If you are considering hiring a wedding videographer to document one of the most meaningful days of your life, you are not alone. Just like choosing a photographer, deciding who will film your wedding day is a big and important decision. Wedding videography is a significant investment, and one whose value often grows long after the day itself has passed. From hearing your vows again to reliving moments you may have missed, a well-crafted wedding film allows you to experience your celebration in an entirely different way. We are here to help you feel confident in your choice. Read on for a few must-know tips to keep in mind before you hire a wedding videographer.
Photo: May and Sons Photo and Cinema
1. Why hiring a professional wedding videographer matters.
With so much technology available today, it can be tempting to think a friend or family member could handle video coverage. However, wedding videography is about far more than simply pressing record. A professional wedding videographer brings experience, high-quality equipment, and a trained eye for storytelling. They understand lighting, sound, movement, and how to capture emotion in a way that feels intentional and timeless.
Much like photographers, videographers are experts at anticipating moments and knowing where to be at exactly the right time. A phone or basic camcorder video cannot replicate the cinematic quality, clear audio, or thoughtful editing that a professional film provides. Because of this, couples should expect to invest a similar amount in videography as they do in photography. Some vendors offer combined photography and videography packages, which can be a great option depending on your priorities and budget.
2. Review the basic wedding videography styles.
While of course these styles can vary, modern wedding films typically fall into one of three stylistic categories:
Candid (Documentary Style):
This style focuses on authentic, unscripted moments as they naturally unfold throughout the day. There is less emphasis on cinematic camera movements and more focus on real interactions, emotions, and natural audio. Candid films often include spoken vows, speeches, and ambient sounds.
Music Video Style:
This approach features cinematic shots edited together with professional effects and music. These films tend to focus more on visuals and mood rather than personal audio. Dialogue such as vows or speeches is typically minimal or excluded altogether.
Cinematic Style:
A cinematic wedding film blends the best of both worlds. These films include raw, emotional moments and meaningful audio, paired with visually striking shots that feel elevated and intentional. The result often feels like a movie trailer for your wedding day.
Standard wedding film lengths:
Trailer or Teaser: 1-2 minutes highlighting the most exciting, memorable portions of your day, with very little dialogue. The perfect length for sharing on social media!
Highlight film: 3-6 minutes covering the biggest parts of the day and often just snippets of audio like vows, letter readings and speeches. The video below falls into this category!
Short film: 8-10 minutes long and allows for more complete coverage of the audio elements listed above.
Feature film: 12-15 minutes and longer – a feature film allows for the most storytelling – often including voiceovers to tell backstories, audio from parts of the day not covered in other formats and a more complete, inclusive option to re-live your day.
Long-form: this length will include less cinematic-style editing, but should cover the most important parts of the day, your ceremony and reception, just about in their entirety.
Of course, the lengthier the wedding video, the larger the budget required, generally speaking. With this in mind, you can look at various videographers’ work and have an idea of what your film will feel like, or if you’re not able to tell, ask them what type they specialize in. Many videographers will offer a pairing of a trailer-length film along with a longer format so you can have multiple options to share.
Video // Reverent Wedding Films
3. Cover your bases.
Once you find a videographer you connect with, take time to review the contract carefully and ask questions where needed. Pay close attention to turnaround time. The industry standard for wedding films is around six months, though some projects may take up to a year depending on the scope.
Ask how your final film will be delivered and in what format. While DVDs may feel nostalgic, digital formats typically offer better longevity and accessibility. It is also important to understand policies related to weather issues, reschedules, or emergencies. If your wedding requires travel, clarify which costs you are responsible for.
Be sure your videographer carries insurance and any required licenses, especially if drones will be used. Confirm that all music included in your film is legally licensed. These details matter and should be clearly outlined.
As with your photographer, let your videographer know if there are specific people or moments that are especially meaningful to you. At the same time, trust their expertise and allow them the creative freedom to capture your day naturally.
4. Get comfortable with being mic’d up
If you’ve chosen a wedding videographer who will include voices and audio dialogue as part of your final film, they’ll likely need to use various audio equipment to clearly record things. You may have a small microphone and wire attached to you for part of the day, or be asked to hold a microphone at some points. The videographer may need a block of time on your wedding day to get certain shots that will add to the quality of your film – so just be prepared and trusting of their needs. It will all be worth it in the end!
Not hiring a wedding videographer is one of the most common regrets we hear from couples. Photos capture moments, but video captures voices, movement, and emotion in a way nothing else can. If you are on the fence, we strongly recommend investing in a professional videographer to join your wedding vendor dream team. Explore these incredible DFW wedding videographers ready to capture your best day!
Looking for tips and recommendations for picking the perfect photographer for the big day, too? We’ve got you covered with this blog. Cheers!
Pros to Hiring a Photography and Videography Team
