Love Is Patient (But the Guests Aren’t — Especially in Midday Summer Sun). How long should a Wedding Ceremony Last?
Timing is everything, they say. And nowhere does that ring truer than during a wedding ceremony. As a celebrant, I’ve seen it all: couples arriving fashionably late (by which I mean very late), vows that somehow vanish from memory at the crucial moment, and flower girls who believe they’ve been hired for a full-scale confetti production.
The sweet spot for a ceremony? Around 20–25 minutes from “everyone’s seated and turn your phones to silent” to “you may now kiss.” Long enough to capture the heart of your story, short enough that nobody is checking their watch or dreaming about the drinks reception.
If you really want to strip it back to the basics, the minimum it could be is 15 minutes.
Think of it this way: your guests are there to share in your joy, not to audition for a marathon. A ceremony that’s warm, meaningful, and neatly paced will keep everyone present in the moment. And once it’s wrapped up, there’s plenty of time for champagne, dancing, and all the fun that follows.
So keep it heartfelt, keep it real, and remember: no one has ever walked away from a wedding saying, “That was beautiful, but I really wish it had gone on for another hour.”
Want More Than Just Ceremony Tips?
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re planning a wedding (or you just really enjoy reading about them—no judgement). Either way, my wedding celebrant services might be what you’re looking for. From writing vows that sound like you to making sure the ceremony runs smoother than your uncle-in-law’s dance moves, I’ve got you covered.