​Cathedral & Chapel Length Veils
When it comes to choosing a veil, length is one of the most defining details. Two of the most loved options are chapel length and cathedral veils — both dramatic, romantic, and designed to create an unforgettable moment as you walk down the aisle. Although it may feel like there are only two options for a long veil, at Rebecca Anne Designs every veil is cut to bespoke lengths and widths, ensuring your design feels personal, balanced, and made just for you.
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What is a cathedral length veil?
A cathedral length veil is one of the longest and most formal veil styles, second only to the Royal length. Typically extending well beyond the train of your dress, it creates a sense of ceremony and drama, with striking photographs as it flows across the aisle or cascades down staircases. I design each cathedral length veil to your chosen proportions, ensuring it complements your gown without overwhelming it.
What is a chapel length veil?
A chapel length veil offers a little less length than cathedral, finishing at floor level with a gentle sweep beyond the gown. It’s an elegant choice for brides who want impact without excess, balancing graceful movement with a sense of occasion. A chapel length veil is ideal if you’d like drama with a touch more subtlety.
Choosing your veil length
Deciding between cathedral and chapel comes down to your dress, venue, and personality. A grand aisle may lend itself to a cathedral length veil, while a chapel length veil works beautifully for outdoor weddings or where space is more intimate. Consider how the veil will frame you in photographs, particularly those close-up moments showing your rings and bouquet.
How long is a cathedral length veil?
A cathedral length veil usually measures around 110–120 inches, though I cut each one to suit your dress and proportions. The emphasis is always on balance rather than a fixed measurement.
How long is a chapel length veil?
A chapel length veil typically falls around 90 inches, offering a softer alternative to cathedral. Again, every Rebecca Anne Designs veil is bespoke — the length is tailored to you.
A cathedral-length veil is the “most dramatic down-the-aisle length,” typically extending 108–120 inches and flowing beyond the dress train.”
Bespoke lengths & widths — tailored to you
Unlike standardised size charts, I cut every veil to your bespoke proportions. Length and width are carefully measured to ensure the veil sits in harmony with your dress design and the overall styling of your day. Whether you dream of an extended cathedral veil or a softer chapel length, your piece is always designed with intention.
“Both chapel and cathedral veils are considered long wedding veils — sometimes referred to as floor length veils — but the distinction lies in how far they extend beyond your gown’s train.”
— Rebecca Anne, Designer at Rebecca Anne Designs
Personalisation for long veils
Longer veils provide more space for meaningful embroidery. From delicate florals to dates, poetry or personal initials, placement is thoughtfully considered so that your details are revealed in just the right moments. A cathedral or chapel length veil becomes not only a dramatic accessory, but an heirloom layered with your story.
How to try on & next steps
You can experience Rebecca Anne Designs veils in person through my trusted stockists, or by working with me directly to explore bespoke ideas. I recommend brides get in touch around three months ahead of their wedding date to allow time for design, embroidery, and careful hand-finishing. Your veil journey begins with a conversation — and together we’ll create a piece that feels entirely yours.
Brides often ask me:
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“Can I walk easily in a cathedral length veil?”
“Is a chapel length veil suitable for outdoor weddings?”
These are exactly the kinds of questions I answer in more depth in my guide to Choosing Veil Lengths — a useful resource if you’re weighing up the best style for your day.​