Wedding videography – The Emotional Impact of Audio in Film
I always aim to gather as much audio as possible throughout your wedding day, even though I may only use small snippets in the final film. Having a wide range of recordings gives me the flexibility to choose the moments that best tell your story and highlight the emotion of the day. I’ll take advantage of every opportunity, whether it’s the most convenient option in the moment or something more carefully planned in advance. The greater the variety of voices, sounds, and emotions I can capture, the richer and more personalised your wedding film will become.
Below are just a few ideas to spark inspiration, but I’m always open to your own suggestions. Whether it’s a private letter reading, a favourite poem, a message recorded by a loved one, or simply the natural sound of the day unfolding, all of these elements can help bring your film to life in a truly unique way.
“Long after the confetti settles, audio brings your story back to life.”
Pre-wedding day shoots
Film a message to each
These are always so much fun! I get some great footage of shocked family and friends who have been tricked into thinking they’re going to party, only to find out they’re actually at a wedding! For a surprise wedding film, I can start with pre-wedding interviews where they share their amazing love story and explain why they’ve decided to surprise their loved ones. I can also film all the preparation for the big day. And, of course, I capture the big reveal when everyone realises they’re at the wedding, followed by the celebrations afterwards. I love being part of these surprise weddings.
Engagement video
An engagement video shoot is a wonderful way to capture your story before the wedding day. This can take place at a location that’s meaningful to you—whether it’s your favourite beach, a cosy afternoon at home, or an activity you love doing together. It’s a chance to celebrate your connection in a relaxed, natural setting, without the time pressures of the wedding itself. The film can stand alone as a beautiful keepsake or be woven into your main wedding highlight film, adding depth and personality. It’s your story, your way—authentic, heartfelt, and completely unique to you.
A save-the-date film
A save-the-date film is a video that announces your wedding date. You could post it on social media to announce your engagement or set the wedding date. There’s a lot of scope for creativity here. You could film you doing something you love together, like cooking, walking on the beach, hiking, or dancing. Whatever it is, it should be authentically you. This could be a standalone film, like . Alternatively, you could incorporate it into your wedding film.
On the day of the wedding
Reading Vows
The most common way I get audio for a wedding film is to have the couple read their vows over the footage. This creates beautiful and sometimes tear-jerking moments. There are several ways to do this:
- Write individual vows, but also incorporate a verse where you say the same thing at the same time, like Kristin and Patrick.
- Make them more fun and even rhyme,
- Forget that people are in the crowd and make them personal. Reminisce on your journey and share some personal stories. Just make sure they’re not one or two lines long.
- ell the story of how you met. I can use these words to film a lovely background story
- Bring out your inner cupid and write very romantic wedding vows,
- We can also use the celebrated words.
The Interview
I love this method of getting audio for a wedding film I have a specific process to get the best result. Be aware though it involves doing some homework! I will give you 10 questions but only need to only two or three. The important thing is that your answers tell stories that show your love and what makes you both tick as a couple. You’ll answer the same questions separately on the day so I can get a different perspective of the same story.
Speeches
Wedding speeches can be a beautiful way to share your story from the perspective of family and friends. Some are heartfelt, funny, and deeply meaningful—perfect for weaving into a film. But speeches can also vary a lot in quality, and we can’t always rely on them to provide the kind of audio that truly elevates your story. That’s why I treat speeches as a bonus rather than the foundation. They’re wonderful when they work, but your vows, candid moments, and personal recordings are the audio that will really bring your wedding film to life.
“And sometimes, when a speech is truly special, I’ll create a mini film centred entirely around that story. I like to call these legendary wedding speeches.”
Love Letters
The second most popular way to capture audio on a wedding day is through exchanging personal letters. Reading aloud the words you’ve written to each other adds an intimate and heartfelt layer to your film. Couples often do this in the morning, before getting dressed, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere. In some cases a ceremony itself usually requires you to stick to the legal vows, letters are a beautiful way to share something deeply personal in your own words.
In the end, it’s not just about recording a wedding day, it’s about preserving the words, laughter, and emotions that make it truly yours. Clear audio lets you relive the vows, hear the joy in the speeches, and catch those little moments you might have missed in the rush of the day. When paired with beautiful visuals, it turns your wedding film into a timeless memory you’ll treasure for a lifetime
