Jumping the broom, kept with the story around it
Jumping the broom is a custom many African American couples include in their wedding: after the vows, the couple jumps together over a broom, often decorated by family, to mark the start of their new household. It is commonly connected to enslaved people in the United States, who were often denied legal marriage, though historians debate where the custom began, with proposed roots in West Africa and in Britain. The jump itself takes seconds, so it needs to be named. Upload the wedding as a WeddingEditor project, describe the moment and the people, and WeddingEditor's AI editing makes the edit.
The broom moment is usually part of the ceremony footage rather than a separate event.
Creating an account is free.
Last updated October 2026
How to get a highlight that features the broom
- 1
Upload the ceremony footage
The broom usually comes at the end of the ceremony, so upload the ceremony, and the reception if it belongs in the same film. Include every angle you have of the jump; a wide shot and a close shot both help.
- 2
Describe the broom and who brought it
In the moments question, say when the broom was presented and by whom, for example "the groom's grandmother laid down the broom she decorated after the pronouncement". Name her in the people question.
- 3
Watch the edit and refine it
Processing typically takes 24 to 72 hours. Watch the highlight in your project, download the 1080p MP4, and ask for more of the broom moment in a revision note if needed; up to two rounds are included.
Broom moments to list
The broom presented
A relative or the officiant bringing out the broom and placing it before the couple.
Words about the tradition
In some ceremonies the officiant or a family member explains the meaning of the broom before the jump.
The jump
The couple holding hands and jumping together, often on a count from the guests.
The cheer
The guests' reaction as the couple lands, often the loudest moment of the ceremony.
The recessional
The couple walking back up the aisle straight after the jump.
The broom afterwards
Some families keep the broom as a keepsake and display it at the reception or at home.
What to know about jumping the broom on camera
Placement in the ceremony
The jump usually follows the pronouncement and comes just before the recessional, so it is easy to miss if the edit moves quickly to the walk out.
Meaning
Couples often describe the broom as sweeping away the past and stepping into a shared future, and many include it to honor their ancestors.
History told carefully
The custom is widely associated with enslaved people in the United States, but its earlier origins are debated. If the officiant explains it, keep their words rather than adding your own.
The broom is personal
Brooms are often decorated with ribbons, flowers or fabric by relatives, and the person who gives it is part of the moment.
Original sound
The count, the jump and the cheering stay as recorded; music supports them, balanced by your audio preference.
Parts of the broom moment and what to note in the preferences
| Part | What it looks or sounds like | What to note in the preferences |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | A relative laying down the broom | "Keep the grandmother placing the broom." |
| Explanation | The officiant speaking about the custom | "Keep his short explanation." |
| Jump | The couple jumping hand in hand | "Use the wide angle and the close angle." |
| Cheer | Guests clapping and shouting | "Keep the cheer before cutting away." |
What is jumping the broom?
Jumping the broom is a wedding custom in which a newly married couple jumps together over a broom, symbolizing the start of their shared home. It is widely practiced at African American weddings and associated with the history of enslaved people in the United States, whose origins scholars still discuss.
It is not part of every African American wedding, and it is not a separate event with its own project; it usually sits within the ceremony footage.
Jumping the broom video questions
Will WeddingEditor know where the broom moment is?
Only from your notes. Say roughly when it happened and what came just before it, such as the pronouncement.
Can the officiant's explanation be kept?
Yes. List it in the moments question and say in the audio question that it should be heard.
Can I ask for the jump from two angles?
Yes. Mention both angles; the AI editing chooses from the footage you uploaded.
Should the broom moment be its own project?
Usually not, because it lasts seconds. Keep it within the ceremony or full-wedding project.
The broom was decorated by the grandmother. Can that be shown?
Yes, if you filmed the broom up close. Ask for a moment of it in the moments question and name her in the people question.
Who edits the film?
WeddingEditor's AI editing makes every full edit from your footage and your preference answers, and delivers it to your project.
More for African American weddings
A few seconds, kept with their meaning
Create your account, upload the ceremony, and say who brought the broom and when.
Start your first wedding