Weddings are one of the most significant milestones in a couple’s life, and capturing those special moments in a video can be a priceless investment. But what if you’re on a budget, or you’d like to take a more hands-on approach to your wedding video? You might be tempted to go the DIY route. After all, with the rise of smartphones and accessible technology, there’s no shortage of ways to capture great footage. But before you decide to ditch the professional wedding videographer, there are some important factors to consider.
As a Michigan wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve worked with countless couples to capture their day, and while professional services can elevate your wedding film, I completely understand why some couples may choose to take on the task themselves. This guide will help you decide if DIY wedding videography is the right choice for you, provide a list of essential moments to capture, and offer gear recommendations and pro tips for getting the best results—whether you’re using an iPhone or a professional camera setup.
Should You Go DIY for Your Wedding Video? Here Are Some Things to Consider:
Your Budget: Professional wedding videography can be pricey, but it often includes years of experience, high-quality gear, and editing skills that take hours. If you're on a tight budget but still want a wedding video, DIY could save you money. The lower your budget for hiring out a videographer the higher the risk of the investment not being worth it. Thats when I would recommend the DIY route.
Your Time and Energy: Editing a wedding video can be very time-consuming. If you're not ready to dedicate hours to learning editing software or paying for professional editing services, DIY videography might not be for you. Programs I would recommend for putting together your wedding video clips would be: Adobe's Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro or Cap Cut.
Your Skills and Equipment: If you or someone you know has experience with videography, DIY might be an exciting project. But if you have no background in filming or don’t have access to the right equipment, the results may fall short of what you envision. If you love a home video style wedding video this is definietly the route you should choose! You'll have unstaged moments and audio from the day which will be fun to look back on.
The Importance of Storytelling: A professional videographer knows how to tell the story of your wedding day through creative shots, pacing, and editing. If you want a high-quality video that conveys emotion and captures key moments, hiring a professional might be the way to go.
Guest Involvement: If you’re asking friends or family to film the wedding, it’s important to consider how that might impact the experience. Will they enjoy filming, or will it take away from their ability to enjoy your day? If you don't have at least 1 person to designate as the "videographer" for the day this option wouldn't be best for you. You need someone who will remember to pick up the camera and record throughout the day or it simply won't happen.
What to Capture in Your DIY Wedding Video
Whether you’re using an iPhone or a Camera system, capturing the right moments is key. Here’s a list of essential footage you don’t want to miss:
Pre-Ceremony Prep:
Bride/Groom getting ready shots (makeup, dress, suit, shoes)
Candid moments of family and friends
Personal moments or letters exchanged between the couple
First looks between family members
Details of the venue & set up
Ceremony:
The walk down the aisle
Vows (if possible, have a secondary camera on the officiant or close-ups of the couple)
Ring exchange and first kiss
The recessional, when the couple exits
Post-Ceremony:
Newlyweds walking down the aisle together
First moments together as a married couple
Family and wedding party portraits (if you're capturing these on video)
signing the marriage license
Reception:
First dance
Speeches and toasts
Cake cutting
Guest reactions (laughter, hugs, and candid moments)
Dancing and fun moments
Any special traditions (such as bouquet toss, cake cutting, etc.)
Closing Shots:
A final shot of the couple, possibly with a sunset or fireworks (if applicable)
Closing message or a brief thank you to guests
Gear Recommendations for DIY Wedding Videography
From iPhones to professional cameras, the gear you use will directly impact the quality of your wedding video. Here’s a breakdown of what you might want to consider:
1. iPhone or Smartphone Setup
Smartphone (iPhone 15, Google Pixel, or Samsung Galaxy): Modern smartphones have incredible cameras and can shoot in 4K, which is perfect for DIY filming.
Stabilizer/Gimbal : A gimbal will help ensure smooth, cinematic shots—especially while walking or moving around. This isn't a must have but will make a difference!
External Microphone: Audio is critical, and smartphones typically lack high-quality microphones, so invest in an external mic to capture clear sound for vows, speeches, and candid moments. Recommend: Sony Recorder OR Rode Wireless Go
Lighting: A portable LED light can help brighten your shots in low-light reception areas.
Phone Carrier So it's always on you & ready to use!
Nostalgic Camcorder - The audio on this isnt great and the batteries die quickly but it is a fun, nostaligc add on!
2. Mid-Level Gear Setup
Camera: Sony ZV1 are excellent choices that offer stunning video quality with great autofocus. Protective Camera Case
Hand held tripod for easy passing of the camera amongst guests - Floor Tripod for moments like the ceremony, speeches, dances ect.
Gimbal: This isn't a must have but it will make a difference in the shakiness of the footage.
Microphone/Audio Equipment: Rode Wireless Go or Sony Recorder. Keep in mind externeal audio sources like these will need to be paired with your video with editing software. If that isn't something you can do then skip these.
Extra Batteries: Weddings can last all day, so having a backup power supply is a must.I recommend having at least 3 batteries. The more the better as the camera may be left on by accident. Have a wall charger handy to charge batteries throughout the day.
SD Cards: I would recommend at least 3 128GB cards
3. Professional Camera Setup
Camera: Sony A7iii
Lenses: Tamron 28-75mm or Sony 50mm (best option)
Gimbal Stabilization: Gimbal for flawless tracking shots.
Audio: Wireless lavalier microphones (Rode Wireless GO II) to capture clear dialogue for vows, speeches, and even guest interactions. Shotgun Microphone attaches to camera for better surround sound. Sony recorder: Can be placed near sound and picks it up really well!! *reminder most of this audio will need to be paired with the video footage in post while editing. If you have the Rode Wireless Go 2 plugged into your camera it will only pic up the sound close the Lav mic which is usually on a subject.
SD Cards: I recommend at least 6 128GB (this camera can record on 2 cards at once)
Lighting: LED light to ensure proper exposure during low-light situations. option 1 option 2
Extra Batteries: I recommend at least 3 with a wall charger handy!
If you are getting married outside in the summer where conditions may be super bright I would also recommend an ND filter which is basically sunglasses for your lens and will help with proper exposure. Make sure to get the correct ND filter size for the lens you have (look for the MM number on your lens)
Camera Settings for Wedding Videography
Setting your camera correctly is crucial to capturing great video, whether you're using an iPhone or a professional camera. Auto settings are a safe bet if you are inexperienced with this. Here are some key settings:
Frame Rate: Aim for 24 fps (frames per second) for a cinematic look. For slow-motion, try 60 fps or 120 fps, especially during dance scenes or when capturing fast movements.
Shutter Speed: The rule of thumb is to set your shutter speed at double the frame rate (e.g., 1/50 for 24 fps) to achieve natural-looking motion blur.
Aperture: A wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8 to f/2.8) creates beautiful background blur (bokeh), ideal for portraits and close-up shots.
ISO: The higher the number the "brighter" your shot will be the lower the number the "darker" your shot will be. Sunny = Low number, Dark room= High number
White Balance: Set it manually to avoid weird color shifts when moving between different lighting conditions.
Make sure to set your video to record in 4k
If DIY Isn’t for You: Questions to Ask When Hiring a Wedding Videographer
If, after reading all this, you decide that DIY wedding videography might be too overwhelming, don’t worry. Hiring a professional can relieve you of a lot of stress. Here are a few questions you should ask potential videographers to make sure you're on the same page:
What’s your experience with weddings? It’s crucial they have a proven track record of capturing weddings.
Can I see a full wedding video? Make sure their style matches what you’re envisioning.
Do you have a second shooter? Having more than one camera can provide better coverage of your wedding day.
What’s included in your package? Some videographers offer just the raw footage, while others provide a fully edited film with highlights, audio, and more.
How will you ensure high-quality sound? Ask about microphones and equipment for capturing vows and speeches.
What’s your editing process? Find out how long it will take for you to receive the final product and whether you can request edits.
Do you offer drone footage? Aerial shots can add a beautiful cinematic quality to your wedding video.
What’s the backup plan in case of equipment failure? A backup plan is essential, especially for such an important event.
Does their personality seem to be compatible with yours? They will be with you, your friends & family all day!
How do they go about working with a photographer? Do they seem like they are a team player?
What is your approach to capturing the day?
***Additional questions to ask above!
DIY wedding videography can be a rewarding and budget-friendly way to capture your big day, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re filming with an iPhone or working with professional-grade gear, being prepared and organized is key to creating a beautiful, meaningful wedding video. If you’re not up for the task, hiring a professional videographer might be the best route to ensure you have a polished, cinematic keepsake that lasts a lifetime.
If you're looking for a Michigan wedding videographer inquire HERE!
Email theunfilteredcollective@gmail.com if you have any questions I am happy to help!
Instagram: @theunfilteredcollective