Photos freeze a moment. Video hands you back the sound of the day — your partner’s voice cracking during their vows, your dad’s speech, the roar when you’re announced into the reception. A lot of Ottawa couples tell us the wedding video is the thing they didn’t know they needed until they watched it. So let’s demystify it: the types of wedding films, what they include, and how to decide if it’s right for you.
The main types of wedding video
Not all wedding videos are the same, and the words vendors use can be confusing. Here’s the plain version:
The highlight film (3–8 minutes). The most popular choice. It’s a cinematic, music-and-audio-driven recap of your whole day, edited down to the best moments. Think of it as the movie trailer of your wedding — the one you’ll actually rewatch and send to family.
The full or documentary film (20 minutes to a few hours). A longer, more complete record — full ceremony, full speeches, sometimes the first dances start to finish. Less cinematic, but priceless if you want every word preserved. Many couples pair a highlight film with a full ceremony-and-speeches edit.
Add-ons worth knowing. Same-day edits (a short film shown at your reception), raw footage, drone coverage, and a “vows and speeches” cut are common extras that let you tailor the coverage to what you care about.
Do you actually need a wedding videographer?
Straight answer: you don’t need one — plenty of couples are perfectly happy with photos alone, and that’s completely valid. But here’s what video does that photos can’t: it captures motion, voices, and sound. If hearing your grandmother’s toast in ten years’ time makes your heart squeeze, that’s your sign. If you’re more of a “frame it on the wall” person, photos may be all you want. There’s no wrong answer, only your answer.
How much does wedding videography cost in Ottawa?
Videography generally starts higher than photography of the same length, and for good reason — it’s often more editing hours, more gear, and sometimes a two-person team. Costs vary with coverage length, the number of videographers, and the films you choose. For real numbers across both photo and video, our Ottawa pricing page breaks it down.
Should your photo and video come from the same company?
We’re a little biased here, but there’s a genuine case for it: when your photographer and videographer are one team, they’ve rehearsed the choreography of a wedding day together. Nobody’s blocking anyone’s shot, nobody’s tripping over a light stand, and you get one consistent look across both your photos and your film. It’s also usually simpler — one contract, one point of contact, one team who knows your plans. (More on that in our guide to hiring photo and video together.)
The bottom line
If there’s any part of you that wants to hear your wedding day again — not just see it — a highlight film is the sweet spot for most couples. It’s short enough to actually rewatch and rich enough to bring the whole day rushing back. And if you’d rather put every dollar into photography, that’s a perfectly good call too.
FAQ
What are the types of wedding videos?
The main ones are a short cinematic highlight film (3–8 minutes), a longer full or documentary film (full ceremony and speeches), plus add-ons like same-day edits, drone footage, and raw footage.
Do I need a wedding videographer?
You don’t need one, but video captures motion and sound — voices, vows, speeches — that photos can’t. If reliving the audio of your day matters to you, it’s worth it.
How much does wedding videography cost in Ottawa?
It usually starts higher than photography of the same coverage length because of the extra editing and gear. Cost depends on coverage, team size, and the films you choose.
Should photo and video be the same company?
It often helps — one team that’s used to working together avoids blocked shots, gives you a consistent look, and keeps planning simple with one contract and contact.
Want your Ottawa wedding captured in both photos and film, by one team who works in sync? Let’s talk — we’d love to hear what you’re planning.
