The Different Types and Styles of Wedding Videography

Jun 24

Finding the Right Fit for your Story

When you think about hiring a wedding videographer, you might assume they all produce the same type of video—just someone with a camera capturing the day. But in reality, wedding videography is an art form, and every videographer brings a unique style and creative approach to the table.

Just like photographers have different editing tones and ways of framing their work, wedding videographers each tell your story in their own voice. That’s why understanding the different styles of wedding videography is key to choosing a videographer who resonates with your personality and vision. Let’s explore some of the most common styles you’ll come across:

1. Cinematic Style

This is one of the most popular styles today. Cinematic wedding films feel like a movie trailer—emotional, visually dramatic, and artfully edited. They often use slow motion, music, natural audio (like vows and speeches), and storytelling techniques to create a short film that captures the emotion and energy of the day. Think sweeping drone shots, lens flares, and a carefully curated soundtrack.

Best For: Couples who want their wedding day to feel like a timeless love story on screen.

2. Documentary or Journalistic Style

This style is all about authenticity. Documentary-style videography captures the wedding day exactly as it happens, with minimal direction or staging. It typically includes full ceremony and speech coverage and follows the real timeline of the day.

Best For: Couples who want an honest, start-to-finish retelling of their wedding with a focus on real moments and raw emotion.

3. Highlight Film

This is a short, 3–10 minute edit that summarizes the best parts of the wedding day. It’s often a blend of cinematic and documentary styles and is perfect for sharing online or reliving the magic without sitting through an hour-long video.

Best For: Couples who want a shareable, emotional recap of their day that captures all the key moments.

4. Story-Driven Style

Story-driven films focus heavily on voiceovers, such as vows, letters, or toasts, to guide the narrative. The visuals are paired with audio that adds depth and context to the relationship and the day. It’s common to integrate footage taken from the couple or family members to compliment the story. It’s less about the event itself and more about the why behind it.

Best For: Couples who want to tell a deeper story through their wedding film, highlighting their love, values, and journey.

5. Music Video Style

This style uses music as the central storytelling element. It’s fast-paced, fun, and focuses on energy and visuals rather than audio from the day. There may be little or no speaking, just powerful moments cut to the rhythm of a song.

Best For: Couples who want a high-energy, stylish, and modern wedding film.

Final Thoughts

Each videographer has a distinct way of seeing and capturing your wedding day. That’s why it’s important to watch several examples of their work and ask yourself how you feel while watching them. Does it move you? Do you see yourself in the story?

Choosing a wedding videographer isn’t just about hiring someone with a camera—it’s about trusting an artist to tell your love story in a way that feels true to you.

Not sure what style fits you best? I’d be happy to chat and help guide you toward a film that you’ll want to watch for years to come.