Christ the King in Atlanta: What to Know About the Cathedral, Mass Times, and Visiting

If you’ve searched for “Christ the King Atlanta”, you’re almost always looking for The Cathedral of Christ the King, one of the best-known Catholic churches in the city. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a weekend, or are considering the parish as a spiritual home, it helps to know what happens here, when to go, and what to expect nearby.

This guide walks through the location, Mass and confession basics, school and ministries, parking and traffic tips, and what visitors should know—all tailored specifically to Atlanta.

Where Is Christ the King in Atlanta?

The Cathedral of Christ the King is located in the heart of Buckhead:

  • Address: 2699 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
  • Area: Buckhead, along the Peachtree corridor between Midtown and north Buckhead
  • Nearby landmarks: Peachtree Road, Peachtree Battle area, and the Peachtree Road Race route

This cathedral serves as the cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, which means it’s not just a parish—it's also the archbishop’s main church and a central hub for major Catholic events in the region.

Quick Snapshot: Christ the King at a Glance

TopicWhat to Expect at Christ the King (Atlanta)
Type of parishCatholic cathedral & active local parish
NeighborhoodBuckhead, on Peachtree Rd NE
Typical crowdLarge, diverse; families, singles, young professionals, long-time Atlantans
LiturgiesMultiple weekend and weekday Masses, including some with more formal music
ConfessionOffered multiple days per week (often more than typical parishes)
SchoolParish school (Christ the King School) serving K–8
ParkingOn-site parking garages and lots; can be tight at peak times
Best for visitorsSunday Mass, major feast days, music events, and quiet weekday visits

Attending Mass at Christ the King in Atlanta

Specific schedules can change, but in general, the Cathedral of Christ the King offers:

  • Multiple Sunday Masses: Often starting early morning, with several options through midday and sometimes evening
  • Daily Mass: Typically held in the morning and at midday on weekdays
  • Special liturgies: Holy days of obligation, Christmas, Holy Week, ordinations, and other archdiocesan events

Because this is a busy urban parish, Masses can be full, especially:

  • Sunday mornings
  • Major holidays (Christmas, Easter, Palm Sunday)
  • Events like confirmations or weddings

Tip for Atlanta drivers:
If you’re coming from I-75/85 or GA-400, plan extra time. Peachtree Road frequently backs up, particularly on Sunday mornings, during Buckhead events, and during Peachtree Road Race or major conferences in Midtown.

Confession and Sacraments

One thing many people in Atlanta notice is that Christ the King offers confessions more frequently than many smaller parishes.

You can typically expect:

  • Regular weekly confession times, often several days a week
  • Additional opportunities during Advent and Lent, when more people come for the sacrament

Other sacraments commonly celebrated here include:

  • Baptisms
  • First Communion and Confirmation (often through the parish or school)
  • Weddings and funerals
  • RCIA/OCIA (programs for adults entering or exploring the Catholic Church)

If you’re in Atlanta and considering any of these, the cathedral is a common point of contact, especially if your local parish is small or you prefer a more structured program.

Christ the King School (K–8) in Buckhead

On the same campus, you’ll find Christ the King School, a parish Catholic school that serves:

  • Kindergarten through 8th grade
  • Many families from Buckhead, Brookhaven, Midtown, and surrounding neighborhoods

For Atlanta parents, this school is often considered:

  • A faith-based academic option in the city
  • Convenient for families living or working along Peachtree Road, Piedmont Road, or near Lenox and Phipps
  • Part of a broader network of Archdiocese of Atlanta schools

If you live in Atlanta and are comparing Catholic or private schools, Christ the King is typically on the shortlist for families near central and north Atlanta.

Parking, Traffic, and Getting There

Because this is Atlanta—and because Christ the King is on Peachtree Roadparking and timing matter.

Parking Basics

On or near the cathedral grounds, you’ll typically find:

  • Parking garages and surface lots reserved for parish and school activities
  • Marked entrances off Peachtree Road and the surrounding side streets

Parking usually works best if you:

  • Arrive 15–20 minutes early for popular Sunday Mass times
  • Follow volunteer or security directions in the lot or garage
  • Avoid blocking nearby residential driveways or businesses

Traffic Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

  • From Midtown or Downtown: Expect variable traffic on Peachtree, especially if there are events at the Fox Theatre, Georgia Tech, or in Midtown.
  • From Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, or north Buckhead: Coming down Peachtree or Piedmont can be busy, particularly on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings.
  • During major road races or parades: Christ the King sits along or near some marathon and race routes—check closures before early morning Masses on event days.

What It’s Like Inside: Style, Music, and Atmosphere

Church Style

The Cathedral of Christ the King has a more traditional, cathedral-like interior compared to many modern churches in metro Atlanta:

  • Long center aisle
  • Stained glass and statues
  • Elevated sanctuary and choir area

Many people visiting Atlanta from other regions find the space visually familiar and reverent, especially if they are used to historic churches.

Music and Liturgical Style

Music can vary by Mass, but you’ll often encounter:

  • Choir-led liturgies at certain Sunday times
  • More quiet or simple music at weekday Masses
  • Organ and choral pieces for major feasts and archdiocesan celebrations

If you’re in Atlanta and like formal, well-organized liturgy with strong music, Christ the King is one of the main places people suggest.

Who Typically Attends Christ the King in Atlanta?

Because of its central Buckhead location, the cathedral draws a wide mix of people:

  • Buckhead, Midtown, and Brookhaven residents
  • Young professionals working in Midtown, Downtown, and along the GA‑400 corridor
  • Families with children in the parish school or nearby schools
  • Visitors staying in Buckhead hotels who need a Sunday or daily Mass
  • People from across metro Atlanta attending special diocesan events

This mix can give the parish a busy, urban feel—very different from a small-town church, but very typical of a major city cathedral.

Accessibility and Special Considerations

If you’re in Atlanta and have accessibility needs, it helps to know:

  • The cathedral typically provides ramp or accessible entry points for those using wheelchairs or walkers.
  • There are usually accessible seating areas inside the church.
  • For the hearing impaired, some Masses may include listening assistance devices or specific accommodations.

If you or a family member require accommodations, it’s a good idea to call the cathedral office in advance to confirm details for the Mass or event you plan to attend.

Weddings, Funerals, and Special Ceremonies

Because it’s a cathedral in a high-profile Atlanta neighborhood, Christ the King is a common location for:

  • Weddings, especially for couples with family ties to the parish or the Archdiocese
  • Funeral Masses for parishioners or prominent community members
  • Ordinations and large archdiocesan ceremonies

If you’re planning a wedding in Atlanta and are considering Christ the King:

  • Be prepared for advance planning—dates at popular times can fill well ahead.
  • Expect clear requirements for preparation, including premarital preparation through the Archdiocese of Atlanta or the parish.

Visiting as a Traveler or Newcomer to Atlanta

If you’re just visiting Atlanta and want to attend Mass:

  • The cathedral is relatively easy to reach from Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead hotels.
  • Rideshare is often the simplest way, especially if you want to avoid Buckhead parking garages and Peachtree traffic.
  • Dress is generally “Atlanta business casual” to slightly dressy on Sundays (you will see everything from jeans to suits, but many people dress neatly).

If you’re new to the city and exploring parishes:

  • Christ the King can give you a sense of urban Catholic life in Atlanta.
  • From there, you may also explore other parishes closer to where you live (for example, in Decatur, Smyrna, Dunwoody, or College Park) if commute and community size matter to you.

How Christ the King Fits Into the Broader Catholic Scene in Atlanta

The Cathedral of Christ the King is part of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, which covers a wide area of north and central Georgia.

For someone living in or moving to Atlanta, this means:

  • Christ the King is a central hub, but not the only option. There are numerous parishes spread across Atlanta and its suburbs.
  • Major events like Chrism Masses, ordinations, and some archdiocesan celebrations are often held at the cathedral.
  • If your local parish is small or doesn’t offer certain programs, Christ the King may host retreats, formation programs, or special events you can attend.

Practical Next Steps if You’re Interested in Christ the King Atlanta

If you’re in or coming to Atlanta and want to connect with Christ the King:

  • Check Mass and confession times before you go; schedules can shift on holidays and special event days.
  • Plan your route and parking if you’re driving—Peachtree Road can be unpredictable.
  • If you’re considering school enrollment, weddings, or sacraments, contact the parish or school offices well in advance.
  • If you’re visiting from out of town, factor in extra time for traffic and consider using rideshare or MARTA + short rideshare to avoid parking stress in Buckhead.

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, the Cathedral of Christ the King ends up being a familiar landmark—both as a place of worship and as a cultural and architectural presence along Peachtree Road. Understanding its location, rhythm, and role in the city can make your visit or involvement smoother and more meaningful.