How to Use a Camcorder at Your Wedding: A Couple's Guide

A guest camcorder works best with a little planning. Follow these steps and you'll get footage of every part of the day without having to think about it on the day itself.

A few days before

1. Unbox and test. Press record, film a few seconds, play it back. That's all your guests will need to do.
2. Charge everything. All the batteries, even if they arrive charged.
3. Choose your camcorder captain. A reliable bridesmaid, usher or friend who isn't in the middle of every moment.
4. Brief the key people. Tell your captain who should film the vows and who should film the speeches.

On the morning

• Start filming during getting ready. It's relaxed and full of good moments.
• Pack the spare batteries in the camcorder bag so they travel with it.

During the ceremony

• Ask one guest near the front to film the vows and stay still.
• Check your venue's rules. Some registrars and churches restrict filming during parts of the ceremony.

The rest of the day

• Give it a home. A spot on the top table or a gift table, so guests know where to find it.
• Swap batteries at the start of the meal so it's full for the speeches.
• Put shot list cards on tables so guests know what to film. Use our 40-moment shot list.
• Keep it going into the evening. The dance floor gives the best footage of the night.

After the wedding

Pack everything back into the box the next day, so nothing gets lost in the post-wedding chaos, and post it back with the return label. Then sit back and wait for your film.

Frequently asked questions

Who should be in charge of the wedding camcorder?

A reliable friend or member of the wedding party who will keep it moving, charged and safe.

Can guests film during the ceremony?

Usually, but check with your registrar or venue, as some have rules about filming parts of the ceremony.