Have you ever wondered how long a wedding video editing service should make your film to truly capture your big day? This is one of the things most couples consider when planning their dream wedding. A wedding film should beautifully tell your story by neither being the one that is too short nor the one that drags on forever.
In this blog, we will help you understand how long should a wedding video be and what makes each wedding video unique. We will help you understand the average lengths of wedding videos, what affects their duration, and what style of video can perfectly fit in your story.
By the end of this guide, you will know what you can expect from your videographer and how to choose the right video editing service that can help you decide the right video length, which can fit in your memories in the best way.
How Long is a Wedding Video?
One of the first things that couples ask before booking a wedding videographer is How long should a wedding video be? The truth is, there is no single answer to this question. Every wedding video is unique, and every couple has different expectations on how their wedding video should unfold.
Most of the wedding videos fall in the range of 5 to 90 minutes. The exact length of the video can depend on your timings of the wedding, your package, how much of your day is filmed, and also on the editing style that you choose.
Typically, couples receive two versions of their film: one short highlight and one longer, documentary-style version. Many who choose to outsource wedding video editing also request both versions to capture every moment beautifully.
| Type of Wedding Video | Average Length | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight Film | 5–10 minutes | A cinematic recap of your day. Key moments, emotions, and music are beautifully tied together, making them perfect for sharing online. |
| Full-Length Documentary Film | 30–90 minutes | A detailed story of your wedding day. Includes full ceremony, vows, speeches, dances, and candid moments. |
So, when couples ask how long should a wedding video be on average the simple answer lies in what kind of memory they want to relive. Some love a short, story-driven highlight while others prefer a longer version, like a complete movie of the day.
No matter what you choose, your wedding video should stay true to your story: long enough to capture the story, and short enough to keep you smiling all the way through.
Types of Wedding Videos and Their Average Length
When couples start planning their wedding video, many often wonder how long should a wedding video be for each type of edit. Every couple has a different vision, and every videographer offers various styles to match that.
Below are the most common wedding video types along with their usual lengths. Whether you’re planning a romantic highlight reel or a full pre-wedding video editing session, understanding these types can help you choose what suits your story best.
The Highlight Film (5-10 minutes)
This is like a short, cinematic version of your big day. The major focus of the highlight film is on emotions, laughter, and the key moments that define your wedding story. The highlight film turns out to be perfect for couples who want a quick, emotional recap that is easy to watch and share.
This can be like a movie trailer of your love story that is short, powerful, and unforgettable.
The Feature Film (10-20 minutes)
In case you need more depth, a feature film turns out to be the perfect middle ground. It gives a similar storytelling magic to the highlight video, but with more space for the vows, speeches, and reactions.
The length of this video keeps things engaging without losing any emotion. It turns out to be perfect for couples who are looking for a cinematic experience that can be a perfect fit for single-time viewing.
The Documentary Edit (30-90 minutes)
This acts like a full version of your wedding day that includes everything from getting ready to the last dance. It includes ceremony, toasts, dances, and candid moments that can have chances to be missed out in the shorter edits.
The answer to how long a wedding video is in this format depends on how many hours of coverage are present. More filming time often means a longer and more detailed film. This turns out to be the perfect choice for couples who want to relive the entire day, including every word, every smile, and every moment.
| Type of Wedding Video | Average Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight Film | 5–10 minutes | Couples who want a short, cinematic recap to share online. |
| Feature Film | 10–20 minutes | Those who want a balance between emotion and detail. |
| Documentary Edit | 30–90 minutes | Couples who want the full experience from start to finish. |
Each of these styles has its own charm. There are some couples that prefer short films that feel cinematic and emotional. On the other hand some prefer a longer version that tells the full story from start to finish. Whatever you choose, it is important to make sure that the wedding video length feels right for you.
Factors That Can Affect Wedding Video Length
You will still be wondering, How long should a wedding video be for my day? The answer to this question is dependent on several things, from how many hours your videographer films to the type of colour-grading service that is used in the post-production phase.
Here are some of the main factors that can decide the length of your wedding film:
Hours of Coverage
The more your videographer captures, the longer will be the length of your wedding video. A full-day package covers everything from getting ready in the morning to the last dance. If the coverage is short, it usually means tighter, faster-paced edit.
Number of Videographers
Two or more videographers are at least required to film your wedding day from different angles. This extra footage allows more storytelling and emotion in the film, which makes your wedding video longer and richer.
Size of the Wedding
A large guest list, multiple speeches, and a packed schedule show that there are many moments to be captured. At the same time, smaller, intimate weddings can lead to shorter films that can feel personal and full of meaning.
Style of Editing
Every videographer has a different way of editing videos. Some prefer a cinematic storytelling style that has its major focus on emotions, while some can prefer the documentary approach that can include the full sequence of the day. The editing style your videographer chooses can have a major role in how long your final wedding video will be.
Personal Preferences
The personal preferences of the couple can also play a major role when talking about the length of the video. Some couples love short-film style highlights, while others, at the same time, want a complete record of the day. This makes it important to talk to the videographer before your wedding about what matters most to you: moments, emotions, or full coverage.
Why Wedding Video Length Matters More Than You Think
When most couples start planning their wedding film, the most common question that they ask is How long should a wedding video be? It may sound like a simple question, but the answer to this goes far beyond numbers and minutes. The length of your wedding video decides how your story will be remembered in the years to come.
A short highlight video can capture the emotion and energy of your day in just a few minutes. Even though it is fast-paced, cinematic, and full of meaning. Watching it brings back the rush of excitement every time.
A longer wedding video slows down things. It gives space for the vows, laughter, and even the quite intimate moments that would have passed by too quickly on the day itself. You get to relive the complete story, and not just the highlights.
When both the highlight short video and the long video come together, the result turns out to be powerful. The short video keeps the memory alive in everyday life, and the full version acts as a time capsule that you can revisit on anniversaries and quiet evenings.
So when you wonder, How long is a wedding video supposed to be, the important thing to keep in mind is that it is not just about the length; rather, it is more about emotion, pacing, and how deeply you wish to feel the story again. The right balance can help you turn your wedding video into something timeless.
Why Couples Love Working With Eterna Edits
Your wedding video is a lot more than footage; it is a story of your love that is told through moments, emotions, and detail. At Eterna Edits, we provide wedding video editing services that do not just show your day, but rather help you feel it all over again. From suggesting the best bride and groom poses to finalising the perfect wedding video song, our team ensures that you are assisted with everything.
We understand that no two couples are the same. That is the reason why every wedding video that we create is tailored to your story, your energy, and also your style. From quick highlights to cinematic features, we try to cover it all.
Here is what you can expect when you work for wedding videography with us:
- Social Media Edits: We create perfect one-minute social media edits for you that can be perfect for sharing your favorite moments on Instagram or with your loved ones online.
- Highlight Film: A video that is around 5 to 10 minutes long and provides a cinematic, emotional recap with the best moments of your day.
- Feature Film: A storytelling edit around 10 to 20 minutes long, that shows your vows, laughter, and those little in-between moments.
- Full Documentary Edit: This is around 30-90 minutes long and covers the complete story from start to finish, with every emotion getting beautifully preserved.
What sets Eterna Edits apart is how we weave all the memories together. You do not just get a video, you get an experience. Our films are crafted with cinematic quality, emotional storytelling, and a deep understanding of what makes your love story unique.
Final Thoughts!
So, how long should your wedding video be? The truth is that there is no fixed rule for this; rather, it depends on how you want your story to look. Whether it is a one-minute teaser for your socials or a full-length documentary film, your video should feel like you.
A great wedding video is not measured in minutes. It is measured in emotions, in the laughter, the tears, and the little moments that you will never forget. When crafted with care, every second of it can become a part of the story that is worth watching again and again.
Common Questions About Wedding Video Lengths (And Honest Answers)
How long should a wedding video be?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. A typical highlight film is about 5–10 minutes, while a full documentary edit may run 30–90 minutes or more, depending on how much of the day is covered.
How long is a wedding video on average?
For many couples, the “average” falls somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes. But short reels (under 10 minutes) and longer films (1-2 hours) are also common.
Is a 5-minute wedding video too short?
Not necessarily. A 5-minute highlight is perfect for sharing online, capturing key moments and emotion. But if you want to relive the full day from vows, speeches, every dance you may want a longer version too.
How do we choose how long our wedding video should be without over-thinking it?
Start by thinking about how you’ll want to relive your day later. If you love cinematic storytelling, go for both a highlight film and a full-length version. Your videographer can help guide you toward the perfect balance based on your style, timeline, and budget.
What’s the average length of a wedding video these days?
The average wedding video is typically 20 to 60 minutes long, depending on the style of film. Highlight films are shorter (around 5–10 minutes), while full documentary edits cover the entire day in more depth.
Is there a “too long” time for a wedding video?
If the length feels like it drags or puts viewers to sleep, it may be too long. The goal is to keep your film engaging while covering your story.
How long should a wedding video be if we have a small, intimate ceremony?
For smaller weddings, 10–30 minutes often works beautifully enough to cover the key moments while staying true to your style.