How to Choose the Right Videographer for Your 2025 Wedding

Hello and happy wedding year! Planning is daunting, there is so much to do and so many decisions to make, vendors to book. Choosing a photographer or videographer can be hard, especially in 2025. The market is saturated, but how do I figure out who to choose? Why am I choosing this person over that person? What do all these styles mean? What should my budget be? What questions do I ask?

Well in this article, as a videographer in the wedding business, I am going to guide you to through this decision. This guide will leave you feeling like goldilocks and equip you with the confidence to book someone just right!

1. What style do I choose for my wedding film?

There are so many styles and buzz words thrown around. Documentary, storytelling, cinematic, blah blah blah. All the choices will leave your head reeling. Some people know off the bat what they want, but don’t know which style is what fits their vision. Let me break it down.

Documentary videographers tend to record your day true to how it is. The edit will usually be in chronological order, typically including audio from your day. This style is the most straight forward. Your videographer will likely be a “fly on the wall” and let everything unravel as the day goes on. Think of your parents wedding video that is still on a VHS tape! It does not have all the bells and whistles, but is lovely nonetheless and for some the perfect fit.

Cinematic videographers are the polar opposite. Videos shot in a cinematic style have all the bells and whistles. They bring lights to optimally shoot each part of your day, they’ll set up poses and staged shots so when you look back on your video you feel like a star, because in cinematic wedding videos that is exactly what you are! A star! This style is fitting for the glamorous, leos, and anyone that just loves the spotlight. Think slow motion shots, perfect lighting, it feels straight out of Hollywood. The result will be comparable to a movie, but again, now you’re the star. They are works of art and take skill in shooting and editing.

Okay… but what if I don’t want my video to be a movie, but I want more than just a straight forward documentary style?

That is where storytelling wedding videographers come in. They are that goldilocks feeling of the best of both worlds. A storytelling videographer will have more bells than a documentary videographer, but less whistles than a cinematography styled videographer. Most have a handheld approach to replicate the warmth of a home video, but their skill elevates the video in every aspect. I am personally a story telling videographer and speaking from experience I lean more towards ‘fly on the wall’, but if I see an opportunity to capture a beautiful shot I won’t hesitate to communicate the idea to my couples. Though I mainly focus on capturing moments as they happen, adapting to the day and allowing the natural joy that radiates on a wedding day lead the way. If you’re curious what I mean check this out.

2. How do I set my budget?

Typically the advice you find online is allocating 10-15% of your budget to photo and video, but there are a lot of factors to consider. I’d personally recommend considering what the value your wedding film holds in consideration over everything else. Is it a way to allow loved ones to live on forever? Do you want to show your children? Do you want to share it with a grandparent who can’t attend?

First and foremost figure out your MUST haves. Is a highlight film suitable? Do you want a full ceremony edit? Is it important for every part of your day to be captured? The more time, people and equipment required to fulfill your needs will mean more $$$. Set your expectations in accordance to your must haves.

Figure out what your priorities are and what this film will mean to you. Once you determine those things I’d recommend reaching out to 3-5 videographers in your area or videographers you admire on social media. (Most of us are more than happy to travel) Check out their website and packages, consider what is included in their base package and what is extra.

3. How many hours should I book them?

This depends on what we determined in the last question, which is your must haves.

A base package is usually 6 hours. The way you utilize those hours is up to you and what your priorities are. Is it capturing you parents and friends helping you get ready? Is it the reception where your speeches and first dances happen?

Other packages range from 8 or 10 hours to full day coverage. Again all depending on what you desire to see in the final product. Does your reception end with an incredible send off? Are you doing private vows? Is it your wish to have the day in its entirety? (Understandable considering how much effort goes into planning every last detail)

Talk with your partner and as you start to meet with videographers let them know where your priorities lie. They can guide you with recommendations based on their services.

4. What difference does having audio versus music make?

So you found a few videographers and their packages distinguish between being music only or having audio AND music. What does that mean and what difference does it make?

Quite a few base packages are music only. This will entail a short highlight film with suitable music overlayed throughout. This option may be ideal for couples who aren’t keen of recording their vows or don’t need speeches/ceremony audio.

Although I will say, audio included not only elevates the film as a whole, but brings it to life. Some things like your grandpa’s toast, the crack in your voice as you recite your vows, the laughter from your best friends. It sounds simple, but audio can act like a time machine. It allows you to relive the emotions of the day all over again. If you’re asking me, it makes all the difference in the world.

Surround yourself with people and professionals that you trust and feel comfortable with

5. How do I feel comfortable on camera for my wedding film?

The easiest way to feel comfortable on camera is to be comfortable with who is BEHIND the camera. This in my opinion is one of the most vital parts of hiring any vendor. Your wedding day should be as stress free and smooth as possible. The quickest way to achieve that is by surrounding yourself with people and professionals that you trust and feel comfortable with.

Start with a consultation call or meet for coffee. That is the easiest way to gain an initial sense of someone’s vibe. Now, I don’t have to tell you how you feel when you meet someone. You will know if their personality is a match for you and your fiancé. If it is a seemingly great fit, awesome! Take the next step towards making it official. If it isn’t a good fit, don’t feel bad for moving on. Send a simple message that you guys are grateful to have met with them, but ultimately decided on another direction. (Geez that sounds so corporate, use whatever words feels best)

6. How does pricing work? Do any wedding videographers accept payment plans?

Looking at prices the first time can sometimes come with questions of how and why?

Well, videography entails expensive cameras, equipment, mics and editing software. You aren’t paying some one hundreds of dollars an hour for just your wedding day, but rather the hours that go into editing after the fact. And usually, the hourly rate once your film is finalized is much less than you’d expect.

Price can also increase with experience of the videographer, but I am sure you know that. So lets talk about other pricing factors you may need to consider and discuss with your videographer.

You fell in love with a videographer that isn’t from your area. Ask them about their travel policy! Usually you can expect that accommodations such as gas outside of a certain range will be tacked on, flight costs and/or a hotel. This will increase your overall packages cost, but for a great videographer it is well worth it.

Now, payment plans. The deposit varies from videographer to videographer, and large payments are daunting even if it is within your planned budget. It isn’t often advertised, but if a payment plan makes you more comfortable or helps you budget just ask you videographer if that is an option! For most, it will be. Most videographers care more about making your life easier than having a huge chunk of cash. Ask them if they are flexible and what arrangements can be made.

7. How do I know they’ll be a good fit with my other vendors?

This question ties back into question #5, but honestly the people you hire for your wedding are professionals. Their coworkers may just be new at each job. Similar to how you are respectful at your workplace to your colleagues, vendors are to each other.

And circling back to question five, if they are a good fit with you they are most likely a good fit with the others. Trust yourself and your judgement, everything will work out!