Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—and how it’s captured on video should reflect your love story. From cinematic storytelling to fun documentary vibes, wedding videography has evolved far beyond traditional filming. But with so many styles to choose from, how do you decide what’s best for you?
Whether you’re planning an elegant black-tie affair or a laid-back beach ceremony, this guide will walk you through the top 10 wedding videography styles—so you can find the one that fits your vision, personality, and vibe.
1. Cinematic Style
Cinematic videography uses artistic camera angles, professional editing, slow motion, and emotional music to create a film-like experience. It’s perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like a romantic movie.
Best for: Formal weddings, luxury events, or couples who want a dramatic, emotional film.
2. Documentary Style
This style focuses on capturing events as they happen, with minimal direction or posing. It includes real-time audio, full ceremony coverage, and interviews or voiceovers for added depth.
Best for: Couples who want to relive their wedding day authentically, moment by moment.
3. Traditional Style
Traditional videography includes steady shots, long takes, and minimal editing. It often covers the full ceremony and reception, documenting everything from vows to speeches in chronological order.
Best for: Couples who want a simple, straightforward record of the day without too much flair.
4. Storytelling Style
This approach combines footage from the wedding with personal touches like voiceovers, letters, vows, or interviews. The focus is on building an emotional narrative that highlights your journey together.
Best for: Romantic souls who want a deeply personal wedding film.
5. Highlight Reel
A highlight reel is a 3–7-minute video summarizing the best moments of your big day. Think smiles, kisses, dances, and happy tears—all beautifully edited to music.
Best for: Social media sharing, destination weddings, or couples who want a quick recap without watching hours of footage.
6. Music-Driven Montage
This style leans heavily on music, using rhythm and transitions to drive the mood. It often skips traditional audio like vows or speeches and focuses on visual storytelling set to a carefully chosen soundtrack.
Best for: Fun-loving couples or music enthusiasts who want a visually captivating video.
7. Aerial/Drone Videography
Drone footage adds a wow factor, capturing stunning overhead shots of your venue, ceremony, or couple portraits. It brings a dynamic, cinematic feel to any video.
Best for: Outdoor weddings, destination events, or couples with scenic venues.
8. Same-Day Edit (SDE)
An SDE is a short highlight video filmed, edited, and played on the same day—usually during the reception. It’s a crowd favorite and gives your guests a chance to relive earlier moments that happened just hours ago.
Best for: High-energy events and couples who want to impress their guests.
9. Vintage/Retro Style
Shot with filters, grainy overlays, or even Super 8 film, this nostalgic style brings a timeless aesthetic to your wedding film. It can include muted tones, film burns, and a slightly slower pace.
Best for: Boho, indie, or vintage-themed weddings with a touch of whimsy.
10. Vlog Style / POV Perspective
A newer trend where the wedding is captured in a more casual, behind-the-scenes way—often incorporating handheld footage, voice notes, guest interviews, and spontaneous moments.
Best for: Laid-back weddings, elopements, or couples who want a fun and candid feel.
Bonus Tip: Mix and Match Styles
The best part? You don’t have to stick to just one style. Many professional wedding videographers combine elements to create a custom video that reflects your personality and priorities.
For example:
- A cinematic highlight + documentary ceremony
- A storytelling edit + aerial footage
- A traditional video + fun behind-the-scenes vlog
Let your videographer know what speaks to you, and they can craft something truly one-of-a-kind.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding video is more than a keepsake—it’s your story told through motion, emotion, and artistry. By choosing a style that resonates with your relationship, you’ll end up with a film that feels just right—something you’ll treasure for decades to come.