What Percentage of Couples Regret Not Having Video on Their Wedding Day?
If you're weighing whether to invest in a wedding videographer, you're not alone. This is one of the most common questions engaged couples ask—and for good reason. Your wedding day will fly by faster than you can imagine, and the way you choose to preserve it matters more than most people realize until it's too late.
Let's break down what the data shows, why video matters so much, and how to make sure you don't become part of the regret statistic.
Sammie & Cole Beautiful Welcome Dinner @ Wrigley Field
The Numbers: How Many Couples Regret Skipping Wedding Video?
Here's the reality: A lot of couples look back and wish they'd hired a wedding videographer. Survey data from WeddingWire and The Knot shows that about 35% of couples who skipped video coverage named it their biggest wedding regret.
To put that in perspective, that's more than one in three couples who would go back and change their decision if they could. Over the past few years, this has consistently been one of the top things couples say they'd change about their wedding day if they could do it over.
Why Do So Many Couples Regret Not Having Video?
It makes sense when you think about what video captures versus what photos can do. Photos freeze a moment, but video captures the actual voices during vows, the emotion in toasts, and the energy of the dance floor.
Here's what you lose without video:
The sound of your partner's voice as they promise forever. You'll remember the words in general, but the exact tone, the little laugh when they're nervous, the way their voice cracks with emotion—that's gone without video.
Your loved ones' voices and stories. Your dad's toast. Your best friend's speech that had everyone crying and laughing at the same time. The way your grandmother blessed your marriage. These are moments you can't recreate.
The atmosphere and energy. Photos show you what the reception looked like. Video shows you what it felt like—the music, the laughter echoing through the room, the spontaneous moments that happened between posed shots.
Moments you didn't even see. Your videographer captures your mom tearing up during the ceremony, your flower girl dancing when she thought no one was watching, or the way guests reacted to your first kiss as a married couple. You were busy living the moment; video lets you witness everything you missed.
Real Wedding Example: Sarah and Michael's Story
We filmed Sarah and Michael's wedding two years ago. Sarah had initially planned to skip video to stay within budget, but Michael surprised her by booking us as a wedding gift.
Six months after their wedding, Sarah told us: "I watch our wedding film every anniversary, and honestly, whenever I've had a hard day. But the part that gets me every time is hearing my grandfather's blessing during the ceremony. He passed away eight months after our wedding. I have photos of him there, but having his actual voice, his exact words, his laugh—it's everything. I can't imagine not having that."
This is what we mean when we talk about the lasting value of wedding video. It's not just about documenting the day; it's about preserving the people, voices, and emotions that shape your story.
Is Wedding Videography Worth the Cost?
This is often the question behind the question. Let's be honest about the investment.
Wedding videography typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000+ depending on your location, the length of coverage, and the final deliverables. That's not pocket change, and we understand that every couple has to make difficult budget decisions.
But here's how to think about it:
You'll look at your wedding photos regularly in the first year. Then they'll live in an album on your shelf or in digital folders you revisit occasionally. That's normal and doesn't diminish their value.
You'll watch your wedding film for the rest of your life. Anniversaries, difficult days, moments when you need to remember why you chose each other—your film becomes a time capsule that only grows more precious with time.
The cost per viewing drops dramatically. If your wedding video costs $3,000 and you watch it even once a year for 50 years, that's $60 per viewing. More realistically, you'll share it with children, grandchildren, and friends—making the value immeasurable.
You can't go back and capture it later. You can upgrade your ring on your tenth anniversary. You can take a nicer honeymoon later. You cannot recreate your wedding day, your grandmother's blessing, or your father's toast.
What Moments Do Videographers Capture That Photographers Don't?
Both photographers and videographers are essential, but they serve different purposes. Here's what video brings to the table:
Audio of your vows and ceremony readings — the actual words, not just your memory of them
Full toasts and speeches — every story, joke, and emotional moment, not just a snapshot
Movement and atmosphere — your first dance in real time with the music, not a frozen frame
Natural reactions and candid audio — genuine laughter, tears, and conversations happening around you
The flow and pacing of the day — how the energy built from the ceremony through the reception
Your guests' well-wishes — many videographers offer guest message features where loved ones speak directly to you
Professional Tip: What makes a truly great wedding film isn't just pretty shots—it's storytelling through natural audio, emotional pacing, and authentic moments. The best wedding films balance cinematic beauty with genuine documentary-style coverage. When choosing a videographer, look for someone who captures both the composed moments and the spontaneous ones, who understands how to use natural light and audio to create something that feels real, not staged.
How Can I Choose the Right Videographer for My Wedding?
Not all wedding videographers work the same way, and finding the right fit matters enormously. Here's what to look for:
Watch full wedding films, not just highlight reels. Highlight reels show you the best 3-5 minutes. A full ceremony film or reception coverage shows you how they handle pacing, audio quality, and less visually dramatic moments.
Ask about their filming style. Are they documentary-focused (capturing things as they naturally happen) or more cinematic (creating artistic, directed shots)? Most good videographers blend both, but understanding their priority helps.
Discuss audio quality and equipment. Poor audio ruins a wedding film. Ask how they capture ceremony audio, toasts, and vows. Do they use multiple microphones? How do they handle challenging acoustics?
Understand deliverables. What exactly will you receive? A highlight film? Full ceremony coverage? Toast films? Raw footage? Digital delivery or physical copies? Turnaround time?
Check their backup systems. What happens if equipment fails? Do they have backup cameras, audio recorders, and multiple memory cards? Do they use a second shooter for fuller coverage?
Trust your gut on personality. Your videographer will be present for intimate moments—getting ready, family formals, emotional toasts. Choose someone whose presence feels comfortable and professional.
FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Video Questions
Q: When should I book my wedding videographer?
A: Book 8-12 months in advance if possible, especially for peak wedding season (May-October). The best videographers book up quickly.
Q: Do I need full-day coverage or just the ceremony and reception?
A: At minimum, capture ceremony and reception. But getting-ready coverage often provides the most emotional, candid footage—the anticipation, the quiet moments with parents, the final touches.
Q: Can my videographer work with my photographer?
A: Absolutely, and they should coordinate seamlessly. Share both vendors' contact information before the wedding so they can discuss timing, positioning, and workflow.
Q: How long until I receive my wedding video?
A: Most professional videographers deliver within 2-4 months. Editing a wedding film is time-intensive work—color grading, audio mixing, and crafting the story takes significant skill and hours.
Q: What if I can't afford video right now?
A: Be honest with videographers about your budget. Some offer shorter coverage packages or scaled-back editing options. It's worth having some video coverage rather than none at all.
The Bottom Line: You Can't Get the Day Back
Here's what it comes down to: 35% is a big number. More than one in three couples who saved money by skipping video would make a different choice if they could. That regret comes from a place of deep understanding—they've lived through anniversaries, losses, life changes, and moments when they desperately wanted to hear their grandmother's voice again or see the look on their partner's face during vows.
Your wedding day will be beautiful, overwhelming, and over in a blink. You deserve to have more than your memory and still photos to hold onto. You deserve to hear the voices, feel the energy, and relive the moments that matter most.
If you're planning your wedding and want to make sure every laugh, tear, and dance lives beyond the day, our team at Mirar Weddings would love to help. We specialize in emotion-driven storytelling that feels authentic to who you are—not overly produced, not full of clichés, just your real story told beautifully.
Reach out today to learn about our wedding film collections or schedule a quick call. Let's make sure you're not part of the 35% looking back with regret—let's make sure you're looking forward to reliving your wedding day for decades to come.