When it comes to your wedding video, one of the first questions you’ll face is, “How long should it be?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples prefer a quick highlight to share on social media, while others want a full, immersive experience of their day. Based on my years of experience, I’ve worked with couples across Melbourne—from intimate elopements to grand celebrations—and I’ve seen firsthand how video length can impact both the story and the memories. Let’s walk through the different video formats and help you choose what will work best for your wedding day.
The Surprising Range of Wedding Video Lengths
Short Clips: Wedding Teasers and Trailers
When it comes to wedding videos, one of the first things you’ll likely see is a teaser or trailer. These are the perfect way to get a quick glimpse of the magic without sitting through a full-length edit. Think of them as the sneak peek of your big day.
- Teasers are typically under 1 minute—just a quick, emotional snippet of key moments.
- Sometimes, they can extend to 2-3 minutes—enough to get a feel for the atmosphere without giving too much away.
- These are perfect for sharing on social media or with close family and friends while waiting for the full video.
I remember when we received our teaser just days after our wedding at Vogue Ballroom. It was only a minute long, but it captured our first dance, the vows, and a beautiful drone shot of the venue. It had us on the edge of our seats, waiting for the full thing. It’s a great way to tease your audience and get them excited!
Wedding Highlight Films: The Perfect Short Story
The highlight film is a fan favourite. These are typically short, dynamic, and capture the best moments of your day. It’s like a highlight reel but for your wedding, and it’s one of the most common choices.
- Wedding Highlight Video typically lasts 2-6 minutes—a perfect length for social media.
- Some couples opt for a longer Wedding Cinematic Video that stretches to 8-10 minutes, adding more depth to the story.
- If you’re after something a bit more immersive, some videographers offer an extended version, up to 15-20 minutes.
A couple I worked with last year from South Yarra had an extended highlight video at 12 minutes. It included moments like their Wedding Reception Video and first look, paired with a beautiful soundtrack. The video was dynamic but long enough to capture the essence of their day without losing the viewer’s attention.
From Highlights to Full-Length Films: Choosing the Right Format
Extended Highlights vs Full Wedding Day Coverage
Wedding videos can be as detailed as you want. If you’re after something that captures all the moments—right from the bridal prep to the last dance—you might want to go for a full-length documentary edit.
- Full Wedding Day Videos: 30 to 90 minutes that cover every detail, including the Wedding Ceremony Video, speeches, dances, and more.
- Perfect for couples who want a comprehensive account of their day, with no moment left out.
- Ideal for those with a larger guest list or more complex events, like multiple rituals or a Wedding Video with Interviews.
On the other hand, some couples prefer the succinctness of a Wedding Highlight Film. For example, one couple I worked with in Melbourne had a full-length video for their traditional church wedding, but their Wedding Reception Video was edited into a beautiful 10-minute cinematic piece—just enough to capture the atmosphere and energy of the night.
Feature Films: Telling Your Wedding Story Cinematically
If you’re looking to invest in a wedding video that tells your story like a cinematic movie, a feature film is the way to go. These can be edited into longer formats, usually ranging from 16 to 30 minutes, or sometimes even up to 60 minutes, capturing all the emotions and grandeur of your big day.
- Feature Films: Between 16-30 minutes for a more immersive, cinematic experience.
- These films often include drone shots, slow-motion footage, and multiple angles for a rich, engaging narrative.
- Popular among couples who want a Wedding Video Storytelling experience.
A memorable wedding I filmed at a vineyard in the Yarra Valley featured a Wedding Cinematic Video that was 25 minutes long. It wasn’t just about showing the wedding—it was about telling their journey. It included stunning drone shots, slow-motion first dances, and candid interviews with their loved ones, making it feel like a wedding documentary that could stand up to any movie. It was truly special, and the couple loved it.
Factors Influencing the Length of Your Wedding Video
Personal Preferences and Wedding Style
Every couple has a unique vision for their wedding video, and the length often reflects that. What do you want to see in your video? Whether you’re after a Wedding Video for Same-Sex Weddings, a Destination Wedding Video, or something more intimate, your video length should match your wedding style.
- Decide on whether you want a short, snappy highlight or a more detailed, full-length film.
- A simple elopement or small wedding might only need a 5-minute highlight film, while larger, traditional weddings could call for a documentary-style video.
- Having a conversation with your videographer early on will help them understand your vision and deliver a video that suits your expectations.
A couple I worked with in the Melbourne CBD wanted a simple but elegant video for their Wedding for an Elopement. They chose a Wedding Video with Music and a Wedding Video for the Bridal Party, which were condensed into a 10-minute cinematic video that captured the emotions without feeling rushed.
Events and Moments You Want Captured
The length of your wedding video also depends on how many moments you want captured. If you want everything from the getting-ready shots to the cake-cutting, the video will naturally be longer.
- Essential moments like vows, the first dance, and speeches can take up more time, adding to the video’s length.
- A couple who opts for a Wedding Video Time-lapse might need less time for editing, as it’s more about capturing the essence of the day in a creative way.
- A full wedding day video will likely include multiple aspects like bridal preparations, the ceremony, speeches, and dancing.
For example, one of my clients who had a larger wedding in Geelong requested a comprehensive Wedding Video for the Bridal Party, including a Wedding Reception Video and a Wedding Video for Same-Sex Weddings. Their Full Wedding Day Video came out to about 90 minutes, covering every key moment. They wanted to relive the full experience, including the pre-ceremony jitters and speeches that made the day so special.
The Role of Videography Equipment and Editing
The quality of the equipment used and the editing process also play a role in determining the final video length. More cameras, multiple angles, and the use of special techniques like Wedding Drone Video or Wedding Video Editing can increase the length of your final product, as these elements require extra editing time.
- Drone footage, slow-motion shots, and multiple cameras add complexity and length to the video.
- More detailed editing and effects (like Wedding Video for Same-Day Edit or Wedding Video with Voiceover) can also extend the final cut.
For instance, during my own wedding, we had a drone filming us during the ceremony at Vogue Ballroom. Those aerial shots added stunning views of the venue, but they also required additional editing. It made for a beautiful video, but also added time to the final product.
Extended Highlights vs Full Wedding Day Coverage
When you’re deciding on the length of your wedding video, it’s important to consider how much you want captured. For some couples, the idea of sitting through hours of footage might seem a bit much, while others want every detail preserved. That’s where extended highlights and full-length coverage come in.
- Extended Highlights: These typically run 6-10 minutes, offering a good balance of capturing key moments, like your vows, first dance, and the reception, without overwhelming the viewer.
- Full Wedding Day Coverage: A comprehensive video that spans 30-90 minutes, covering the entire ceremony, speeches, dances, and even behind-the-scenes moments.
For a couple I worked with from Brisbane, they chose a Full Wedding Day Video that captured every moment from start to finish. Their wedding was at a gorgeous, sprawling venue with multiple locations, so they wanted to make sure they had the Wedding Video Coverage to reflect that. Their video ended up being 70 minutes long, but it was meticulously edited, so it didn’t feel too long, just enough to encapsulate the emotion and beauty of their day.
Feature Films: Telling Your Wedding Story Cinematically
A feature film is the ultimate wedding video experience. If you want to relive every moment and experience it like a story, this style is for you. Imagine watching a Wedding Cinematic Video that feels more like a mini-movie, with smooth transitions, slow-motion footage, and even candid interviews.
- Feature Films: Usually between 16-30 minutes long, these videos include cinematic shots, music, and sometimes interviews with friends and family.
- This style offers a deep, emotional experience, perfect for couples who want to share the entire journey of their wedding day.
I had the pleasure of working with a couple who decided on a Wedding Cinematic Video for their reception at Vogue Ballroom. Their video was just over 20 minutes, and it told their story beautifully. The videographer used dramatic drone shots, slow-motion footage of their first dance, and clips from their speeches. The end result was a video that had all their friends and family watching again and again, reliving the most special day of their lives.
Factors Influencing the Length of Your Wedding Video
Personal Preferences and Wedding Style
One of the biggest factors in determining your wedding video length is your personal preference. Are you a couple who wants just the highlights, or do you want every single moment captured? The style and vibe of your wedding play a huge role in this decision.
- If you’re having a destination wedding, you might want a longer video to showcase the beauty of the location.
- A more intimate affair, like an elopement or small wedding, may not need an hour-long video.
- The video length should align with your overall vision. If you’re into the idea of a Wedding Video for Same-Sex Weddings or a Wedding Video for LGBTQ Weddings, you might prefer something that’s more cinematic and personal.
For a couple from Hobart who were eloping to a secluded beach, we created a beautiful Wedding Video for Elopement that was just 8 minutes long. We captured their vows, a few scenic shots, and intimate moments with their family. They didn’t need a 30-minute film—they wanted something personal and succinct that captured the essence of their love.
Events and Moments You Want Captured
What do you want in your wedding video? Do you want to capture the entire ceremony, speeches, and the first dance? Or would you prefer a Wedding Video Time-lapse of the entire day, offering a condensed version of the big moments?
- If you’re after a detailed video, make sure the videographer knows which moments you want to include. This could range from getting ready shots to first looks, cake cutting, or even a Wedding Video with Voiceover to add a personal touch.
- A larger guest list means more people to capture, leading to a longer video. Similarly, if your wedding includes several different events, such as a traditional ceremony or speeches from multiple people, you’ll need more footage.
One couple I worked with in Melbourne had an extended family wedding with over 150 guests. Their Wedding Video for the Bridal Party was crucial to capture their loved ones’ reactions, and the entire video ended up being 85 minutes long. The videographer made sure to include everyone, from the vows to the speeches and all the special moments in between. It was a long video, but it was worth it to give the couple that complete, detailed experience.
The Role of Videography Equipment and Editing
The type of equipment and editing style can affect the final length of your wedding video as well. More complex shots like drone footage or slow-motion sequences require extra time during filming and editing.
- Drone footage: Capturing aerial shots adds both beauty and time to your wedding video.
- Multiple cameras: If you’re using multiple angles to capture every detail, expect a longer video due to the editing time required.
- Wedding Video Editing: Editing takes a lot of time, especially if you’re adding personal touches like music, voiceovers, or unique transitions.
For my own wedding at Vogue Ballroom, we used a drone to capture the venue from above. The edit took a little longer than expected because those shots were not only breathtaking but also required more time to process and sync with the rest of the footage. If you’re considering a Wedding Drone Video, remember it’ll require more time for the videographer to make everything flow smoothly.
Wedding Video Cost and Time: Understanding Your Investment
How the Length of Your Video Affects Pricing
Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous side of wedding videography: cost. The longer your video, the more it will typically cost. This is because the videographer will spend more time filming and editing.
- Shorter wedding videos (like highlights or teaser films) are usually more affordable.
- Full-length films or Wedding Video Packages that cover the entire day will be more expensive due to the increased filming and editing hours.
For example, a couple I worked with last summer from Geelong opted for a full-length Wedding Video for Same-Sex Weddings, which was around 90 minutes long. Their video included everything—from the ceremony to speeches, the reception, and family interviews. The cost was higher, but they wanted every detail captured, and the videographer spent more time editing to create a beautiful narrative.
Typical Turnaround Times for Wedding Videography
A crucial part of the wedding video process is waiting. Once the big day is over, you might be excited to see your video, but how long will it take to receive it?
- Typical turnaround: Wedding videos generally take 2-3 months to complete, but this can vary depending on the season and the videographer’s backlog.
- If you’re getting married during peak season (like spring or summer), expect longer wait times.
- Some videographers may offer sneak peeks—a short 1-3 minute clip—to tide you over while the full video is being edited.
For the couple I worked with from Sydney, their Wedding Video for Destination Weddings was filmed in Bali. Due to the travel and extra editing (with drone footage and interviews), their final video was delivered within 12 weeks. While the wait felt long, they were thrilled with the result. Just be prepared for a wait, and make sure to communicate expectations with your videographer upfront.
Making the Most of Your Wedding Video: Tips for Couples
Clear Communication for a Video that Reflects Your Day
To make sure your wedding video is exactly what you’ve dreamed of, clear communication with your videographer is essential. You’ve spent months planning your big day, so it’s important to communicate what moments matter most to you, your family, and your guests.
- Discuss the key moments you want captured: the vows, first dance, speeches, and any other special rituals.
- If there’s a certain style of video you like—whether it’s cinematic, documentary, or highlight-based—let your videographer know early.
- Be open about your preferences: do you want a Wedding Video with Voiceover, or perhaps a Wedding Video with Music to set the mood?
For a couple I worked with from Brighton, they were very specific about capturing the reactions of their parents during the ceremony. They wanted a Wedding Video for the Bridal Party that highlighted those personal moments. Their videographer worked with them to create a dynamic video that included both wide shots and intimate close-ups, resulting in a 12-minute highlight video that was everything they wanted.
What Should Be in Your Wedding Video?
Another key point in the planning process is deciding what moments you want included in your wedding video. Do you want the getting-ready shots, the first look, or just the core parts of the ceremony and reception? Knowing exactly what to ask for will ensure your videographer doesn’t miss anything important.
- If you want a Wedding Video for an Elopement, it’s likely that a 5-minute film will suffice, focusing on the vows and first kiss.
- A Wedding Video Time-lapse is a fun option if you want to condense the day into a few fast-paced minutes, showing the progression of time.
- For a Wedding Video for Same-Sex Weddings, including interviews with friends and family can add a personal, emotional touch to the video.
In my own wedding, we were keen to include the entire ceremony but wanted to keep the reception simple, focusing mainly on the speeches and our first dance. The videographer worked with us to ensure the video stayed under 10 minutes, capturing everything we wanted but still keeping it concise and engaging.
Consider Your Budget: Length and Cost of Wedding Videos
A common question that couples ask is, “How does the length of the video affect the cost?” Generally, the longer the video, the higher the price due to the additional filming and editing time.
- Shorter videos are typically less expensive as they require fewer hours of editing and filming.
- Longer videos often involve a higher price tag due to extra editing, multiple camera setups, and additional filming time.
For example, a couple I worked with from Fitzroy chose a 5-minute highlight video, which was much more affordable than the full-length Wedding Video for Destination Weddings they initially considered. By opting for a shorter edit, they were able to invest in Wedding Drone Video and a few extra camera angles, ensuring a unique video without breaking the bank.
Make sure you have a clear budget in mind before discussing lengths with your videographer. It will help manage expectations around both the cost and the video length that suits your needs.
Common Wedding Video Formats: Which One Is Right For You?
Wedding Video for Different-Sized Weddings
The size of your wedding plays a big part in deciding how long your video should be. Larger weddings with more guests and multiple events naturally require longer videos to capture all the special moments. Smaller, more intimate weddings can get away with a shorter highlight film.
- Large Weddings: Expect a longer video to capture the extra moments from the ceremony, reception, and guest interactions.
- Small Weddings: A more intimate film, perhaps just a Wedding Video for Elopement, can keep the length manageable, focusing on the key moments and intimate details.
- Destination Weddings: These often require a bit more time to capture the venue, location, and the entire experience. Wedding Video for Destination Weddings can range from a simple highlight to a more extended cinematic piece.
I worked with a couple from Perth who had a large wedding in a stunning winery. Their Wedding Video for Large Weddings was 25 minutes long, beautifully capturing the essence of the venue, the speeches, and all the fun moments with family and friends. It felt like a mini-movie, showcasing not just the couple’s love but also the atmosphere of the entire event.
Customising Your Wedding Video
One of the most appealing aspects of wedding videography is the customisation available. You can opt for specific elements like Wedding Video for Bridal Party, drone footage, or interviews to add a personal touch. These custom elements can impact the final video length and overall feel.
- Personal Interviews: Including clips from your loved ones can increase video length, but adds deep emotional value.
- Drone Footage: Aerial shots can turn a 10-minute film into something truly spectacular, adding both visual interest and editing time.
- Voiceovers or Music: These elements can also extend the length and affect the mood of the video.
For a couple I worked with from Brisbane, they opted for a Wedding Video with Interviews and a Wedding Drone Video. Their video was 15 minutes long, with an uplifting soundtrack and beautiful aerial shots of their beach wedding. It felt cinematic and personal, striking the perfect balance between length and emotional impact.
Crafting the Perfect Wedding Video Length for You
When choosing the right length for your wedding video, the most important factor is ensuring it aligns with your personal vision. Do you want a quick, exciting highlight? Or do you prefer a full documentary of your day? The options are endless, and with clear communication with your videographer, you can create a wedding video that captures your love story just the way you envision it.
Remember:
- Shorter videos are perfect for social media and quick highlights.
- Longer videos provide a full, immersive experience of your day.
- Customisation and extra elements like interviews, drone footage, and music can extend the length but add a unique touch.
- The length also impacts cost, so plan your budget accordingly.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a wedding video that you’ll cherish forever.
Key Takeaways:
- Wedding video lengths can range from 2 minutes (teaser) to 90 minutes (full documentary).
- Consider your wedding size, style, and budget when deciding on the length.
- Customised videos with drone footage or interviews will take longer to edit and increase costs.
- Clear communication with your videographer will help you get the video you envision.
- Always plan for turnaround times and expect 2-3 months for the final video.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
Choosing the right length for your wedding video depends on your style, budget, and the moments you want to capture. Common options include short highlight films (2-6 minutes), cinematic feature films (16-30 minutes), and full-length documentaries (30-90 minutes). Key factors influencing length include your wedding size, desired coverage, and customisation requests, such as drone footage or interviews. Clear communication with your videographer is essential to ensure your video matches your vision. The length also impacts cost and turnaround times, which can range from 6 weeks to 3 months. The final choice should reflect the way you want to relive your special day.
