When it comes to filming weddings, every big day is different. Some brides opt for outdoor ceremonies. Others prefer the traditional church venue. And some choose to travel halfway around the world for a one-of-a-kind elopement. While every wedding is unique to the bride and groom, virtually all weddings have a common flow. This makes filming — and remembering to capture all those key shots — much easier on the videographer.
If you’re looking to break into the wedding filmmaking industry — or you already have some work under your belt — follow our “Ultimate Wedding Film Shot List” here’s a thorough wedding film shot list to ensure you’re comfortable with the wedding flow and ready for a perfect day!
Groom prep shots
As a solo shooter, I like to start with the groom prep so I can get some quick shots of the guys before devoting the rest of the morning to the bride (and more on those shots in the next installment of this series). Typically, groom prep takes no more than 15 to 30 minutes; just be ready to provide clear direction on exactly what you need action-wise from the groom and groomsmen. My main shots for groom prep include:
Getting dressed:
Capture him putting on his button down and jacket, followed by close-ups of him tying his shoes, perfecting his tie and putting on his watch.
Hanging out:
Groomsmen prep is lighthearted and fun, with the guys teasing (all in good fun!) as their buddy prepares for his big day. Whether it’s playing cards or a pre-ceremony toast, these candid moments make for great groom prep footage.
Card reading:
If your couple is interested in reading their cards on camera (lucky you!), prep is the best time to record it. To ensure your groom feels fully comfortable, ask the other guys to step out for a minute so he can read it privately for you and the photographer.
How to shoot:
For detail shots like getting dressed, use a 55mm lens to get clean close-ups like buttoning the buttons or tying shoes with a great bokeh effect. Then, use the 55mm to capture the guys candidly hanging out, and make sure to use an on-camera mic for audio of the laughter (this makes for great ambient noise). And for the card reading, stay on the 55mm with a monopod to ensure a steady shot; you’ll also want to mic the groom with a lavalier to guarantee high-quality audio. In terms of cameras, I shoot all day on two cameras: the Sony A7Sii and the Sony A7iii.
See these shots in action, as well as other must-get shots here:
Kate + Mike Wedding Highlight Film | Pen Ryn Estate | Philadelphia Wedding Video from Stephanie Vermillion Studio on Vimeo.
