It’s a question I get asked a lot – is it worth it to hire a wedding videographer? Here’s everything you need to know!

I think there’s probably a moment for a lot of couples wedding planning when they ask: Do we really need a wedding video? It’s a fair question. Maybe you’re not sure it’s worth the cost. Maybe you’re worried it’ll feel like a production. Or maybe you’re just not “video people.” Those are all valid reasons to examine whether you really need one.

It’s funny, because most couples book photography months and months in advance, but I still get a fair amount of last-minute video inquiries. I have even booked video a week before a wedding! I think it’s more common for couples to realize that they actually do want video documentation of their wedding as their day approached. But let’s take a look at some of the reasons you may or may not want wedding videography.

What a Wedding Video Captures

Photos are powerful, but a wedding video captures something different. You can hear the way your voices sounded during your vows. The raucous cheers after your first kiss. The way your dad’s voice trembled when he gave a toast. You can see your mom’s face when she tears up at seeing you or the movement of your veil when it blows in the wind. It’s about preserving the day’s textures, sound, and movement in a different way than photography.

I have lost track of all the times I’ve smiled or gotten a little weepy while editing wedding videos and reliving everyone’s excitement and happiness. And I always think to myself that if it makes me emotional, it’s going to have even more of an impact on the couple and their loved ones. So full disclosure I am not a neutral party when it comes to wedding video. I adore making them and watching them, but let’s go over some common hang-ups couples have about them.

Why Some Couples Choose Not To Have One

For some people, video just isn’t a priority. And that’s okay. Not every couple wants to relive their day through video. What matters most is knowing why you’re choosing to have (or not have) one. Here are some common objections I hear.

1. They’ve seen wedding films that felt overly stylized — more like movie trailers than real life. In fact, this is the most common reason I hear from my couples why they are hesitant about video when I do consult calls with them. They don’t want a wedding video because they don’t LIKE wedding videos. Well – I am here to let you in on a little secret. I kind of don’t like a lot of wedding videos either… Wedding films can have a reputation for being overly slick and engineered, and that doesn’t feel right to some couples. If this describes you, I just want you to know that there are other options. Documentary wedding videographers are out there, and they don’t want their wedding films to feel like movie trailers either. In fact, one of the reasons we use film in our videography is because we want wedding videos to feel like home movies than a Hollywood production.
2. They feel camera-shy. This is a totally valid feeling. Most people are not used to being in front of the camera, and I work with a lot of couples with this fear. Again, I would prioritize finding a videographer who makes you feel comfortable. Be sure to have a phone or video consult with them before booking, and be up front about your feelings about being in front of the camera. They should be able to guide you about how they typically approach weddings and speak to how they make couples feel comfortable.
3. They think video will feel too much like a production. Again – I totally get this one. And again, videography may still be a great option for you as long as you find the right fit for your needs. If you feel this way, a documentary wedding videographer with an unobtrusive approach could be better for you. For example, we never ask our couples to redo things like the first look to get a second angle, and we don’t use a ton of stabilization equipment so we can remain low-key throughout a wedding day.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Full disclosure – I am also not exactly a neutral party in this question. When I did an Instagram poll about what couples regret about their wedding day, the number one answer was not hiring a videographer. And this is actually my one major regret about my own wedding day, so I feel this personally. When you are deciding, I’ve found it can be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want to hear your vows or people’s speeches again someday? We record wedding ceremonies and toasts digitally to use in our films, and I think the audio storytelling component of video is one of the most compelling reasons to have it.
  
• Are you moved by film or video emotionally? Do you tend to cry at sad or emotional movies, or do movies mean a lot to you. If the answer to that is yes then chances are the right wedding video would also move you emotionally.
  
• Do you feel comfortable on camera? This one is still really important because even the most unobtrusive wedding videographer is still going to have some minimal equipment like cameras and lights.
  
• Would a more candid film feel more aligned with you than a super cinematic one?

There’s no right answer — just what feels true to your values and how you want to experience your wedding day again in the future.

If You Do Choose Video…

Here are a few things that help make the experience seamless:

• Find a videographer whose work feels natural and aligned with you — whether that’s documentary, vintage-inspired, or cinematic.
  
• Ask how they work on the day. Do they direct, or do they blend in?
  
• Make sure your photo and video team communicate. When they do, everything flows so much smoother — and you get better results.
  

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, whether or not you have a wedding video doesn’t make your day more or less special. It’s just another way to hold onto it.

Choose it because it resonates with you — not because someone says you should. And, as always, if you are getting married in Western Australia (or really anywhere – I love to travel haha) and you’re interested in documentary film photography or videography, please drop us a note. We would love to talk with you!