Okay so you just got engaged — congratulations! And now you’re starting to figure out all the vendors you need to book. Photographer, caterer, flowers… and then someone says, “Don’t forget about a videographer.”

And you think, how hard can this be?

Actually, it can get a little overwhelming. There’s a lot of videographers out there in Colorado, and not all of them are the same. Some are amazing. Some are just okay. And some will give you a wedding film you’ll never want to watch again.

So we want to help you figure out how to choose the right one.

First, Watch Their Films Not Just the Highlight Reel

Every videographer has a highlight reel on their website. It’s their best moments from the best weddings. Of course it’s going to look good.

What you want to see is a full wedding film. Ask for one. Can you hear the vows clearly? Does the pacing feel natural? Does it actually feel like a real wedding or does it look like a movie scene where everyone is posing?

The full film tells you everything the highlight reel hides.

Ask About the Audio Setup

This is something a lot of couples don’t think about until it’s too late. A beautiful video with bad audio is honestly a little painful to watch. You want to hear your actual vows, not just music over blurry memories.

Good videographers will use a wireless microphone on the groom and sometimes the officiant too. Especially if you’re getting married outside in Colorado where the wind can be really strong. Ask them how they handle audio at outdoor ceremonies.

Check If Their Style Matches What You Actually Want

Some videographers do very cinematic, edited, dramatic films. Slow motion, epic music, color grades that look like a Netflix show. That’s cool if that’s your thing.

But some couples — a lot of couples actually — just want something that feels real. Like watching your wedding day happen again. Honest moments. Real emotions. Not too produced.

Neither style is wrong. You just have to know which one you want, and then find someone who actually does that.

Make Sure They Know Colorado

If you’re getting married in Breckenridge, Vail, Estes Park, or somewhere up in the mountains, you want someone who has actually filmed there before. Altitude affects equipment. Mountain light is different. Weather can change really fast. Drone rules inside Rocky Mountain National Park are strict.

A videographer who knows Colorado is going to be so much more prepared than someone who is figuring it out on your wedding day.

Talk to Them Before You Book

This sounds obvious but a lot of people skip it. Do a quick call or video chat. See if you actually like them as a person. Your videographer is going to be with you for 8, 10, sometimes 12 hours on your wedding day. They will be closer to you than most of your guests.

If they feel awkward or too salesy or just a little off — trust that feeling.

Understand What You Are Actually Paying For

Prices in Colorado for wedding videography can range from around $2,000 all the way up to $10,000 or more. That’s a big range. So what’s the difference?

• How many videographers are there on the day
• How long they cover (6 hours vs. full day)
• What you get — highlight film only, or full ceremony, speeches, reception too
• How much editing time goes into your film
• Their experience level and how many weddings they’ve done

Cheaper is not always bad. More expensive is not always better. Just make sure you understand what’s included before you sign anything.

Read the Reviews Carefully

Not just the star rating. Read what people actually say. Do couples mention they felt comfortable with them? Do they say the film made them cry? Do they mention anything about communication and response time?

The best sign is when past couples say they forgot the camera was even there.