Visiting the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, GA: What to Know Before You Go

The Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, GA is one of the city’s most recognizable churches and a major spiritual and cultural landmark in Buckhead. Whether you’re a local Catholic looking for a parish, a visitor wanting to attend Mass, or someone simply interested in Atlanta architecture and history, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to plan your visit.

Where the Cathedral Is and How to Get There

Address:
Cathedral of Christ the King
2699 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305

The cathedral is in Buckhead, along Peachtree Road NE, just north of Peachtree Heights and south of Peachtree Battle.

Getting There by Car

• From Downtown Atlanta:
  Typically 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Most people take Peachtree Street north, which turns into Peachtree Road as you enter Buckhead.
• From Midtown:
  Head north on Peachtree Street; the cathedral will be on your right after you pass Peachtree Battle Avenue.
• From I‑85 / GA‑400:
  Many drivers exit onto Lenox Road or Peachtree Road and then follow Peachtree south toward Buckhead Village.

Parking:
The cathedral has on-site parking lots and usually uses overflow and shared parking nearby, especially during Sunday Masses and major holidays. On busy days, plan to arrive early, as Buckhead traffic and limited spaces can slow you down.

Getting There by Public Transit

Atlanta’s MARTA rail does not stop directly at the cathedral, but there are workable options:

• Buckhead, Lenox, or Arts Center MARTA Stations are typically used as starting points.
• From these stations, you can:
  • Take a MARTA bus along Peachtree Road NE (routes change over time; check current schedules).
  • Use a rideshare for the last 5–10 minutes.

If you’re staying in Buckhead near Peachtree Road, the cathedral can be walkable, but sidewalks and crossings vary by block, so use caution along the busier stretches.

What the Cathedral of Christ the King Is Known For

The Cathedral of Christ the King serves as:

• The cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Atlanta (the seat of the archbishop).
• A large, active parish community with extensive ministries.
• A landmark with traditional church architecture, stained glass, and a reverent interior.

People in Atlanta often know it for:

• Major Catholic celebrations (Christmas, Easter, Holy Week, confirmations, ordinations).
• Weddings and funerals with formal liturgy and music.
• Its choir and organ music, especially at principal Masses.

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s religious and historic sites, the cathedral pairs naturally with visits to The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus downtown and older in-town parishes like Our Lady of Lourdes in the Old Fourth Ward.

Mass Times and Services: What to Expect

Specific schedules can change, so it’s important to verify current times directly with the cathedral. In general, large Atlanta parishes like Christ the King typically offer:

Weekend Masses

• Multiple Saturday evening Vigil Masses
• Several Sunday Masses, often:
  • Early morning
  • Mid-morning
  • Noon or early afternoon
  • Possibly an evening Mass

Expect crowds at popular times, especially mid-morning and noon on Sundays. Buckhead parishioners, visitors, and families from across metro Atlanta attend here.

Weekday Masses

It’s common for the cathedral to have:

• Daily morning Masses
• Often a midday or evening option on certain weekdays

Weekday liturgies are usually quieter and more reflective than Sunday Masses, making them a good option if you want to experience the cathedral with less crowding.

Sacraments and Spiritual Life

The Cathedral of Christ the King functions as both a regular parish and the archdiocesan cathedral, so many sacramental and spiritual services are available.

Confession (Reconciliation)

The cathedral generally offers regular confession times, often multiple days per week and sometimes on Saturdays before evening Mass. Confession schedules can shift around:

• Major liturgical seasons (Advent and Lent)
• Archdiocesan events held at the cathedral

If you’re coming specifically for confession, it’s wise to get there early and allow extra time for lines.

Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals

As a large parish, Christ the King typically provides:

• Infant and child baptisms for parish families
• Marriage preparation and weddings, with high demand for dates, especially Saturdays
• Funeral Masses organized through the parish office in coordination with families and funeral homes

If you live in Atlanta and are considering the cathedral for a wedding or baptism, you’ll usually need:

• To register as parishioners (if you are not already)
• To contact the parish office well in advance
• To complete the required preparation programs

Parish Life: Ministries, Programs, and Community

For Atlanta residents, the Cathedral of Christ the King is not only a place for Sunday Mass, but also a hub of ongoing parish life.

Typical Ministries and Groups

A cathedral parish of this size often includes:

• Religious education / faith formation for children and teens
• Adult Bible studies and formation programs
• Young adult and young family groups (popular among Buckhead and in-town professionals)
• Service and outreach ministries, such as:
  • Support for the poor and homeless
  • Volunteer partnerships with Atlanta-area charities and shelters
• Music ministries and choirs for various ages
• Prayer and devotional groups, such as rosary groups or Eucharistic adoration hours

If you’re new to Atlanta, parish ministries can be a helpful way to meet people from across the city, not only from Buckhead.

School and Education Connections

The Cathedral of Christ the King is closely associated with Christ the King School, a parish elementary school located on or near the cathedral campus.

While details vary by year, families in Atlanta often consider:

• Enrollment policies and application timelines
• Parish participation requirements (Mass attendance and parish registration can be factors)
• Tuition and financial aid options

If you’re relocating to Atlanta and want a Catholic education close to Buckhead, reaching out directly to the school and parish can help you understand current requirements and waitlists.

Visiting the Cathedral as a Tourist or Guest

You do not have to be a parishioner or even Catholic to visit the Cathedral of Christ the King.

Touring the Building

Visitors often come to:

• View the stained glass, statues, and altar
• Spend quiet time in prayer or reflection
• Experience a formal cathedral liturgy with choir and organ

The church is usually open during the day, but access can be limited during:

• Private events (weddings, funerals)
• Maintenance or security periods

It’s courteous to:

• Dress modestly
• Keep voices low
• Avoid flash photography or wandering around during liturgical services

Attending Mass as a Visitor

If you’re visiting Atlanta and would like to go to Mass:

• Plan extra time for parking and seating, especially on Sundays.
• Note that some Masses may be more traditional or solemn than others, depending on music and language.
• Check for children’s liturgy or family-heavy Masses if you’re visiting with kids and want a more family-oriented environment.

Special Events and Archdiocesan Celebrations

Because this is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, it frequently hosts major diocesan events, such as:

• Ordinations of priests and deacons
• Large regional liturgies
• Special Masses with the archbishop
• Anniversary and celebration Masses for various groups

On days like Easter Vigil, Chrism Mass, and Christmas, expect very high attendance and tight parking. Some Atlanta Catholics and visitors choose to arrive early or opt for less crowded Mass times when available.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Here’s a quick at-a-glance guide for planning a visit to the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta:

Contacting the Cathedral of Christ the King

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Mass times, confession schedules, parish registration, sacraments, and events, contact the parish directly:

• Mailing / Physical Address:
  Cathedral of Christ the King
  2699 Peachtree Road NE
  Atlanta, GA 30305

• Main Office Phone (typical format for Atlanta parishes):
  404 area code is standard in this part of the city; check the cathedral’s current listing for the exact number and office hours.

You can also stop by the parish office during normal business hours on weekdays to ask questions, register as a parishioner, or inquire about specific ministries and programs.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, GA, the Cathedral of Christ the King offers a combination of active parish life, formal cathedral liturgy, and striking sacred architecture in the heart of Buckhead, making it a meaningful stop whether you are seeking worship, community, or a deeper understanding of Catholic life in the city.