How Long Does It Take To Walk Down The Aisle? [On Average]

Walking down the aisle is a pivotal moment on any wedding day. It is one that many brides look forward to. But it can also cause anxiety for others. It’s therefore only natural to wonder how long it typically lasts. Here is what you need to know.

So, how long does it take to walk down the aisle? It generally takes the bride 30 seconds to 1 minute to walk down the aisle. The rest of the bridal party should also complete their walk in 3-4 minutes, on average. Although, the length of the aisle, choice of processional music, and speed of walk will impact the total time.

Otherwise known as the processional, the walking down the aisle could not be more symbolic.

And there is a lot that goes into this moment.

From the music to the lighting.

Either way, it’s all about making the moment as special as possible for the couple due to marry.

And it’s certainly a moment for the guests too.

Let us now take a closer look at this special moment, including a closer look at those factors that can influence the total time!

How Long Is A Typical Wedding Aisle?

The length of the wedding aisle typically ranges between 25-75 feet. Although, the total length of the aisle will depend on the number of guests in attendance and the size of the venue.

Nevertheless, the setup for a ceremony is based upon the overall space required to sit the guests comfortably.

And of course, every venue is different.

Churches for instance, are generally very different to barns.

And then you have outdoor weddings, or even beaches to consider too.

That being said, aisles are always straight, and so 25-75 ft can be somewhat expected.

To get a closer estimation, you can look at how many chairs are being included in each row. Or that are fixed in place.

But a general rule of thumb, that most venues calculate by, is to leave around 30-40″ of space in between chairs (from the back of one chair to the back of the chair in front).

So, you can start to calculate the length of an aisle by:

How many chairs in a row x number of rows

Or, better still, contact the venue!

Factors That Influence Walking Time

The average walking time for the entire bridal party will be around 5 minutes. The bride typically takes as little as 30 seconds to 1 minute.

However, this is just an average.

Not every processional walk will last as long, or may even take longer.

Here is why:

Length of the Aisle

Every venue will be different. Every wedding will have a different number of guests in attendance.

Both of which mean the length of aisle will range in length.

As you can imagine, the longer the aisle, the longer it will take to walk down.

Pace

The speed at which the bride and the rest of the bridal party walk down the aisle will also influence the time.

Some people naturally faster than others, others may speed up in excitement.

Either way, it is generally advised that a bride practice the walk several times before the big wedding day. Even going as far as timing the walk and the pace and ensuring it is not too slow or too fast.

Generally, it is instinctive to walk faster due to the anxiety.

It’s important that the bride takes a deep breath and takes her time. It shouldn’t nor needn’t be rushed!

Processional Song

Processional songs can range quite dramatically in style. Some are naturally slower than others.

It’s important that the walk coincides with the choice of song.

Aligning the pace to the song makes for a much more congruent ceremony.

And as such, depending on the choice of song chosen will influence the time.

Individual Circumstances

There a number of individual circumstances that can impact the length of the walk for the bride, or the bridal party.

For instance, if somebody was to be disabled or have a physical disability.

Perhaps the father of the bride is older, or not as agile.

These things all can increase the time.

Nevertheless, the walk should never be rushd. It should look and feel entirely natural.

And of course, the bride should savor the moment for what it is!

How Long Is A Processional Song?

The average processional song lasts for between 3-5 minutes, on average. Consider that this is the full length of time required for the bride, and the rest of the bridal party to walk down the aisle.

Its important to note that this is just an average, and will depend on the venue, length of the aisl and choice of professional song,

For instance, for slower classical pieces, the walk down the aisle will typically take longer.

Whereas a faster song may only need to be played for half the time.

Nevertheless, the music should be played for as long as it takes; fading out at an appropriate spot.

It is generally advised to speak with the venue and also to plan the processional song ahead of time.

A great approach taken by some brides includes practicing at home.

To do so, the bride simply needs to time herself walking the length of the aisle (25-75 ft – depending on venue) in time with the music.

Then, multiplying this time by how many groups are walking down.

This will give the total amount of time required for the music to fill.

Who Typically Walks Down The Aisle?

To get a good estimation of total time, its essential to understand the full list of people who will walk down the aisle, and the order in which they will do so.

Here is what you can expect in a typical processional:

• Officiant,
• Grandparents of the Bride and Groom (typically escorted by ushers – if desired by the couple),
• Parents of the Groom,
• Mother of the Bride (again, potentially escorted by an usher),
• Groom,
• Bridesmaids and Groomsmen (walking together, in pairs),
• Maid of Honor and Best Man (together, as a pair),
• Ring Bearer,
• Flower Girl,
• Bride and her Father

Finally

There is not one definitive amount of time it will take the bride, or the full bridal party, to complete their walk down the aisle.

However, we can get an estimation and an average based on all the weddings that have come before us:

• Bride (and father): 30 seconds – 1 minute
• Rest of the Bridal Party: 3-5 minutes.

The truth of the matter and the long answer is it depends.

There are many factors contributing here.

Nevertheless, with some planning and practice, you can get a much better estimation.

Either way, this beautiful moment typically goes by very quickly. So do cherish it.

Other guides you may want to check out:

• Who Walks The Mother Of The Bride Down The Aisle?
• Does The Groom Walk Down The Aisle? [How Does He Get To The Alter?!]
• Who Walks The Bride Down The Aisle When The Father Is Deceased?
• Who Walks The Bride Down The Aisle When Parents Are Divorced?
• I Don’t Want My Dad To Walk Me Down The Aisle [Your Other Options]