Do we get the raw footage?

That depends on the studio and it is worth asking directly rather than assuming. Raw footage is large, unedited, and mostly unwatchable without work, most couples who request it never open it.

What length is best for sharing online?

Around a minute for social platforms, cut separately from the main film. Ask whether a short vertical or square version is included.

Planning guide

How Long Should Your Wedding Video Be?

A three to six minute highlight film is the one you will actually rewatch and share. If the full ceremony and the toasts matter to you, ask for those as separate edits rather than expecting the highlight film to carry them.

Short films get watched; long films get treasured

There is a real difference in how these are used. The highlight film is watched dozens of times, sent to friends, posted on an anniversary. The long-form edits are watched rarely, but they are the only place your vows and your father's speech survive in full, and that is why people who skip them regret it.

The healthiest approach is one short film you will share plus one long edit you will keep.

Why longer is not automatically better

A highlight film stretched to twelve minutes usually means weaker material was left in. Length should follow the strength of the audio and the moments, not a target runtime.

What to ask before booking

Confirm which edits are included and which are add-ons, because 'a wedding film' can mean very different things.

How long is the included highlight film, typically?
Is the full ceremony edited separately, and is it included?
Are toasts delivered as their own edit?
Is music licensed for public sharing?
Will you receive a version suited to social media as well as the main film?

At a glance

A three to six minute highlight film is the one you will actually rewatch and share. If the full ceremony and the toasts matter to you, ask for those as separate edits rather than expecting the highlight film to carry them.

Highlight film: 3–6 minutes, the one that gets shared
Extended film: 8–15 minutes, more story, more audio
Full ceremony: Real time, real audio, minimally cut
Toasts edit: Often the most rewatched after the highlight
Choose by: Who will watch it, and how often

Questions couples ask

Do we get the raw footage?: That depends on the studio and it is worth asking directly rather than assuming. Raw footage is large, unedited, and mostly unwatchable without work, most couples who request it never open it.
What length is best for sharing online?: Around a minute for social platforms, cut separately from the main film. Ask whether a short vertical or square version is included.

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