What to know before you choose a wedding videographer?

We did not know Kendall and Jake before they booked us. We met them for beers to plan for their wedding day and it felt like we had been friends for years. We had so much fun at the wedding and are now doing her sister’s wedding.

A wedding film is an investment couples have to consider for their big day like so many other services. The cost of a wedding film depends on several factors. 

These factors include: where you are getting married, the level of experience of the videographer, the hours of filming coverage you are looking for, how long of a film you want, and how many videographers will be working your wedding. Just to name a few!

You may be able to find videographers offering their services for $1,000 and you will hear of luxury videographers creating wedding film collections for $15,000+.

It is important for you, as the client, to do your research on your vendors or work with an experienced planner that can help you do this. 

Image by Jessica Strickland

We always suggest finding a videographer with experience filming weddings. Weddings are very different than other shoots that photographers or videographers may work. You do not get a re-shoot. You have one day to capture all the important moments for your couple. Videographers with years of experience will also know how to conduct themselves professionally at your wedding and understand how to manage your timeline.

You will want to find a videographer that fits your style! Make sure you love their work. If you cannot find a film in their portfolio you like, chances are you are not going to love YOUR wedding film. Videographers have to be able to tell stories in film using the footage from your day, the audio from speeches, and music. While each story is unique, every videographer has their own editing style so make sure you find the style that fits your vibe.

Find someone that you know is running a legit business. Seems like a pretty obvious answer but so often people try to jump into the wedding videography industry without some important items. They may not have insurance, their own equipment, reliable second shooters, etc. which could be risky for your wedding day. Often videographers operating like this will have a very low price that might get your attention so be careful.

And finally, find someone you actually make a connection with. During the wedding planning process you will meet with different vendors to hear about the services they offer. Then you have the fun job of deciding which vendor you want to pick for each category, it can be overwhelming. So it is always a special thing when you immediately connect with the vendor. You may love their personality or the passion with which they describe the services that they offer, or maybe you connect on a personal level. Whatever it may be, having a videographer that you really like and have a great relationship with will make the wedding day and post editing delivery period even more special.