Should I Get Wedding Videography? 11 Reasons the Answer Is Yes

You know which wedding vendors you can't live without (bartenders, a DJ and a caterer––to name a few), but there's one you're questioning on your vendor checklist. You've hired your photographer, but now you're left wondering "Should I get wedding videography?" Some couples toy with adding this particular vendor, assuming it's an unnecessary cost, but we know it's worth it. Having a professional wedding videographer on the scene ensures you'll get all the details from your day—wrapped up in one (or multiple) sweet videos you can treasure for years to come. If you're still not sold on the idea, read 11 reasons why having a wedding videographer at your wedding is a good choice.

1. Your wedding video will be a special keepsake.

"Wedding videographers capture laughter, excitement and heartfelt speeches on the wedding day. The combination of the imagery with sound and movement immortalizes the atmosphere and emotions of the wedding day," Mary Angelini, experienced wedding videographer and founder of Key Moment Films, says. Who doesn't love souvenirs from a beautiful moment shared with loved ones? By having a videographer at your wedding, you and your spouse can watch your wedding and fully immerse yourselves in the day as if it's happening for the first time.

2. You'll get a playback of your wedding vows.

For those wondering if a wedding videographer is worth it, there are

plenty of couples who'll tell you it is solely for listening back to your wedding vows. "A professional videographer is dedicated to capturing the exchange of vows so that the promises can be cherished and rewatched over and over again. It's the videographer's job to ensure the key moments are preserved. A wedding video brings to life the emotion in your voices that captures the essence of your commitment to each other," Angelini explains.

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3. You'll see the moments you and your partner weren't there for.

Yes, your photographer will get posed and candid shots and there'll be a video shot list in your videography contract, but your videographer will catch the special instances you probably didn't think to ask for. "The videographer will capture moments the couple can't be present for. The couple likely won't see each other getting dressed, the guests meeting during cocktail hour or everyone's reaction to their first dance. The videographer can capture the moments they wouldn't be present to experience themselves," Kevin Cochran, owner of 718 Creative with years of wedding video experience, tells us.

4. The wedding video will capture all the audio of the day.

A substantial reason why you need a videographer for a wedding? Video captures audible moments, such as your sibling's tearful words of wisdom before the ceremony, your parent's reaction to seeing you in your outfit or your cousin's laugh as they dance with your grandparent. These are the memories you'll appreciate long after your wedding day, and a video will preserve them forever. Video can also capture important reception moments, such as toasts and songs for you to share with your family in the future.

5. Your wedding video can be a family heirloom.

"Is a wedding video worth it" or "Should we have a wedding video" are probably your top questions right now. Angelini believes to-be-weds should think about the video's historical value. "Preserving a piece of family history by having your wedding professionally filmed should be seriously considered—even if you're not interested in sharing a highlight reel with your friends and family. Most couples find that watching their wedding video becomes a tradition to enjoy on anniversaries and other family gatherings. The value of a wedding video becomes much more cherished over time and family members age and pass away. When a couple has a wedding video that captures the couple, family members, friends and cultural traditions—which may change or evolve—it becomes invaluable."

6. You can experiment with your wedding video length.

Forget the idea of a wedding video that plays like a boring slideshow. Nowadays, wedding video packages can include highlights of the big day all in a short clip. Also, same-day edits are one of the hottest wedding video trends, meaning your videographer will capture the best moments from the getting-ready process to the reception so you can look at them on the way to your honeymoon. (Of course, this will be for an additional fee because of the quick turnaround. Check out the average wedding videographer cost to see if you can fit the service into your budget.)

7. Your wedding video style can match your theme.

Not all wedding videos are created equal. There are numerous wedding video styles to choose from that can complement your wedding theme. For example, if your event will be over the top and glamorous, you'll probably want a cinematic editing style. Once you find the right look and vendor for you, Kate Rudloff, passionate videographer and cofounder of A Final Take Films, wants couples to remember to invest wisely. "Video should be considered a top priority alongside photography when planning your wedding. Extensive work goes into video production, including equipment, music selection, editing and color correction, all to create the perfect film. Be sure to allocate a sufficient budget for videography to ensure you capture your special day in the best way possible."

8. You might regret not having a videographer later.

If "Is a videographer worth it for a wedding?" was ever on your mind, listen to what newlyweds and pros have to say. According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, 39% of couples hired a wedding videographer, while 19% said not booking a videographer was one of their top wedding regrets. "I sincerely believe wedding videography is the only thing you don't realize you want until your wedding day is over. It's also the only thing that can't be redone. You can retake photos, renew your vows, have your decor remade and more but you can't remake the real emotion, voices and moments video captures. It's an absolute essential," Kelly LaFleur, award-winning videographer and owner of K. LaFleur Films, says.

9. You won't be anxious about not remembering everything.

"A wedding videographer frees up the couple to fully experience the wedding day. When a professional videographer is there to document the experience, the couple no longer needs to worry about forgetting it. They can fully enjoy the moment and focus on the people around them, knowing the experience will be captured and preserved," Cochran says.

10. They'll work as a team with your photographer.

One of the top questions to ask a videographer is how they work with other vendors on and before the wedding day since their method can exponentially add to or decrease your visual experience after the big day. "Wedding videographers must coordinate with your vendors during preproduction and on the wedding day. They must have good communication while working alongside your photographer and wedding planner to ensure a smooth flow of events and avoid conflicting schedules. Being a team player is key no matter who the wedding videographer encounters," Angelini explains.

Once you've answered the question, "Should I get wedding videography?" learn how to find a videographer. You can search for someone who can collaborate with your photographer on The Knot Vendor Marketplace after entering your marrying location and using the helpful filters to narrow down results.

11. You can easily share your wedding video with others.

With tech advancing more and more every day, there are numerous ways a videographer can send you the finished product. (Yes, tapes and DVDs are a thing of the past.) Now, videographers can upload the video to YouTube and Vimeo, send it to you through Dropbox or have it already in a shortened format so you can post it to your social media with ease. All these ways allow you to send your video to others quicker than ever so you and your loved ones can reminisce about the wedding as soon as possible.