How To Choose The PERFECT Music For Your Wedding Films!

🎥Favorite filmmaking gear: kit.co/whoismatt
Today I am very excited to share with you a tutorial that has taken me many years of experience filming weddings to learn. In this video, I am going to share with you how I choose the perfect music for my wedding films. Songs that fit the bride and groom, their wedding day, and their style perfectly.
No matter whether you are a beginner wedding filmmaker that is getting ready to film their first wedding, or you have been shooting weddings for years, I believe that there will be something in this video that will help you.
In this video I cover:
😀 The EXACT questions that I use to guide the conversation with the bride and groom and learn their favorite songs, musical genres, bands, and more importantly: their musical dislikes.
💃 What story I tell to educate brides and grooms about music copyright.
😮 Steps to avoid major music mistakes that could (gasp!) ruin your films and even your business.
💡 How to reassure the couple that they can trust your creativity (with music, with everything).
😋 Plus gobs of little secrets and tips about every aspect of my music selection process!
By the end of watching this video, you will be prepared to select music for your wedding films that will satisfy you creatively, and give your couples a video that they will love and cherish forever. And please be on the lookout for my next tutorial, all about the music licensing sites that I use for my wedding films.
😃As always, if you have any questions or comments about this review, please feel free to leave one below, or get in touch through my website: whoismatt.com
🎬 Join my wedding film editing course: weddingfilmframework.com
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Check out the wedding films I used in this video:
👰 High School Sweethearts in the Hill Country: • High School Sweetheart...
👰 Ever since our first date, I knew you were the one: • "Ever since our first ...
👰 You are the Joni Mitchell to my James Taylor: • "You are the Joni Mitc...
👰 5 years together, going on 50: • 5 years together, goin...
👰 1 day ago was the last time we won't be married: • 1 day ago was the last...
👰 Not just in love, in joy with each other: • Not just in Love, in J...
👰 A beautiful thing to behold: • A beautiful thing to b...
👰 You are my miracle: • You are my miracle | A...
If you want to keep up with my photos, videos, and other behind-the-scenes stuff, follow me on Instagram at / whoismatt
Edited using Adobe Premiere Pro. Download a free trial at: bit.ly/premierepro_trial
Music licensing sites I recommend:
🎧 Sound Stripe - whoismatt.com/soundstripemusic (use the coupon code "WHOISMATT" for 10% off a yearly or monthly subscription!)
🎷 ART LIST - whoismatt.com/artlistmusic (free extra 2-months when you subscribe using this link!)
🎵 Musicbed - whoismatt.com/musicbedmusic
I’m required to state that I'm a part of affiliate programs for Amazon, B&H, SoundStripe, ArtList, Musicbed, and Adobe and that some of the links above are affiliate links.

[@whoismatt]

This is definitely one of the most info packed videos I've made, so here's timestamps if you wanna jump around: 00:00 - Video start (duh) 01:46 - The musical "elephant in the room" that affects every wedding filmmaker. 04:30 - Why it is SO IMPORTANT for you to keep creative control of your music! 06:34 - How do you balance creative wedding films with happy couples? 07:25 - Questions I ALWAYS ask a bride and groom about music. 10:02 - One last question that GUARANTEES you and the couple are on the same page regarding music. 10:48 - A MASSIVE pitfall that took me years to learn to avoid. 13:09 - The final thing you can to do help you choose great music in your wedding films! 14:58 - Let's recap! 15:37 - Where do I license music?! 16:14 - Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Thanks so much for watching! I just added some new gear to my Kit page if you wanna check it out at: kit.com/whoismatt

This is soooo helpful!!! :D

[@JoshMedlin]

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson Audio Jungle has some real gems and it's dirt cheap 🤙🏻

[@whoismatt]

+Joshua Bryan thanks for the heads up Joshua!

[@whoismatt]

+João Pedro Reis @Joao thanks dude!

[@garryluthraphotography]

hi bro iam also wedding photographer & video editor of wedding film if like want made edit yopur film then contact me

[@WalterWeberfilms]

You're speaking out of my soul. I had so many of your problems that you mention. This video should be one of the first things everyone should see when starting out in the wedding filmmaking industry.

[@andrewfurtado4875]

thanks for all the insights!! i filmed my first wedding this weekend and it was quiet different for me as ive only focued on dj videography, all your tips made my nerves calm and collected

[@drumsgoboom]

Thank you Matt! For someone just getting into music licensing this is extremely helpful!

[@CVFILMSLLC]

Definately one of the hardest things about wedding filmmaking in my eyes. Glad you touched this subject. Sometimes takes me a week to find the perfect song that fits the couple and the footage of the day. Thanks!

[@Ben-fq1lj]

Clay Newman yeah, it takes me hours of hard searching to find a good song. I truly believe that a song contributes 1/3rd to whether or not your film is great (with editing, footage content, etc.. being the other 2/3rds). I've seen so many videos where the footage looks amazing, but it doesn't matter cause the music doesn't match the feel of the footage at all.

[@whoismatt]

+Clay Newman thanks Clay! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@LiveUp2UrDreamz]

Wow, I’ve seen some of your videos in my suggested feed... so glad I watched this video! It was incredibly helpful!! Smashing that subscribe button and going to binge some of you other videos... Seriously, thank you so much! And keep up the amazing work!!

[@islahe5829]

been so fun and educational to hear you talk! Thanks so much!

[@reynaldocerdanarias2918]

Gran aporte para entregar una trabajo de calidad, Bien Matt. Esperando ya lo prometido. Parte 2

[@ThatSaraChannel]

I've just spent the last hour looking for music - then you uploaded this gem! Thank you!! Can't wait for pt. 2 🙌🏼

[@whoismatt]

+That Sara Channel haha perfect timing!!!

[@FilmedByMiguel]

Always so helpful and concise. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Matt! You're killing it dude.

[@whoismatt]

+Miguel Rivera thanks Miguel! :)

[@jacksondrumfoster]

Dang Matt, I hope you get that 2nd video up asap, cuz i'm pretty excited to hear what you have to say. My wife and I are starting to be a wedding photography/videography duo (she does pics, I do video... mostly) and i've been wondering about all the music licensing nonsense a lot lately.

[@whoismatt]

+Jackson Foster thanks Jackson! Video should be out towards the end of this week.

[@blarmediaweddings3924]

Thank you for the knowledge, as always!

[@kealaniburgos9963]

As always, THANK YOU! I can't wait for the next video in the series.

[@whoismatt]

+Kealani Burgos thanks Kealani!

[@dmac5x1]

A terrific instructional video. I'm a landscape photographer who has been asked to shoot stills of a wedding (for money, this time). I'm going to produce a slideshow video in addition to prints, and I realize how important music is. This has been very informative, particularly regarding licensing. Thanks !

[@b-rollfilmstudios6358]

I am go thankful for your tutorials...i am learning so much from you. Please continue to teach me Yoda!!!

[@socialxperiment]

thank you matt! very good and informative product as always! i really enjoy the way you explain the process, very simple, easy to understand, and it leaves me with wanting more of your tutorials! thanks again matt!

[@whoismatt]

+Juarez 95 thanks so much dude!

[@feistygoatfilms]

SO helpful! Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge with us. I'm getting ready to launch a wedding specific branch of my business, and all your videos have been helping me get ready for it.

[@whoismatt]

+Feisty Goat Films thank you! You should do it!

[@stevengarzastudios]

Great advice Matt. You are right one with respect to maintaining creative control over music selection and meeting with the couple prior to booking! Thank you for this.

[@whoismatt]

+Higher City Wedding Films thanks so much!

[@happypro3212]

Thank you so much brother you’re helping too many people in the world God bless you

[@JHernz]

Great video Matt !! Thanks for your time in making all these videos !!

[@whoismatt]

+GA Films thank you!!!

[@cafaestudiosforceonedrone2053]

Thanks again Matt, another informative and detailed video. Always appreciated.

[@whoismatt]

+ForceOneDrone thank you! 😁👍

[@TheCinewanderFilms]

really really great tutorial. thank you so much for sharing this valuable thoughts.

[@jmartinez562]

This guy is super passionate and interesting to listen to 👌🏽

[@varvaraproshina]

Hi Matt! This was super helpful! I enjoy your videos SO much.

[@whoismatt]

+Varja Proshina thanks Varja!

[@harrisonatchley9507]

huge help to up and coming videographers!! Im literally sharing your videos with my buddies who all film together.

[@whoismatt]

+harrison atchley haha thanks Harrison! You rock!

[@timpaynephotography5914]

Matt you are the man, getting ready to shoot my first wedding this weekend... Nervous but your videos are truly inspirational.... THank you for all you do!!!!

[@whoismatt]

+Tim payne thanks Tim! Hope your wedding goes well!

[@evanthompson1112]

This information is invaluable to fellow wedding filmmakers. I anxiously await the second part of this series!

[@whoismatt]

+Evan Thompson thanks so much Evan!

[@PaWBenG]

Hey Matt, thank you for your insights! As always very helpful :-) !

[@whoismatt]

+bezi-film thank you!

[@Motelecomp]

As always, a damn helpful video. Thanks so much!

[@LiamEllis]

Amazing information, thank you buddy!

[@SuperninjaSean]

I love this! This is exactly what I needed to hear today. I'm actually talking to a couple right now about the whole music licensing and selection process! Like, what a coincidence that you posted this two days ago...

[@whoismatt]

+Sean Norona thanks Sean! Perfect timing!!!

[@casianosd]

Matt .... You are the best! My mentor and role model!

[@RomuloOlavo]

Matt, another great lesson, Thanks.

[@gsoares2004]

Love it! Thank you Matt =)

[@paulcryerfilms]

Great video Matt. The bit about talking to the couples and how you discuss and go over their likes and dislikes was really useful. I can't believe how many people still think it is fine to just use any old commercial music then start quoting KZbin cover the license!

[@whoismatt]

+In Love Wedding Films thank you! So glad you found it useful!

[@lydiastuemke]

Love this video! Did you ever make one on meeting with the couple? I'd love to have more guidance on that meeting and what other questions you ask, either via a questionnaire or in person.

[@JoshMedlin]

That romo filmmaker story is killer, love that you gave that story 👌🏻

[@whoismatt]

+Joshua Bryan thanks Joshua! :)

[@michaelreynolds6543]

Hey matt thanks mate you are one of the most likeable guys out there on the net I love your little tutorials and ive learned soooo much already from you keep up the good work dude and thanks from the UK

[@whoismatt]

+jmphotography hey thank you! 👍😁

[@dennyyohanes8677]

One of the more important things in filmmaking than a color grading. Thanks Matt!

[@whoismatt]

+Denny Yohanes thanks Denny!

[@AsherSmithFilms]

Thank you this was pretty helpful

[@HikerHansen]

Wow! Thanks for the info. It would've taken me years to learn on my own what you just said about picking music for your clients.

[@whoismatt]

+Billy Hansen thanks Billy!

[@matthiasfotografie]

Thank u so much. Ur Words in my Ears

[@NelsonEstrada]

So helpful thanks!

[@JamieHines]

Thanks for all of this information. And yes the licensing is soooo important

[@rodellejosol5097]

Thanks dude! looking forward for the 2nd part!

[@whoismatt]

+Rodelle Josol thanks Rodelle!

[@garyopt]

Dude, you're awesome! Thanks for sharing this info!!!

[@whoismatt]

+Gary Padilla thanks Gary! 😁

[@Biavador]

Thank you , thank you I'm about to shoot my first wedding video and this is surely help.

[@whoismatt]

Thanks! :)

[@RonPagz]

Lots of helpful tips here. Starting to get into weddings and this was one of the things I was wondering about!

[@whoismatt]

+Ron Harvey thanks Ron!

[@TopShelfAus]

Thanks so much for the tips mate. We've only used instrumental music in our weddings but this has inspired us to try songs looking forward to the vid on licensing.

[@whoismatt]

+Top Shelf thank you! Glad to help! Hope you enjoy part 2 :)

[@NuttyNu]

THANK YOU, LOOKING FORWARD TO PART 2

[@whoismatt]

+NuttyNu thank you!

[@pameladeregules2945]

thank you for this. very helpful!

[@whoismatt]

+Pamela De Regules thanks Pamela!

[@arunluthra8188]

you are amazing MAT ...love to get the information from your videos ...love to see you if your ever get a chance to come to Toronto .....real GURU

[@evafilmsmtl]

Thank you for doing this !

[@whoismatt]

+Eva Films thank you for watching! 😁

[@balboskey22]

thanks you so much Matt

[@whoismatt]

+Claude L thanks Claude!

[@yonakirumbi6163]

I truly enjoy your videos because, not only they are super educational, dude you are funny.

[@whoismatt]

+Yona Kirumbi thank you!

[@MichalOlender]

Awesomeness!

[@DENMONKEY]

I've been doing some vids for friends and families weddings but usually just as an aside. so footage has been limited with no real expectations, so getting a cut to fit a song, say 3-4 mins has thus far been easy. The current one I'm editing is a different story, i went all in with multiple cameras and it looks like this one will be 20 minutes or so. I've knocked up a few smaller edits but ideally would like to piece together a long version. I have some audio (speeches etc) I can work in but I'm struggling with how to work multiple songs into the long one. any suggestions for how you manage a long edit would be appreciated. cheers

[@ShanikaMac]

Thank you for this video!!!!

[@whoismatt]

+Shanika Mac thanks Shanika!

[@zacharystiver6419]

Thanks for the help!

[@whoismatt]

+Zachary Stiver thanks Zachary!

[@bustedboat]

Very helpful. Thanks Matt

[@whoismatt]

+thebustedboat thank you!

[@videoiskingmilwaukee]

Super helpful!

[@customit]

Hi Matt We just finished up a wedding and I recorded from the speaker and from that we recorded the music from that night, if I play those clips in my video with them dancing to that music is that legal? Or do you not use any music from that night and just do an overlay of music that is legal? Thanks for all you do

[@JoGero]

Great stuff Matt.

[@whoismatt]

+Joseph Gerosa thanks Joseph!

[@CSGPhotos]

Hey bro, I just added a year of Stripe to my toolbox, using your affiliate link. Thank you for that!

[@atiziman]

thank you ..!

[@heshanfernando6944]

This Video is really helpful Matt. Thanks a lot..

[@whoismatt]

+Heshan Fernando thanks Heshan!

[@Moses_Kanneh]

Choosing the right song is still crazy hard.

[@kmalfred]

Great stuff. Thanks Matt.

[@whoismatt]

+Kerry Alfred thanks Kerry!

[@azwansaedon]

Thanks for your video.. great info 👍🏻

[@whoismatt]

+Muhamad Azwan thanks so much!

[@BobbyVoss]

Just used your code on sound stripe! Thanks Matt!

[@whoismatt]

Yesss! Thanks Bobby! License all the music!

[@justinstanizzi4571]

This is a super interesting video. We are a startup with a tool to address the difficulty in finding production music. This actually provides us with some fantastic insight into what is useful in search. Great work, and very nice framing in your video.

[@oh_naur]

this is so helpful tnx!

[@whoismatt]

+KwonJungring thank you!

[@yusufkarriem246]

Thanx Matt it has been helpful for me, although I live in South Africa

[@nicklk132]

Thank you for the video Matt! I just subscribed. I have a question though for you. What about a client that is adamant about a certain song? How do you have that conversation with them? I don't want to potentially lose a client but I want to do my work 100% legal.

[@carlraetzsch]

Matt, seriously surprised by the amount of useful info in this video after reading the title. That's two in a row! Looking forward to part 2.

[@whoismatt]

+Carl Raetzsch thanks Carl! Haha was the title confusing?

[@carlraetzsch]

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson I guess I thought it was going to be about matching music with a film. This was much more pragmatic and useful.

[@gustavomurawczik]

Very good and consistent explanation. :)

[@whoismatt]

+Gustavo Murawczik Pavlotsky thanks Gustavo!

[@PoSSeSSeD82]

Is it weird that I get excited when you release a video ?

[@whoismatt]

+PoSSeSSeD82 hahaha nah

[@BuckBowen]

Gold. Gold. Gold.

[@lamppostmedia6447]

Wondering what your (super basic) workflow looks like for editing... At what point do you pick music and start matching the clips with it? First thing? Would be so great to know your opinions on what comes first... Organizing clips, finding hero shots, finding music, color grading, etc, etc. Maybe a future vid?

[@quintkuhl2827]

did you say what site you use to get your music?

[@prestonljensen]

We were just talking about how frustrating it can be to pick music. Thanks again for another great video!

[@whoismatt]

+Preston Jensen thanks Preston! Glad I had good timing :)

[@c.winterphotography283]

Shared and Subscribed! cant wait for part 2! Matt would you be up for giving feedback on wedding videos your fans make here on KZbin? There are tons of other people just like me wanting to improve, and it would help a lot alongside your other excellent tutorials!

[@whoismatt]

+C.Winter Photography thanks so much! I'm considering doing that in the future! 😁

[@WeddingVideographyTips]

Thanks for the info Matt, The problem i always ran into is couples choosing famous songs for their highlights video. Great info here ::

[@whoismatt]

+WeddingVideographyTips you're welcome! 😁

[@arkaadiy]

Thank you! One of the most important theme in wedding films and making videos at all! P.S. First thought when u tell about song that they may dislike was - Despacito :D

[@whoismatt]

+Arkady Abovsky thanks Arkady! Hahaha oh that song

[@NevinXavier]

Man U got great humour sense.... love the video 🙌🏾

[@whoismatt]

+Nevin Xavier hey thanks Nevin!

[@KingmonCreativewa]

You should make an updated gear list video. Interested to see if you have gotten a new stabilizer or camera from the last ones. :)

[@whoismatt]

+Kingmon Creative most of my stuff is listed on my kit page in the description. :)

[@tellingermartin]

First! Thanks a lot for that and now watch whole episode ;)

[@whoismatt]

+Martin Tellinger thanks Martin!

[@sarahfaithimages.7160]

whooooaaaa!!!! you read my mind!!!!! well.... it's not really mind reading when i commented publicly, is it....? either way. this is amazing. so thank you one million times.

[@whoismatt]

+sarah faith images. Hahaha thanks Sarah! Kinda mind reading

[@Chobed]

Bro!!! Your wedding films are SOOOO AMAZING!!! I love how singular each of them are :D I would LOVE to collab with you, if you ever need music, I would be glad to let you use my songs!! No problems with copyright :D Greeting!!!

[@flyingchairproductions3893]

Hi Matt, great videos. What about dj music- first dance on film. Use it or lose it? I’ve seen a few threads about this pro and con. What’s your take? Thanks.

[@whoismatt]

I never use it. If the couple really wants it you could offer it to them in an offline format and tell them they can’t upload it. :)

[@flyingchairproductions3893]

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson Thanks for the quick reply.

[@kylegilmore11]

Perhaps a quick list of sights to use?? Starting my first wedding edit (now?) and have 4 videos to make!

[@whoismatt]

+Kyle Gilmore hey Kyle! That's coming in video 2 later this week :)

[@dushaanp4848]

Can you please talk about your audio editing process for your wedding videos!!?

[@whoismatt]

+Dushaan P definitely gonna cover that!

[@dushaanp4848]

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson can't wait!👍

[@moviememories6832]

Hi Matt! Thank you do much again for this video. I've watched it already when it just came out but since i'm stuck in a project with music, I thought I'll watch it again. We always ask the couple what genre they like (we never ask what they dislike so we are going to that from now on) but this couple really wants a 50's-60's feel to it. When her father gave her away al green was on with the number let's stay together. So they like oldies music. The couple want their VOWS in the film as well but I can't find a song that looks nice under spoken words (we are from the Netherlands so it's not like English that sounds amazing, if you know what I mean). So im just stuck. Lost three days of editing just by searching music. The couple knows that I make the decision for the music but i'm so afraid that they won't like the music. Please please help.. What would you do.. So you have any recommendations? We always use musicbed and premiumbeats. Hope you have the time in your very busy shedule to help me.. I would be very greatfull.. Loves, kim

[@whoismatt]

Hey! Music Bed is really good about helping you find music! If you email them and tell them you are looking for songs with 50's - 60's feel and no lyrics I'm sure they can help you find that! Hope that helps!

[@edz1une]

Hi! nice video! How many songs do you use in your wedding videos? What are the length of videos usualy? Like do you make long videos 20-30 min. or only 4-8 min and lisence only 1 or 2 songs per wedding video?

[@whoismatt]

+VideoFilm.Lt thank you! There are a lot of my videos here on my channel. I make mine between 4-13 minutes long. I license however many songs I need, usually 2-4 but sometimes more.

[@turmoil1982]

Matt, any idea where i can buy the licensing for "married Life" by Michael Giacchino ???

[@whoismatt]

+Chloe&Amy hey! That's a pretty big name song. It's gonna be hard to license and most likely expensive. I would check and see if song freedom has it. If they don't I would email them and see if they could get it. Hope that helps!

[@giovannigarcia2945]

This video was very helpful in past! But now I have finally tapped the hispanic community for weddings. Know of any websites for spanish wedding songs similar to song freedom?

[@whoismatt]

Check Artlist :)

[@shinyheadsproductions6340]

Interesting Tony Romo story. Definitely agree that you should be 100% sure that you can use the music legally. There are so many places to get it legally now (free and paid) that there is no excuse, but in any case know your license! We just started a royalty free music business. We make and sell the music directly, just 2 dudes making music, no middle man, no questions as to legality.

[@whoismatt]

+Shiny Heads Productions thanks! Glad you're making music!

[@SharpeDunaway]

Hey Matt, I'm a former radio guy. I get the licensing part for the hit songs. But when it comes to the music you use, is there a difference between licensed music and royalty free tracks? Or is it all the same thing? Thanks.

[@whoismatt]

+Sharpe Dunaway hey Sharpe! I'm not an expert on this, but Technically I believe the tracks aren't royalty free, you're paying for the license so you don't have to pay royalties on the tracks. It's quite similar though.

[@TerryBoivin]

Thumbs Up!

[@whoismatt]

+Terry Boivin thanks Terry!

[@shaunZ96]

What if I am just creating a personal music video or doing a friend's wedding for free? I know you have answered this question, but if I did use a current popular song to one of videos, what would happen to me? We can not longer create fan based videos anymore? Like parodies?

[@whoismatt]

Hey! That's still dangerous because it doesn't really matter if you are using music for a free video or not, it's still copyright infringement. If you used a parody of a song it would be allowed, but if you are just making a video and you haven't changed the song at all, that would still be illegal. (I'm not a lawyer lol, this is just my understanding)