What’s the history of cathedral veils?

Cathedral veils became especially iconic in the 1980s after Princess Diana wore a 24-foot veil. Traditionally, longer veils were named after formal venues like cathedrals — but today they’re worn everywhere from churches to beaches.

Cathedral Length Veils | Shop Handmade Cathedral Veils

Jessica – Classic One Layer Cathedral Length Wedding Veil with a Sewn Edge
£158.00
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Nikki – Two Tier Cathedral Length Veil with Simple Edge Finish
£153.00
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Alexis – Sparkling Cathedral Veil with Scattered Pearls and Crystals
£207.00
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Isabella – Single Layer Cathedral Length Veil with a Wired Edge
£162.00
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Phoenix – One Layer Cathedral Veil With Diamantes in a Falling Stars Design
£253.00
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Lottie – Two Tier Cathedral Length Veil with Scattered Diamantes
£243.00
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Serena – Two Layer Cathedral Length Veil with Crystals Falling Stars
£252.00
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Anastasia – Classic Two Tier Cathedral Veil with a Cut Edge
£154.00
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Piper – One Tier Cathedral Veil with Scattered Pearls
£205.00
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Sienna – Two Tier Cathedral Length Veil with Chantilly Lace
£349.00
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Sabrina – Cathedral Length Silk Effect Veil with a Sewn Edge
£169.00
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Daniella – Two Tier Cathedral Veil with a Soft Lace Edge
£285.00
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15%
Octavia – One Layer Cathedral Veil with Lace Trim
Price range: £225.00 through £265.00
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Hadley – One Tier Cathedral Veil with Floral Lace Appliques
£379.00
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Niamh – One Tier Cathedral Veil with a Shaped Lace Train
£336.00
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Katya – Cathedral Length Barely There Veil with Pearls
£189.00
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What Is a Cathedral Veil?

A cathedral length veil is the longest traditional bridal veil, typically measuring around 114 inches (290 cm) from comb to edge. This floor-sweeping veil is ideal for grand entrances, dramatic photos, and romantic silhouettes. Whether you go for a minimal plain edge or a detailed lace trim, cathedral veils create impact without effort.

Unless your dress has a very oversized train, a cathedral veil is usually long enough to flow beyond it — giving that perfect cascading effect.

How Long Is a Cathedral Length Veil?

The standard cathedral length is 114 inches, which is approximately 9.5 feet or just under 3 metres long. It’s the most dramatic of the traditional veil lengths — and the ultimate choice for full-on romance!

(For reference, our two-tier cathedral veils combine a 30" blusher with a 114" train — giving a total veil length of 144 inches.)

🎥 Watch: How Long is a Cathedral Length Veil?
In this short video, our founder explains how cathedral veils work, how long they are, and why they make such a dramatic entrance.

Can You Wear a Cathedral Veil With Any Dress?

Absolutely. While cathedral length veils are traditionally worn with long-trained gowns, they can also look stunning with simpler dresses with shorter trains — adding elegance, length, and wow factor.

That’s not to say brides with shorter trains couldn’t rock a cathedral length veil if that’s always been their dream. We've even seen cathedral veils styled beautifully with court-length gowns and ultra-long veils worn with sleek, minimalist dresses — a modern classic made iconic by Meghan Markle.

Is There Anything Longer Than a Cathedral Veil?

Yes — a growing number of brides now ask for royal length veils, which are even longer than cathedral veils (typically 132 inches or more). While cathedral is the longest standard length, anything beyond it can be made bespoke. In fact, we’ve created 5 metre plus veils for brides before. If you're dreaming big, we’re happy to make it happen.

Tip: Learn more in our Veil Length Guide.

A Brief History of Cathedral Veils

The cathedral veil rose to fame in the 1980s thanks to Princess Diana’s unforgettable 24-foot veil. Traditionally, veil lengths were named after venue types — with longer veils reserved for grand cathedrals and formal ceremonies.

Today, anything goes. Cathedral veils are now just as popular at beach weddings, outdoor celebrations, and intimate ceremonies. It’s your day — wear the veil that makes you feel incredible.

Cathedral Length Veils