Ever wondered what the best lights are for wedding videography? You are not alone. Lighting is one of the most common worries for couples and videographers. It is something that decides whether your wedding video will look dreamy or flat.
If you are already planning your big day, pairing good lighting with a professional wedding videography service can make all the difference. The right team knows how to capture every moment in the perfect light.
In this blog, we will talk about why lighting matters, the types of lighting you can use, and the best lights for wedding videography. The blog also includes easy tips to make sure that your wedding videos look perfect.
Why Lighting Matters in Wedding Videography
Lighting is everything in a wedding video. It helps to set the mood, makes the colours look real, and also highlights the small details like the dress, rings, and flowers.
Using the best lights for wedding videography makes every shot feel warm and magical while highlighting emotions clearly. It helps the camera to capture the moment as you saw it. On the other hand, bad lighting does the opposite. It can make the faces look dull, hide the decor details, and can also make the video look flat and lifeless.
This is the reason why wedding videographers always plan the lighting carefully. They know how to work with light, no matter the venue or time of the day. The wedding videography service can make your wedding memories feel alive.
Types of Wedding Lighting
Lighting is not just about how bright a space is, but rather it is more about the style and the setup. Here are the most common wedding lighting setups you might see:
Pin Spot Lighting
Pin spot lighting uses a narrow beam to highlight a specific area. This can be used when there is a small spotlight, for example, cakes, centerpieces, or sweetheart tables. This keeps those details bright and clear in your video without lighting the whole room. It creates a dramatic, elegant look that draws the viewer’s eye.
Uplighting
Uplighting turns out to be one of the most popular choices for weddings. Small lights are placed on the floor and around the room, shining up the walls or drapery. They add color and depth to the venue and completely transform the space. Videographers love uplighting because it creates a warm, cinematic background in every shot, which works beautifully with a professional colour grading service.
Wash Lighting
Wash lighting spreads a soft, even glow across a large area. It is perfect for lighting the entire room without creating harsh shadows. This type of lighting is perfect for candid shots of guests and reception decor. It gives the video a clean, bright, and natural look.
String or Market Lighting
String lights are perfect for outdoor weddings, patios, and rustic venues. They help to add a warm, cozy glow and make the space feel intimate. When filmed, these lights help to create a beautiful bokeh (soft, blurry lights in the background). These lights are great for making evening celebrations feel magical on camera.
Gobo Lighting
Gobo lights are used to project patterns, shapes, or even initials on walls or dance floors. They are a fun way to customise your wedding space, and on video, they add creative visuals and make your venue feel unique. These lights are a favorite for couples who want a custom touch.
Spotlighting or Follow Spots
Spotlights are used to highlight the key moments like the first dance, cake cutting, or the speeches. A follow spot is a light that moves with you, keeping you perfectly lit. These lights make sure the most important parts of your day are never lost in shadows and give your wedding videos a polished and professional feel.
Best Lights for Wedding Videography
Not all the lights can work the same for wedding videos. Professional videographers choose the lights that are soft, portable, and even easy to control. Here is the list of the best lights for wedding videography and why they matter:
LED Panel Lights
LED panels are one of the best lights for wedding videography. They are small, powerful, and can run on batteries. Videographers love them because they can easily adjust brightness and color temperature. This makes it easy to match the room’s natural lighting and keep everything looking natural.
Softbox Lights
Softbox lights are used to spread light evenly and soften shadows. These lights are perfect for getting-ready rooms, indoor portraits, and small spaces. They make skin tones look smooth and flattering on camera. Softboxes are a go-to choice for beautiful, natural-looking video footage.
Ring Lights
Ring lights turn out to be the perfect option for close-up shots. Videographers use them for filming details like rings, decor, etc. These lights create a soft, even light with no harsh shadows. They are small but very effective for adding the extra touch of polish.
On-Camera Lights
Sometimes videographers need to move quickly, like during a reception. On-camera lights attach directly to the camera and move with it. They are perfect for capturing candid guest moments and the dance floor fun. These lights make sure that nothing is missed, even in a dark room.
Practical Venue Lighting
Good videographers also work with venue lighting, like chandeliers and candles, to maintain a natural and consistent look throughout your wedding video. Proper lighting ensures every moment is captured beautifully and complements your overall wedding visuals, including professional wedding photo retouching service.
Choosing the best lights for wedding videography is not just about equipment; it is about using the right light at the proper time. A skilled videographer knows how to mix these lights to make every moment look beautiful in the video
Best Lighting Setups for Outdoor vs. Indoor Weddings
Planning your wedding video lighting can feel tricky. The wedding video lighting setup differs depending on whether your ceremony is outdoors or indoors. Knowing how to light a wedding video correctly ensures every moment is captured beautifully.
Here’s a quick guide to the best lighting setup for weddings based on location:
| Type of Wedding | Recommended Lighting | Tips & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor (Daytime) | Natural light, reflectors, soft LED panels | Use shade or diffusers during harsh midday sun. Golden hour is perfect for couple portraits. |
| Outdoor (Evening/Night) | String lights, uplighting, and on-camera LED lights | Add soft, warm lights to enhance ambiance without overpowering the natural feel. |
| Indoor (Bright Day) | Softbox lights, fill lights | Use natural window light when possible and supplement with soft lighting to reduce harsh shadows. |
| Indoor (Dim/Reception) | LED panels, spotlights, uplighting | Focus on key moments like the first dance and the cake cutting. Diffuse lights to avoid harsh faces. |
Wedding Lighting Tips for Different Times of Day
Lighting changes as the day goes on, and so does the wedding video. Here is how you can keep your wedding film looking beautiful from start to finish:
Morning & Getting Ready
If possible, during this time, go with the natural light. Open curtains and face the window for soft, flattening light. In case it is dark, the videographer can use the softbox for a natural look. At Eterna Edits, we use soft, balanced lighting to make every moment look natural and timeless.
Daytime Ceremony
If your ceremony is at noon, try using a shaded area to avoid harsh shadows. Your videographer can also use the reflectors to balance the light. Our team at Eterna Edits is experienced with outdoor ceremonies and knows how to work with the natural light for the best results.
Evening & Sunset
Golden hour is the best time for couple portraits. Plan a few minutes before sunset for dreamy, glowing shots. Videographers love this light for cinematic moments. We always plan for the golden hour so your wedding film has that perfect, warm glow.
Night & Reception
Add string lights, uplighting, or candles for a warm, inviting glow. Spotlights help highlight dances, speeches, and cake cutting. Your videographer may also use on-camera lights to capture the fun. Eterna Edits brings the right gear to keep every moment clear and full of life, even on the dance floor.
Practical Tips for Couples to Get the Best Wedding Video Lighting
Good lighting does not happen by chance; a few small steps can make your wedding video look amazing.
Here’s what you can do:
- Choose a well-lit venue.
- Talk to your videographer early and discuss your requirements, especially if you plan to outsource wedding video editing for the final wedding video.
- Coordinate with your DJ and Wedding planner.
- Plan for outdoor and evening events.
- Choose an experienced videographer like Eterna Edits and trust their lighting setup.
Common Lighting Mistakes to Avoid During a Wedding
Even small mistakes can ruin a wedding video. Here are the most common lighting problems to watch out for:
- Relying only on the venue’s overhead lights.
- Ignoring the color temperature of lights.
- Using harsh or direct lighting on faces.
- Forgetting backup lighting for evening or outdoor events.
- Moving key moments into poorly lit areas.
- Not coordinating with your videographer.
Why Choose Eterna Edits for Your Wedding Videography
Your wedding day is full of moments and something that you will never get back. Choosing the right videographer ensures that every memory is captured beautifully.
Here is why Eterna Edits stand out:
- Experienced in capturing videos in all light conditions, be it morning, mid-day, or night.
- Uses the best lights for wedding videography to make every shot look cinematic.
- We pay close attention to details, from getting-ready shots to late-night celebrations.
- Creative storytelling that turns your day into a timeless film with professional video editing service.
- A professional, friendly, and reliable team that cares about your vision.
Your Next Step to a Beautifully Lit Wedding Film
Lighting can make or break your wedding video. Understanding the best lights, planning for different times of day, and avoiding common mistakes can ensure that your memories are beautifully preserved.
With the right team, like Eterna Edits, you can relax and enjoy your day while your wedding video is captured with stunning and cinematic detail. The perfect lighting makes every smile, dance, and vow look magical in the video, exactly the way you remember it.
Looking to enhance every aspect of your wedding memories? You can also explore our pre-video video editing, wedding poses for brides and grooms, and outsource wedding video editing. These services help make your wedding videos and photos look polished, cinematic, and truly unforgettable.
Ready to make your wedding video unforgettable?
Let Eterna Edits turn your big day into a cinematic story you’ll treasure forever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Videography Lighting
What lighting setup do videographers use for low-light venues?
They use a mix of continuous LED panels, softbox lights, and sometimes on-camera lights. High-quality fast lenses and cameras with good low-light performance matter a lot. They also bring portable lights and a plan.
When during the day is the lighting best for wedding videography?
Golden hour (just before sunset) is ideal for soft, warm, flattering light. Early morning and late afternoon also work well. Midday sun can be harsh, so shade or diffusers help then.
How many lights are enough? What’s a good minimum kit?
A basic setup includes at least one main LED panel, a softbox, and an on-camera light. For more dynamic rooms or dark venues, you might need two panels plus modifiers or diffusers, and backup lighting.
How do videographers avoid harsh shadows or overexposed faces?
By using diffused lighting (softboxes, bounce cards), placing lights at flattering angles (45° to subject), using reflectors, and avoiding direct overhead lighting. They also adjust exposure and use fill lights to balance shadows.
Will extra lighting ruin the ambiance or feel of the venue?
Not if done well. Discreet lighting (small, diffused lights), lighting color matching, and careful placement help preserve the mood. Good lighting enhances the venue without overpowering the décor or guests.
How much does lighting add to the cost of wedding videography?
That varies a lot by budget, equipment, location, and the amount of lighting needed. Extras like battery lights, multiple LED panels, or custom setups for dark venues do cost more. It’s usually a part of the package discussion with the videographer.
How important is color temperature and matching lighting sources?
Very important. If you have warm (tungsten) lights and cool (daylight/LED) lights together, skin tones and decor colors can look odd. Professionals balance color temperature or correct it in post-production.
Do I need special lighting for night receptions and dance floors?
Yes. Natural light is gone by then, so uplighting, string lights, spotlights, or on-camera LED panels are used. Good videographers plan for this so they capture clear, mood-filled shots without overexposing.