can accompany the child into adulthood. Parents and godparents profess their faith on behalf of their child and thereby commit themselves to raising the child in the Christian faith.


    During the baptism ceremony, the scriptures on which the baptism is based are read. It is good practice for the loved ones of the baptism recipient to read the texts.


    “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”


    Mt. 28. 18-20


    “People were bringing children to him for him to touch them, but his disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.”


    Mk. 10. 13-16


  • Preparation and naming

    It is most common for a child's name to be mentioned for the first time at baptism. It is necessary to inform the priest well in advance of the name and the names of the witnesses, of which there will be at least two.


    If a name is not in the register of personal names, it is necessary to apply for permission to do so to the Personal Names Committee, which tries to process the cases quickly. The priest is responsible for registering the name in the national register.