Maine & New Hampshire Wedding Photographer // To Video or Not to Video: The Real Talk on Hiring a Wedding Videographer

By someone who’s 100% Team “Let’s Work Together and Not Be Weird About It”

One of the questions I get asked constantly by couples is:
“Should we hire a videographer for our wedding?”

And listen, I’m a photographer. A very loyal, diehard lover of still moments. Freeze a tear mid-fall? I’m your girl. That said—I’m absolutely not going to sit here and pretend that video isn’t incredibly powerful. Because it is. There is something so damn special about hearing your vows, your best friend's speech, or your dad's voice cracking when he gives you away. That kind of memory hits different. And I’m not here to gatekeep the good stuff.

So let’s break it down. Here are the pros and cons of hiring a videographer, from the perspective of a wedding photographer who isn’t bitter about sharing the spotlight.

The Pros

1. You Get to Hear Your Day, Not Just See It
Photos are great (obviously—I’ll die on that hill). But video? It lets you hear your vows. The way your partner’s voice shakes. Your niece's giggle. Your grandma’s sweet laugh during toasts. It adds an emotional layer that you just can’t get with still images.

2. Movement Adds a Whole New Layer
The way your dress flowed, your partner nervously fidgeting with their hands, that full-body happy dance you did walking back down the aisle—it’s all brought to life with video. It’s like watching the best rom-com of all time. Starring YOU.

3. Great for People Who Couldn’t Be There
Whether someone couldn’t travel or life just got in the way, video helps them feel like they were part of it. (Bonus points if you do a short highlight reel you can text to your grandma.)

4. You Might Miss a Lot—Video Brings It Back
Trust me, your wedding day is gonna go FAST. Like, blink-and-it’s-over fast. Video helps fill in the blanks. The ceremony from the guest view, the cocktail hour you barely touched, your friends’ dance moves you didn’t witness because you were outside sneaking a taco. It all comes back with video.

The Cons

1. Budget Is Real
Let’s be honest. Weddings are expensive as hell. Adding video is another line item that might not fit everyone's budget. And if you have to choose between video and having food… yeah, feed your guests.

2. You Gotta Be Cool With Cameras
If the idea of another camera in your face gives you hives, that’s something to think about. A good videographer should be unobtrusive—but there’s definitely more equipment and more people around when video is involved.

3. Not All Vendors Play Nice (But They Should)
This is where I give you the real tea: some photographers get big mad about videographers being in their way or “stealing the shot.”
Here’s my take—get over it.

Both the photographer and videographer were hired by the couple. We’re not rivals on The Bachelorette trying to win a rose. We are a team. We’re both here to make the couple’s day amazing, and if your ego is too big to share the aisle for five seconds, maybe you should go photograph something that doesn’t move—like soup cans.

So, Does It Affect Me as Your Photographer?

Only in the sense that I believe communication is everything. When I work with videographers, I always start the day with a quick chat:

"Hey, where are you setting up your cameras for the ceremony? Are you doing anything special for the first look? Cool—here’s how I shoot. Let’s stay out of each other’s way and make the couple cry happy tears later."

Easy.

A good videographer isn’t in the way—they’re in sync. And when we work together, the entire day runs smoother. Fewer awkward moments. No stepping on each other’s toes. Just a solid tag-team capturing the best damn memories of your life.

If you’re on the fence about hiring a videographer, here’s my two cents:
If budget allows and you want to truly relive your day with sound, motion, and all the feels—go for it.
If you can’t swing it? That’s okay too. Just be intentional with what you prioritize.

But don’t let fear of vendors not getting along hold you back. Any professional worth their salt knows how to collaborate without creating drama. (And if they do start drama? Don’t worry—I’ve got a mean teacher stare and I’ll handle it.)

Your wedding day is about you, not our egos.

So hire the people who make you feel good, communicate early, and let the good vibes roll.