One of the first questions you ask yourselves when organizing your wedding is, without a doubt, how long the celebration will last. The answer is not unique, because it depends on the type of ceremony, the format you choose and, of course, your personal preferences.
Knowing the duration helps you better plan the schedules, coordinate suppliers and, very importantly, manage your guests’ expectations so they can enjoy from start to finish. At UAUU we have been organizing weddings in Barcelona for years and we know that understanding the timing of each phase is key to everything flowing without stress and allowing you to dedicate yourselves to what really matters: celebrating your love.
How long does a wedding last on average?
Generally, a wedding usually lasts between 6 and 8 hours, counting from the start of the ceremony until the music stops and the last guests say goodbye.
However, this is just an average. A civil wedding at a courthouse can be very brief, while a religious celebration followed by a large banquet and a party that extends until dawn can exceed 10 or 12 hours.
Daytime weddings tend to be a bit longer, as they start earlier, while evening weddings usually concentrate the celebration in a more intense period. From our experience at UAUU, we have seen that the key is finding the perfect balance for you.
Juan Cordero
How long does each phase of a wedding last?
To give you a clearer idea, we have broken down the approximate duration of each moment of the wedding. These times are indicative and you can adapt them to your taste.
Ceremony
- Civil ceremony: it is usually the shortest, lasting between 20 and 30 minutes. It is ideal if you are looking for something intimate and direct.
- Religious ceremony: its duration is longer, usually between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on whether it includes a full mass or not.
- Symbolic ceremony: being personalized, its duration is very flexible, but usually around 30-45 minutes. Here you can include rituals such as the sand or light ceremony, making the civil ceremony script unique.
Cocktail hour
The cocktail hour is the time to socialize, relax after the ceremony and start enjoying the party. It normally lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours. It is the perfect time for guests to enjoy some canapés and cocktails, while you take advantage to have your first photos as newlyweds.
Banquet
The banquet, whether lunch or dinner, is one of the central and longest parts of the wedding. Its duration is usually 2 to 3 hours. This time includes starters, main courses, dessert, cake cutting, toasts and speeches from your loved ones.
Dancing and party
Let the party begin! Dancing is the golden finale of the celebration.
It usually lasts between 2 and 4 hours, although this can vary greatly. From the first dance as a couple to the last song, it is the moment to release all the energy and celebrate with your guests. If you want to add a special touch, you can include a crazy hour for weddings that will liven up the party even more.
The pre-wedding trend: how much time does it add?
More and more couples are deciding to start the celebration before the big day with a pre-wedding event.
This event, which usually takes place the day before, is a fantastic opportunity to welcome guests coming from out of town and break the ice in a more relaxed atmosphere. A pre-wedding can last between 2 and 4 hours and take different formats, from an informal dinner to a cocktail or brunch.
At UAUU we have organized pre-weddings in our Barcelona venues that become the perfect prelude to an unforgettable weekend.
Elm Murcia
Weekend weddings: how long do they last?
For couples who want to take the celebration to the next level, weekend weddings are an incredible option.
Instead of concentrating everything in one day, the party extends over 2 or 3 days. The planning could be: a welcome dinner on Friday, the ceremony and main party on Saturday, and a farewell brunch on Sunday.
This format allows you to enjoy much more of your guests’ company and creates a totally immersive experience. Venues like those we offer at UAUU are perfect for this type of wedding, as they have everything necessary to accommodate your guests and organize different events.
What factors influence the duration of a wedding?
The duration of your wedding will depend on several factors that you must consider when planning:
- Number of guests: the more guests, the more time is needed for greetings, banquet service, etc.
- Type of ceremony: as we have seen, a religious ceremony is longer than a civil one.
- Banquet format: a traditional seated banquet lasts longer than a cocktail-style wedding.
- Additional activities: if you plan to include a wedding photocall, surprises, live performances or a crazy hour, you will need extra time.
- Venue regulations: it is essential to know the closing times of the estate or restaurant to plan the end of the party.
Practical tips for managing your wedding timing
To ensure everything flows smoothly on your wedding day, we leave you with some practical tips based on our experience:
- Plan with margin: always add an extra 15-30 minutes between each phase. Unexpected things happen, and it is better to have a time cushion.
- Communicate the schedules: make sure both suppliers and guests know the wedding timing.
- Designate a coordinator: having a master of ceremonies who takes care of managing the timing will free you from a lot of stress.
- Think about natural light: if you want to take photos with the magical light of sunset, keep this in mind when planning the time of the ceremony and cocktail hour.
- Be realistic: do not try to fit too many activities in a short time. Less is more if you want to enjoy every moment.
Frequently asked questions about how long a wedding lasts
How long does a civil wedding last?
A civil wedding is usually quick, between 20 and 30 minutes if it is at a courthouse. If it is a symbolic ceremony at an estate, it can extend to 45 minutes to include readings and personalized rituals.
Is a long or short wedding better?
There is no correct answer. It depends on your personality and the type of celebration you dream of. A short wedding can be more intimate and economical, while a long wedding allows you to enjoy more time with your guests.
How long does dancing last at a wedding?
It is usual for dancing to last between 2 and 4 hours, but you are the ones who set the pace. You can extend it if you are very festive or shorten it if you prefer a quieter celebration. The first dance marks the beginning of this long-awaited phase.
How do I know if my wedding is too long?
A good sign is to think about your guests. If you have many elderly people or children, perhaps a wedding of more than 8 hours is excessive. The key is to maintain a good pace and ensure that interesting things are always happening.
Atypical wedding
The importance of planning your wedding timing well
Properly planning how long a wedding lasts is essential so you can enjoy your big day without stress or rush. Having the help of experienced professionals, like the UAUU team, will allow you to design a customized, realistic timing adapted to your wishes.
A versatile venue and a team that advises you at every step are the best guarantee that everything will turn out perfect. In the end, the most important thing is that every minute of your celebration is exactly as you had imagined it.
At UAUU we know that each wedding is a world and that timing must adapt to your needs. Our venues in Barcelona, such as Can Macià or Ca n’Alzina, are designed to host celebrations of any duration, with the flexibility and support you need for everything to flow perfectly. If you want to organize your wedding with the peace of mind of knowing you are in good hands and enjoy every moment, we are here to help you.