How long should a wedding ceremony be?

It's a question almost every couple asks, and the answer is more interesting than you might expect.

The average is 20 to 30 minutes

Most civil wedding ceremonies run between 20 and 30 minutes from the moment the music starts to the moment you walk back down the aisle. That includes the procession, the ceremony itself, the signing, and a few moments to soak it in.

Some run a little shorter. Some run closer to 35 or 40 minutes if you include multiple readings, a longer couple's story, or symbolic rituals. Anything beyond 40 minutes is unusual and, in my experience, rarely necessary.

Why shorter is usually better

A 20-minute ceremony that's genuinely felt is infinitely better than a 45-minute ceremony where people start checking their watches. The goal isn't length. It's presence.

When every word in the ceremony earns its place, the whole thing lands differently. There's no filler, no padding. Just the thing itself.

What affects the length?

The main factors are the number of readings, whether you're writing your own vows, any symbolic rituals you'd like to include (like a unity candle, a handfasting, or a sand ceremony), and how much of your story you want woven into the ceremony.

We'll work all of this out during the writing process. I'll tell you honestly if something feels like it's adding time without adding meaning.

A note on timing

Whatever length we agree on, the ceremony will arrive at its destination. I'm not reading from a script while nervously watching the clock. The pacing is intentional, and the ceremony is designed to breathe.

If you're curious about how a Salt & Vow ceremony is structured, get in touch. I'm happy to walk you through it.