In short
- A pre-wedding story is a separate session, not part of the wedding day coverage.
- It can help when the day itself will not show how you met or what your families mean to you.
- It needs its own date, location, time and planning.
- It suits couples who want a short story about themselves and are comfortable on camera.
A pre-wedding story is a short film about the two of you, made before the wedding day. It is a separate piece of work from the wedding coverage, and it only helps if you want something the day itself cannot give.
Here is how to decide, and what to agree if you say yes.
What is the difference between event coverage and a story session?
On the wedding day, the crew films what happens. Nobody can repeat the vows or the first look. On a story session, you plan the scenes, choose the places and take your time.
| Wedding day coverage | Pre-wedding story session | |
|---|---|---|
| When | On the wedding day or ceremony days | On another date, before the wedding |
| Style | Follows events as they happen | Planned scenes, places and people |
| Time pressure | High; moments cannot be repeated | Lower; scenes can be retried |
| Needs from you | Run sheet, key people, private limits | Ideas, places, availability for the session |
Because they are different work, we keep them as separate lines in your quote. That lets you compare each part clearly.
When does a story session help?
It can be worth adding when:
- you want guests to learn how you met before the ceremony or reception begins
- relatives will watch the wedding film but do not know your story
- your day will be busy and short, with little time for personal moments
- you want a short film to play at the reception or share with family abroad
It may not be needed if you would rather keep the day simple, if you feel uncomfortable on camera, or if you do not want extra scheduling. Our guide for camera-shy couples lists ways to keep filming gentle.
What does a story session need?
Plan these points with your videographer:
- A date and time that works for both of you, apart from wedding preparations.
- Places, such as where you met, a family home or somewhere meaningful. Check if any place needs permission to film.
- People, if you want relatives or friends to appear.
- The feeling, calm, funny or warm, in your own words.
- How it will be used, for example played at the reception, shared with family, or posted online.
If you plan to play it at the reception, tell us early. The finished film must be ready before the day and checked on the venue’s screen. A same-day edit is a different thing, made from the wedding day itself.
Does it change the wedding film?
It can. A story session gives the highlight film an opening or a thread, so the day does not have to carry your whole story.
But it should not replace key wedding moments. If the vows or a grandparent’s blessing matter most, ask for a full recording as well. Our highlight film service explains how a short edit is built.
The must-capture moments checklist helps you decide which moments need the wedding day and which could live in a story session.
What we confirm for your event
- Your date. Tell us the date and the story you imagine, and we confirm whether a story session fits.
- Quote. The story session is a separate line from wedding day coverage.
- Crew and travel. Give us the venue and date, and we confirm both.
- Review and files. Your quote lists the review rounds and the files you receive.
- Reception screening. We check the file and timing with your venue.
You can read about the main service on our wedding videography page. Your written quote lists the hours, crew, films and delivery for each part, so you can compare it clearly.
If you are curious about a pre-wedding story, tell us your wedding date and what you have in mind. We will say how it would be set apart from your day coverage.
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