What is the ideal length for a wedding ceremony? Photo by Christian Arthur Photography
When working with my clients, the wedding ceremony length all depends on the couple, but I really encourage them not to make it too short. There’s a trend right now to have a wicked short ceremony, sort of just “get it over with” and then have a great party. While I’m all for fun parties, I try to remind my couples that the ceremony is what really matters. Pledging your love and devotion to one another in front of all the most important people in your lives is what matters.
I think a Super Sweet Wedding ceremony that is less than 20 minutes is too short. You just don’t get enough time to digest what’s happening. It goes so fast anyway, it’s nice to slow it down a bit. Add in some elements. Add in some other voices. Let there be a nice flow to it so it’s not just your officiant talking for 10 minutes and then it’s over. This is a significant moment in your lives and it’s worth savoring.
This is a significant moment in your lives and it’s worth savoring.
That being said, I also think really long ceremonies can loose their significance. If there are too many readings or songs or interjections, it’s hard to make each one meaningful. Or if the officiant drags on too long, your guests can loose interest, heck, you and your sweetie can loose interest. And that’s not good. We want you and your guests to be engaged, to be present and to be able to reflect upon what’s happening as it’s happening. A ceremony that is either too short or too long will loose its meaning.
I think the sweet spot is a 25 -30 minute wedding ceremony, including the processional. What do you think? How long will your ceremony be?
