The 30,000-Foot View

Before diving into details, it’s often helpful to first zoom out and think about how video will play a part in the bigger picture. Do you simply want to capture your wedding day highlights, or do you want a more cinematic-length keepsake of all the special little moments? You might also consider taking video of your proposal, during your engagement shoot, or playing a video montage during your wedding reception. So many creative ways to leverage the magic of motion pictures…it’s importance to at least have a general outline of what you want when all is done.

Does Location Really Matter?

Yes and no.

Why not?

• Unlike wedding venues, videographers are mobile. Even if they’re based in the city, most videographers will travel, some only locally, while others are available to join you for your destination wedding anywhere worldwide.
• When it comes to pre-wedding planning and prep, things such as research and meetings can easily be done remotely.

When it helps.

• While technology can help bridge the distance when your chosen videographer is not nearby, proximity has its advantages. A Zoom video conference is convenient, but relationships are better built and nurtured vis-à-vis.
• Videographers based near your venue(s) usually have a better lay of the land. This familiarity helps the focus be on flawless execution rather than preparing for the unknown. They have most likely worked that venue before and already know the best settings and vantage points.

Using The Map of Videographers

Further below the featured listings, you’ll find an interactive map to give you that bird’s eye view of where you can find Chicagoland videographers nearest to you.

Guide to the Map

1. Sometimes it’s hard to see because of the transparency, but in the top left corner of the map, use the plus (+) or minus (-) to zoom in and out.
2. When you see a place icon, you can click on it to preview the listing located there. Click on that preview to view more details or get directions.
3. Depending how much you are zoomed out, certain areas with many listings will be clustered to show how many are found in that area. Click on the number to zoom in and drill down.

Advanced Search

Below the map, you can do a more advanced search to refine or expand your criteria.

What are you looking for?

Refine your search with specific keywords.

Select a category

Expand your search by selecting from one of our other available vendor categories using this drop-down menu.

Select a location

To narrow down the location, you can type in a zip code or the name of a city/suburb.

So Much to Think About. Where Do I Start?

As a wise person once said, “Start with the end in mind.” Easier said than done. It’s tempting to jump right in, but taking the time upfront to think about what exactly you want, can really help streamline how you get there. Taking that a step further, ask yourself why you really want that. Is it only because your friend did something similar, or is there more meaning behind your Why? Having this level of clarity, in the beginning, keeps you focused on the right things despite all the shiny objects that come along to distract you. And no matter how much expertise your wedding vendors have, they can only help you as much as you can articulate your vision to them. Otherwise, you’re following their vision and not yours.

You got this!