Videographer or no videographer?

FH and I wanted to make sure that whichever photographer we hired also did video so we could get a packaged deal and only have to go through one person. It just depends on what they offer. Not all videographers offer 30 mins. Some are longer and some are shorter. If it's something you want and it's in your budget, I say go for it.


There might be moments you didn't think you wanted that shows up on video that you might not catch in photos. I've also seen quite a few bridds on here who said they didn't do video and don't regret their decision. That's really a personal choice.

I honestly feel it’s worth it but if you have a great photographer already then it’s not necessary to have a videographer either

My future spouse and I are having this same debate, so I'll be following this! Originally, he wanted a videographer, but he only wants the raw footage--his undergraduate degree is in video post-production and the idea of having someone else edit our wedding video is weird to him. Now he's leaning no videographer, partially because I am very particular about photographers and so am anticipating spending a lot for one I love. But now I feel we should have one and just go for the cheapest viable option! Haha.

I’m not paying for a videographer. I don’t think it’s worth that much cost. I do understand many videographers now offer much more than just a straight playback of the ceremony, many to beautiful slideshow videos as well and offer many video-editing services. I may ask a cousin if she’d be willing to video the ceremony for me, and I’ll definitely do this if it seems like we may be offering digital streaming as an option due to COVID. A tripod and a cellphone are all you really need if you just want something simple.

We did not have a videographer and don't really have regrets. We had our DOC set up a go-pro to capture our ceremony, speeches, and first dance.

We almost didn’t have one, but my dad convinced us at the last minute (and gifted it to us!) and I’m so glad he did. Our photos were amazing, but there are so many things that pictures just can’t capture. I really cherish our video. We also received all of the raw footage.

We hired a photographer who has a business with her husband, and he does the videography. We got a really good package deal! I would look into that as it will save you hundreds!

I had a videographer and am happy i did. Even writing my own vows, I forgot what I said. It’s nice to have our speeches, vows, first dance, etc all in one video.

One of my coworkers is an up and coming filmmaker, and when we got engaged, she all but demanded the right to do our videography. She offered me a price that was *ridiculously* low, because we were her first clients, and she wanted to the practice.

I know, you probably don't have that coworker. BUT, you likely have film students in your area. Contact your local film school, and see if you can find a student who'd like to try their hand at it. You'll get a good price, and maybe help start a career.

It was 150% worth it to have the video.

We’re not having one. I talked to numerous friends/family members who did hire one if they ever watch their video and the answer is almost always “no.” I don’t want to pay that much money for a video that will rarely, if ever, get watched after the first few months of having it.


That said, if it’s in your budget and important for you and FH to have it and have the option to watch it in the future (such as on anniversaries or with any future children you may have), go for it! Only you two know if the expense will be worth it for you.

Thank you ladies! This is all very helpful. I really do like the idea of having those small/big moments captured, but I also feel that my photographer can capture many of these moments. After reading all of your comments, I think I’ll just stick with just having our photographer. We are having a destination wedding(~60 guests), no bridal party, and we aren’t saying vows. I think if we were having a bigger wedding at home, having a bridal party, and if we were having a longer than 20 min ceremony, then a videographer would definitely be worth it. I’m concerned they won’t have enough footage to work with, so it probably wouldn’t be worth the money for our situation. I do like the idea of having a GoPro —I can most likely edit all of those clips together myself. Thank so much for your input!

We chose a package that offered both. And we are SO happy we did. The videographer caught moments that we truly cherish. The photographer caught the photo of our oldest son helping his little brothers tie their shoes, but the videographer caught him teaching him how to tie their shoes. The photographer caught our daughter smiling, but the videographer caught her brothers making funny faces to make her laugh.

Whether you hire a videographer or not, just make sure you make the decision wisely. Your wedding day is only one day. I don't want you regretting not hiring one after it's over.