How to Video a Wedding Ceremony by Yourself

Is the idea of shooting a wedding ceremony by yourself intimidating, but you don't know someone that can second shoot for your, or you don't want to actually pay for it? Well in this video, I show you my process for how I shoot almost all of my weddings by myself. I've developed a process for how I effectively capture a ceremony in a way that makes it look like multiple people shot it, and I'm excited to break this down for you!
Ceremony Shot List Download: filmsbystanton.ck.page/4c1f02...
ROAM 3 Day Destination Wedding BTS/Cinematography Module: roamacademy.co/shop-cinematog...
Introduction: 0:00
Backstory: 1:34
1. Talk with Officiant: 2:55
2. Move Around: 3:29
3. Shoot on Long Lenses: 4:55
4. Talk with the Photographer: 5:53
5. You Can Succeed at Capturing Both Bride & Groom: 6:45
6. Hold Steady on the Vows: 7:43
7. Mic the Groom AND the Bride: 8:53
8. Focus Less on Tripods: 9:20
9. Switch Lens for Recessional: 9:55
10. Reshape Your Ideology on Ceremonies: 10:22

[@the.jonfernandez]

This is one of the better and most practical vids I’ve seen on this topic

[@jamessmithfilms]

Dude..The Drone Shot at the End!!! :D I still as a solo shooter use 2 tripods (one on groom and one on bride), then i use the ronin until the bride is at the alter and ditch it and go handheld the rest of the way with a 50. i get front isle shots and movement shots using the crowd as foreground as everyone walks down the isle.. When the bride is about to walk down the isle, i jump over to the static groom cam and check focus and re position if needed, jump back to the middle isle and capture about 10 sec of bride coming down, jump over to groom cam triple check, then hustle to get behind the bride walking down behind her and then set the ronin on the ground pointing straight at the couple and then run over to the bride cam and position it and hit record and back to the groom cam again and check it, then back to ronin and ditch it and go handheld the rest getting reaction shots since i know both side cams are working correctly... its alot but i feel better when i edit and also offer mulitple ceremony coverage as a add on. I def want to get rid of the gimbal one day..

[@StantonGiles]

heck yeah bro! i think the main thing to always check is - do you feel good about your process/is there anything with gear/setup that is limiting your ability to make a better product? It's always a balancing act of the combination of all of these for sure. Thanks for taking time to comment what you do!

[@scgb5]

I really appreciate you sharing your process. And here I am wanting to get a gimbal - I really like walking / moving shots but as i'm shooting long, there's just too much movement. Renting my first gimbal for a week from now - we shall see how that goes. I might be shifting my process on the above though

[@8899is]

Watching this an hr before the ceremony 🙂🥲

[@StantonGiles]

hahaha hope this helped!

[@WaywardNorth]

Dude such a good video, love your process! Ive started to adopt a less is more mentality and its so much less stressful but still need to refine the process more. This video is super helpful!

[@StantonGiles]

Thanks bro! Less is more has really helped me start making some higher quality films the past few years. Hope that it impacts you the same as you adopt that mentality more!

[@insprfilms]

Been scared to make the jump of offering ceremony edits being a mostly solo shooter, but I love the idea of just the one wide angle in the back! Def less stress.

[@mikewray2870]

Superb - wish I'd found your video before I just did my first ever wedding last week! I realised how much I didn't know by giving it a go (I've been doing sport part time for years so thought I'd look at getting in to weddings to learn some different skills.) Your tips would have helped massively!

[@jerrym8140]

I don’t even shoot video but I’m a photographer and I still thought this was awesome.

[@justesmond]

Thanks for the video Stanton. By the way, your audio on this video is so good. Great information.

[@ImRobPi]

This is great since I'm shooting a wedding this Saturday with no wedding video experience 😅

[@jeremyjackson7326]

How did it go??

[@ImRobPi]

@@jeremyjackson7326 I ruined the ceremony clip by shaking the camera because I forgot my tripod when they moved my car. The more cinematic aspect turned out pretty good though imo

[@jeremyjackson7326]

@@ImRobPi glad the cinematic aspect worked out for you. What do you shoot with? Are you going to get a gimble or stabilizer?

[@ImRobPi]

@@jeremyjackson7326 Right now I'm using a Sony a7c with the 28-60 kit lens and 50mm f/1.8. Planning on upgrading to a better lens this summer. I was looking into gimbals but I mainly like to try and film cars or just cinematic stuff so I can usually get away with hand held

[@jeremyjackson7326]

@@ImRobPi thanks for your feedback man. The camera came with the kit lens and the 50mm?? Or did your purchase that 50 separately?

[@KyleTyndall]

This video got me rethinking ways I can make my ceremonies more efficient. I'm always using three or four cameras on tripods. I could simplify by placing one camera in the back and just moving around with the other. Less stress, for sure. I'm glad I saw this video.

[@StantonGiles]

Yeah man, there’s a lot of beauty in having those tripods don’t get me wrong, just makes everything so much harder

[@HwayVision]

The only problem is the vows usually it starts right away after the other but if you have the wide you can always switch to that but shifting could take a while especially catholic ceremonies. I wish I could just use 1 tripod but I'm going to watch his bts to see how he did it

[@588ta]

Thanks for this video

[@The4Tifier]

Gotta add this because very few videographers talk about this; Adobe Podcast. There are very good programs out nowadays that effectively use AI to improve any audio you give it no matter where you're capturing the audio from. Obviously the closer the mic is to the actual source the better raw audio you'll get, but I've been able to confidently use Adobe Podcast to improve any audio I record for any job I do, then just do compression and basic EQ for vocals in post-editing, and I'm golden every single time. No unnecessary hassle to get the right mics hooked up to the right things, no getting yourself busy figuring out what tech they're using or where you can put the mics inconspicuously; just record from as many sources as you can on-hand, improve with AI, perfect in post, and you're set!

[@emanuellsmith1944]

Thanks for sharing & the shotlist.

[@StantonGiles]

you're welcome man - thanks for watching!

[@B-Moye]

Lot of great perspectives on how to handle a 2 cam ceremony. I need those reactions shots though so that’s where we differ but I do like trying to have each persons processional entrance different than the person before. Thanks for the video!

[@StantonGiles]

definitely see the beauty in the reaction shots, don't get me wrong! thanks for watching this video man.

[@amorsoloarts]

Great video information.excellent!

[@DylanSimpsonFilms]

Awesome tips 🙌🏽

[@MaxEdwardsFilms]

Such good info and certainly something to think about. I'm only just starting out and have been struggling to capture the ceremony efficiently, especially since I'm still only running a single camera. Been able to make it work on the highlights film and then when putting together a ceremony edit it really shows cause I don't have the right footage to make it flow. Keep coming back to the fact I need to invest in a B camera.

[@scgb5]

You do need the B camera. I try to run three cameras (A is in the audience (gets the procession, then the close up of the event) B is my runing-gunner - get the folks reactions - typically a 70-200. C is a high / wide shot of the whole thing on a tripod. Bonus, sometimes I'll even toss in some extra iphone / goPros in more discrete places if it makes sense (think behind bride/groom, hidden in flowers) Then I can fall back to the C cam or that random phone/goPro if I need to fill a gap in coverage A camera sets the main theme - procession or ceremony - B cam gets reactions - C cam covers my buns

[@nelsoncaptures]

Really appreciated this video. Subbed 👍🏻

[@KromerMedia]

Absolutely love your heart behind your process! My wife and I usually shoot all of our weddings together but there are some weddings where she's photo and I am video or she's not able to be there and I have to shoot solo. When I am solo shooting, love the tripods for safety but would love to know your cue's for how to capture more emotion? What are some things you listen for when you're trying to find those moments when the parents are crying or people are tearing up? Each Ceremony is different and no two are captured the same in the end. You crushed this video and stoked to have these tools in our back pockets for future wedding days!

[@askpauld]

Hi! I would love to see what final product looks like! Moving around seems so intimidating and risky, but I would love to see how it ends up after the edit if you would be so kind. Thank you!

[@MartinV.]

Great Video

[@chrisdavidsonfilms]

Great video and explanation of your process 👍

[@StantonGiles]

Appreciate you watching this! Just my process, not the end all be all method :D

[@rvdvideografie]

For highlight reels, this is indeed the correct workflow. But for couples who want an 'extended version' of their ceremony you have to get 1-2 tripods aswell. For me it's the most stressfull event of the day, but if everything works out then i am on fire for the rest of the day :)

[@StantonGiles]

yeah 100% - would not work if the client wanted an extended version of the ceremony! But I always make clear what my deliverables are and I've personally never had a client want that, although I know there are many out there that do

[@gillesmatheronpro]

Funny how weddings are so choreographed and standardised in USA, I thought I'd see some evolution... but no, not in this life. 😉 At least this has a positive effect : as a videographer/photographer, you always know what's about to happen and what to expect. Then plan way ahead, and act accordingly. But it may get boring sometimes, obviously. Your videos are exceptionally rich and bring lots of useful informations, thank you for this !

[@BEYONDIMAGES-AI]

Agree

[@Capitanmez]

Hello! Moving all the time during the ceremony and having a camera in hand is perfect for the Highlight; but how do you do it for the Full Video? You don't deliver it or how do you handle it? Do you record the full speeches ? Greetings. :)

[@sixteen9films]

Bro, you are really brave changing lens at the beach! 🤣This is really helpful and I'm sure I'll get more of the breakdown on Roam.

[@StantonGiles]

Haha I’m a risk taker on the beach with lenses - can say it hasn’t ever come back to bite me hahaha. And yeah man, always going to go deeper with ROAM. Such a great place to freely brain dump

[@BrianSellers]

@sixteen9films@@StantonGiles I can vouch for ROAM - it's a fantastic library of in-depth education; but even better, it's a great community of like-minded wedding filmmakers!

[@bigwinmedia5100]

Great stuff brother! I think I put more work into the ceremony edits than the average guy. 🤣 I do a four camera setup, the biggest difference is that I have the bride and groom each have a dedicated camera on them for the ceremony. (135mm off to the side) I float like you but adjust my other cameras when I'm near them. The biggest thing I learned this year is to not be afraid to move around and be in people's way for the shot. Still haven't had anyone upset at me.

[@StantonGiles]

Yeah man! Moving is so important. Less people get upset than people think… practically nobody haha. Glad it’s been good for you man!

[@Yusaku_VCP]

when i used to know about Mr.Giles name from Buffy The Vampire Slayer haha The Watcher/librarian. hahaha i like to call you that! haha

[@tmagination_productions]

I shoot with 2 cameras and a mobile phone. One camera with a wide lens is stationed at the back and I move around with the second camera to capture close shots. Sometimes, I have my mobile phone on a second tripod to capture the audience.

[@jj-kw9zd]

what wide lens do you use?

[@tmagination_productions]

@@jj-kw9zd A 24 - 7omm f2.8. most times I'm on the 35mm range though.

[@hugohirata5766]

I would like to ask if possible, any complete video where you filmed alone?

[@whiterock1865]

I find I have less stress by using the tripod cams and recording the entire event so I generally don't have to worry about missing the kiss in some form. But then I don't place tripods in the middle of the aisle, usually way in the back behind the guests with moderate zoom. I also find using a real video camera like a cx350 with a 20x zoom is a really sweet tool as well. I know the trend has been to the highlight reel style, but most of my clients want the entire ceremony and everyone thinks dslr's and mirrorless cameras are the only way to go, but sometimes you just want the self-contained ease of use of a real video cam verses these crazy franken rigs (which I also use) with cages, wires everywhere, etc. Generally the fullframe cams look amazing but editing tools have gotten so good and 1" video cameras have come so far to look great.

[@StantonGiles]

thats sick man, thanks for sharing your own process here as well. You're going hard on those ceremonies! Well done haha

[@whiterock1865]

Yeah, I’ve done a lot more of the documentary style versus the cinematic highlight. I like your gimbal free technique, and will definitely be doing more of that as your criticisms are right on

[@slf_rldtv4482]

Thank you; I’ve been thinking about doing it solo but the pressure is too intense. You briefly mentioned it, but what do you deliver to the couple

[@reaganpieter]

8:10 - 8:13.The same also always happens to me, in the edit I think, 'Damn, why did I move..why!!'.

[@StantonGiles]

ALWAYS hahaha

[@RonPalacio]

i shoot with a zoom lens 24 70, and on a tripod I have a long lens so I don't see myself going around...I'm so jealous tho that solo videographers are a thing in the US here in Italy they always want at least 2 videographers..i'd like more solo gigs cuz at least I'll be frustrated just with my self lol

[@benjamin.kelley]

I had a bride's mic save the entire film once. Long lenses are so good - I've been loving a medium shot over the guests heads at 135mm or better for vows - it give so much depth, it's not in the center of the aisle, and it is a good safety shot that isn't boring.

[@alissonmiranda9035]

Gostei, sempre quisa saber como é filmar solo, vou me arriscar algum dia

[@StantonGiles]

love to hear this man!

[@fangli]

hey bro, im photographer , and now i want to learning about videography,

[@KngsPwn4]

I would have liked to have seen the edit from the wedding you were filming. Is it posted anywhere?

[@ItMeMarqD]

Hey Stanton, great video! Which brand strap do you use for stabilization?

[@StantonGiles]

it's a peak design strap! and thank you man!

[@tylercarlson706]

Very helpful. Thank you! Question: do you deliver a full ceremony edit? Is it just your wide shot that you sync audio to or do you cut in your handheld shots? Are you explaining to the couple what goes into the ceremony video that they will be receiving? Thanks!

[@StantonGiles]

I made a follow up reel for this that i posted on my instagram, it should answer your question super well there! instagram.com/p/C4YgU27u-xn/

[@tylercarlson706]

@@StantonGiles thanks man you're the best!

[@jimmyvaldez100]

Can you link the lens holster you mentioned at 10:02 please?

[@donalyndelamen3414]

is it better to rely on auto focus or manual focus ?

[@segura455]

How many camera do I need 3?

[@thanos1978-]

very good explain!and video shooting!please tell me what is the product that holds your lences?thanks

[@DanielCastillo911]

Why not use a 24-70 f2.8?

[@victormihaescu]

@StantonGiles Hi. Can you tell me where I can find that lens hip holder? Many thanks

[@StantonGiles]

www.friidesigns.com/product/trilens/

[@victormihaescu]

Thanks. 😁

[@ebphotographyfilmco]

This video came just in time. I've been stressing out and spending a lot of money renting multiple cameras and lenses to capture the ceremony all because I hear people saying and almost making it a standard to have all the angles covered during the ceremony. When I started I did everything with a single camera and now I find myself overwhelmed by the stress of setting up all the cameras. When you deliver the ceremony to your client, you don't have an issue or better yet, your client doesn't have an issue if they see you in the footage running all around capturing all your shots? I actually enjoy finding many different angels during ceremony but because I have the multi cam set up I find myself limiting what I can do all because I'm trying to stay out of the frame. I would appreciate hearing about whether your client if okay with you coming out in the footage of the ceremony and when adding the ceremony to your packages is it a large bump in cost or do all your packages offer that one camera ceremony?

[@StantonGiles]

I've never had a client complain about a ceremony film that I send over, besides one bride that was just.... "one of THOSE brides" lol. It's all in how you structure this when your client books you. I say something like this. "So my base package includes full day coverage and a highlight film, and honestly I feel like since I'm already at your wedding filming it that you should at least have a cut of your entire ceremony that isn't on someone's phone - so, I just plop a tripod in the back and sync that with my audio and make sure that I also deliver that to you guys regardless of what package you go with." I structure it as an extra, something that I do that isn't really a reflection of my work, just something I want to do because I'd like them to have it. Hope this makes sense!

[@ebphotographyfilmco]

@@StantonGiles thanks for taking the time to reply and even making an ig reel! I appreciate it 🙏🏻 I am definitely considering taking this approach for my next wedding.

[@StantonGiles]

@@ebphotographyfilmco you're welcome man! I felt that was one area I could go a bit deeper on so Instagram was the perfect place to finish that up a bit more.

[@cliffordbowe9879]

You definitely look like you are enjoying your work.I found your video to be interesting.I figure when you mention syncing the audio do you have a separate audio recorder? Because I would connect my mic to the camera in the back,because it is a continuous recording. I like your approach about capturing emotions etc.Good job overall.

[@nathanthomasvideography]

How do you have enought time to move across the room to switch from the bride to the groom during the vows?

[@StantonGiles]

I might sometimes miss the first 3-5 seconds of the other persons vows. Not always though

[@papsny]

I've done the same.. but was doing photo and video at the same time. 3 cameras on a tripod. 1 on a gimbal. 1 photo camera on me. Drone flying in circles...

[@joeyoffakkarawutmethakorn2861]

how to you carry the another lens. I want that thing you carry too

[@StantonGiles]

It's the Frii Designs Tri Lens Holster!

[@benhnamte]

How did you get such stable shots moving backwards handheld?

[@StantonGiles]

wide angle lens, IBIS, lens stabilization, 40% speed on 60fps footage, warp stabilizer, and a steady hand!

[@benhnamte]

@@StantonGiles last time i shot my first wedding for free I didn’t use the 60fps and maybe thats why its hard to stabilise in post. Thanks alot 👊👌

[@onsetmediagroup]

I’m assuming this way of shooting is for a highlight deliverable only?

[@StantonGiles]

I still deliver a ceremony film! It's just basic and I always advertise it as such.

[@arthurchinonyerem3740]

How much do you charge on average per wedding?

[@GlassfilmWeddings]

Slog3? Cinetone? Nds?

[@GlassfilmWeddings]

No NDs it looks like so shutter up? That’s what i do as there’s not much motion but i would love to know what picture profile you like

[@timothycasca]

Hi! I'm a wedding photographer

[@weddingwizardatl]

I think filming with 2 cameras should be mandatory. You never know what could happen.

[@StantonGiles]

as in two cameras on a tripod?

[@weddingwizardatl]

@@StantonGiles one on tripod and one on gimbal to move around

[@arturojimenezjr6275]

Switching lenses mid-ceremony is scary

[@StantonGiles]

no even slightly my friend, takes 5 seconds and i only do when I know something important isn't happening