Renell L
Question Asked: 9/08/2017
Wedding Date: 8/09/2018
(16) · Byron Bay to Ballina , North Coast NSW and Gold Coast QLD
Posted: 22/08/2017
Answered by: 13 Experts
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Hello! Marriage ceremonies usually run between 20 - 30 minutes, but vary according to the wishes of the couple. Anything over, is probably getting a little long, not so much for the couple, but perhaps for their guests! Providing that the legal components are met, the ceremony can be as long or short as agreed between the couple and celebrant. Inclusions in the ceremony, such as readings and rituals, increase its duration, adding a lovely personal touch. Celebrants usually have a fixed service fee for ceremonies, regardless of duration. I choose to conduct only one marriage ceremony per day, so if my couples wish for a longer ceremony, it is absolutely fine by me. For the couple, marriage ceremonies go so quickly, so a word of advice ... savour every moment on this, your most special of days! Kylee P
Hey Renell,
Any longer than 40 minutes and your guests will crucify that bar tab!!!
They'll get all flustered, however, if that 40 minutes is chock full of goodness and fun and heaps of laughs, it may only feel like 10 mins.
I did a ceremony that I thought would be too late at 35 mins, the couple said 'wow, that was so quick, we just didn't stop laughing, felt like 15 mins', so really, if you're having an amazing time it shouldn't matter.
What WILL matter is how much of a great time you AND your guests have at the marriage!
Enjoy and hope your day is just tops!
Hello Renell, I usually find that 30 minutes is a nice length for a ceremony which would also include the signing of the legal paperwork. Longer than that your guest would usually start to get fidgety.If you did not want a 30 minute ceremony it is acceptable to just have the legal wording and vows as some couples like it short and sweet without the personal touches. Most Celebrants have set fees - one for a personalised ceremony and one for a legals only. Hope you enjoy your wedding day.
This is your ceremony, so the length of time will be determined by what you have been dreaming of for your special day. How many people you would like to involve in the ceremony, family and special friends with rituals and readings? I find that people having a wedding with a large number of children as guests normally prefer a shorter ceremony. I personally don’t charge for additional time for rituals. My weddings range between 15 and 40minutes depending what my brides and grooms would like to include. If you are having a ceremony over 20 minutes consider having chairs for all of your guests.
(0) · Southern Highlands | Wollongong | Blue Mountains and beyond
Posted: 11/08/2017
Hello, generally speaking a ceremony can range from 15 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the content including the signing of the register and official documents.
As for charging by duration, I myself do not charge by duration, my fee is fixed.
Hope this helps
(5) · Sydney / Wollongong / South Coast / Southern Highlands
Posted: 10/08/2017
Hello
I agree with the other answers but another thing to consider is your guestlist. If you have older people, or kids, they can get bored / hot / bothered/ tired quickly.
For you it will feel a lot faster than it is as you will have all the hadrenalin etc but for the guests most of the the time about 20-25 minutes is perfect.
All the best for your big day.
Carly
(17) · Peel Region, Dwellingup, Mandurah, Pinjarra including all surrounding areas
Posted: 10/08/2017
Hello,
Most Ceremonies range between 20 minutes to 40 minutes on average and the key is to design your ceremony to engage your guests.
If your celebration has readings, gift giving, sybolic gestures or intercultural aspects as long as your guests are kept entertained your day should contain elements that reflect your personalities for your ceremony, there are no set time rules. Again having a ceremony too short may leave your guests asking,'Is that it?' something you don't want them discussing at your reception. As for the costing this i'm afraid varies between Celebrants as there is no set fee and would depend on how each individual Celebrant structures their fees. Plan a set of questions to ask them at your first interview so as to clarify what you will be charged for.
Wishing you both an amazing day. Ellen Patterson
(0) · Penrith, Blue Mountains,Blacktown, and surrounding suburbs
Posted: 10/08/2017
Hi Renell
Ceremonies usually take 15 – 30 minutes. It depends on the content, which is chosen by you, depends on what you have planned whether you do readings, rituals etc.
Its your special day and you want to make memories last forever.??
Cermonies are best when they are short, sharp and succinct. Don't go beyond 30 minutes from when you walk down the aisle to the end when everyone is congratulating you. Even those who love you the most will be ready for the after cermeony drinks by then!
Weather also plays a part. If it's very hot for example, don't make your guests sit in scorching sun for long periods. Your celebrant should be able to sense when people are uncomfortable and will be able to skip paragraphs if necessary without affectiing the overall tone of the ceremony. A good celebrant can read the situation and react as required.
I can't speak for others but I certainly don't charge by duration!
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Most people these days perfer 30 to 40 mins only
I do have ceremonies which run for an hour but they are planned that way and what the couple reqiure
I am happy to send you a kit which will help you plan your wedding day
Mario - Treasured Ceremonies