Is Hiring A Wedding Videographer Worth It?

This question has become more common in recent years, especially with TikTok and Instagram Reels influencing so many people’s lives. As you start planning your wedding, you see countless videos on WeddingTok. Is everyone hiring a videographer? Should you get one? Is it within your budget—and most importantly, is it worth it?

A quick Google search shows that wedding videography can range from around $1,000 for someone just starting out to upwards of $10,000 for luxury professionals. The good news is that there’s a videographer for every budget. It all depends on what you’re looking for and what compromises you’re willing to make. Often, our discussions focus on monetary value rather than the true value of a wedding video: the sentiment it preserves.

So, is it worth having a wedding video?

The answer to the question depends on who you are as a couple. To put it simply if you are sentimental, then yes, a wedding videographer will absolutely be worth it. To put it not so simply, a wedding video can offer you so much more than just reminiscing on your day. It acts as a time capsule that keeps the people you love alive forever. Your parents’ speech, your grandparents’ dancing, your best friends toasts. Now I can hear you through the screen “Okay but that is what I hired my photographer for?”. Photography is priceless don’t get me wrong, but it lacks two crucial things that videography offers. Sound and movement. With video you can hear the voices of those you love, the laughter, you can witness smiles form and tears drop. Video has a way of immersing you in a memory that photo alone cannot always offer.

Another overlooked benefit is the chance to see moments you may have missed on your big day. When you’re caught up in the festivities, time flies—and sometimes sprints. Whether you missed your partner’s preparation or a funny moment with friends on the dance floor, a videographer can capture these priceless experiences for you.

Will I watch it enough to make it worth it?

This question is often framed in the wrong light. Will you be watching it daily? No, of course not. You might watch it often when you first get it, but your wedding film won’t be like your favorite tv show where you have it on replay to help you study or fall asleep. It is more akin to the love notes you save from your sweetheart, the box of matches from your first date or the keychain from your first vacation together. Wedding films are meant for nostalgia, a digital keepsake for anniversaries, family gatherings, or whenever you need a reminder of that special day.

I recall one client’s story: a family member battling cancer was in the hospital during their final weeks. When the family gathered, they played the wedding video. A heartfelt speech in the video from that loved one brought everyone to tears, and the family later expressed deep gratitude for having that moment preserved. It was a reminder that some moments are simply priceless even if you don’t realize it right away.

Can’t I get my friend to just film it on their phone?

You absolutely can! It all comes down to what you want and the compromises you’re willing to accept. There’s a videographer for every budget—even a friend might do the trick. However, a professional videographer focuses on capturing every detail, handling the editing, audio, music selection, and overall flow. While a friend’s phone can capture the essentials, it may lack in audio quality, angles, color, and cohesiveness.

Alternatively, consider hiring a beginner videographer. When I started out, I filmed a few weddings for free or for about $500. Look for local talent on social media or Facebook groups; you might find someone who can deliver a beautiful video without breaking the bank.

Will I regret not getting one?

The honest answer is, maybe. Personally, I’ve always been deeply sentimental and wanted a wedding video long before I made it my career. For some families, the choice comes from a desire to preserve precious memories, while others feel that photos suffice. Ultimately, it depends on how much value you place on sentiment and capturing memories.

A wedding video means different things to different couples. I believe it’s worth a lot, though I might be biased as a professional in the field. Remember, there’s a video option for every budget if you’re resourceful.

My parting advice is to discuss it with your partner. Whether a friend’s filming is enough or a polished luxury video is ideal, the decision is yours. A wedding video is only as valuable as the meaning you assign to it.