A cathedral veil is the longest of the classic veil lengths, falling well past the train of the dress. Ours measure about 138 inches (3.5 meters), in fine tulle edged with Calais-Caudry lace or in soft plain tulle, with or without a blusher. Each one is finished by hand in our Paris atelier. Not sure cathedral length suits your dress and venue? Write to us and we will help you decide.
What Makes a Veil Cathedral Length
Veil lengths are named by where the hem falls. A fingertip veil stops at the hands, a chapel veil just past the hem of the dress, and a cathedral veil extends beyond the train. At around 138 inches, every veil in this collection sits in that range, and each is cut about 87 inches (2.2 meters) wide so the tulle drapes softly instead of hanging straight. Our guide to wedding veil lengths compares every option side by side.
Lace Edge or Plain Tulle
Five of these veils are edged in Calais-Caudry lace, woven on Leavers looms in northern France. On a cathedral veil the lace border runs the whole length, so it stays visible in photographs taken from behind and all the way down the aisle. See all our lace wedding veils.
If you prefer a quieter line, T'aimer is made in plain tulle and leaves the train of your gown as the main detail. It belongs to our tulle wedding veils.
With or Without a Blusher
Mon Amour, Avec Toi, S'unir and T'aimer include a blusher, a shorter front layer worn over the face as you walk in. Part of the total length then sits in front: on T'aimer, 35 of the 137 inches form the blusher, leaving about 102 inches behind you. Our two mantilla wedding veils have no blusher, so their full length falls at the back, with lace all the way around. You can also browse all our veils with a blusher.
Choosing a Cathedral Veil for Your Venue
A cathedral veil needs room to fall. It looks its best on a long aisle, in a church, a large hall, down a staircase or along a garden path. In a small room or on a short aisle, a chapel-length veil is often easier to manage, and T'aimer is available in both lengths. Our article on what veil to wear for each wedding setting covers church, ballroom, garden and beach venues. Marrying in a Catholic church? See our Catholic wedding veils.
Wearing a Cathedral Veil
Each veil is mounted on a silver comb that slides into an updo or a secure half-up style; our guide to veils for hair up explains where to place it. During the ceremony, ask someone to arrange the veil behind you when you reach the front and again after you sit. Many brides remove it after the ceremony photographs, while others keep it on into the reception.
Made by Hand in Paris
Every veil is cut and finished by hand in our Paris atelier and shipped with tracked delivery. For a different length, width or lace placement, get in touch.
Cathedral Veil Questions
How long is a cathedral veil?
There is no single standard, but a cathedral veil is the longest classic length and extends beyond the train of the dress. Ours measure about 138 inches (3.5 meters), including the blusher where there is one.
What is the difference between a chapel and a cathedral veil?
A chapel veil falls just past the hem of the dress, while a cathedral veil extends beyond the train. Our T'aimer veil comes in both: 113 inches for chapel and 137 inches for cathedral, each including a 35-inch blusher.
Can I wear a cathedral veil with a dress that has no train?
Yes. On a simple dress, a cathedral veil can act as the train and becomes the main line of the look. Just make sure your venue has enough space for it to lie flat behind you.
Is a cathedral veil heavy?
Tulle is light, so the veil itself is not heavy. The length does add some pull at the comb, which is why it holds best in an updo or a well-secured half-up style.
Can I dance in a cathedral veil?
It is possible, but not easy. Most brides take it off after the ceremony and photographs, or keep it on only for the first dance.
Discover our full wedding veil collection