The Case for Shorter Wedding Ceremonies
When you imagine your wedding day, you probably picture the flowers, the vows, the kiss, and maybe even the cake. What you probably don’t picture is your guests quietly wondering how long they’ll be standing in the sun, or how much longer until the bar opens.
Here’s the truth: attention spans are shorter than ever. (Thank TikTok. Or Netflix. Or just human nature.) And while your wedding ceremony is one of the most meaningful parts of your big day, it doesn’t need to run longer than the director’s cut of The Lord of the Rings.
As a celebrant, I’ll say it plainly: shorter ceremonies can be smarter ceremonies.
Why Less Really Can Be More
1. Guests Remember What They Felt, Not What They Sat Through
Nobody recalls the exact wording of that third reading, but they do remember how they felt when you both said “I do.” Keeping things concise ensures the important parts shine.
2. The Party Awaits
Your guests came to celebrate you. Translation: the sooner you seal it with a kiss, the sooner everyone gets to the champagne. Win–win.
3. Authenticity Over Formality
Cutting out excess fluff means you focus on what’s truly you. Whether that’s writing your own vows, sharing a favourite story, or weaving in a quirky tradition—brevity lets your personalities take centre stage.
How Long Should a Wedding Ceremony Be?
The sweet spot is usually 20–30 minutes. Long enough to be meaningful, short enough to keep energy high. Think of it as the Goldilocks principle: not too long, not too short, just right.
Planning a Wedding Ceremony That’s “Perfect Length”
Couples often search for “how long should a wedding ceremony be” or “short vs long wedding ceremony.” So let’s answer that directly:
Short wedding ceremonies (under 20 minutes) = simple, intimate, to the point.
Standard ceremonies (20–30 minutes) = perfect balance of tradition and personality.
Longer ceremonies (30+ minutes) = often tied to religious or cultural elements.
No one size fits all, but knowing your options helps you plan the wedding day flow that’s right for you.
The Final Word
Yes, your ceremony matters. But no, it doesn’t have to feel like an endurance sport. As your celebrant, my job is to help you create a wedding ceremony that’s warm, personal, and memorable—for the right reasons.
So, here’s my suggestion: keep it heartfelt, keep it genuine… and keep it under half an hour. Your guests (and your future selves) will thank you.
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.