Why You Need an Engagement Video (And How It Works)
Engagement Films · Toronto and the GTA
When you picture wedding videography, you picture the day itself: the vows, the first kiss, the speeches, the dance floor. But your story did not start on your wedding day, and your wedding film does not have to start there either.
An engagement video (sometimes called a pre-wedding film) is a short film made before the wedding. It captures the two of you somewhere that feels like yours, doing what you actually do together. No posing, no script. Here is why couples book one, and how the process works with us.
The short version
- An engagement video is a short film of the two of you, shot before the wedding at a location you choose anywhere in the GTA.
- It doubles as a save the date, a wedding website centrepiece, and something to play at the reception.
- The biggest benefit is practical: you get comfortable on camera before the day that counts.
- It is included free with our Classic and Complete packages. The free session expires two months before the wedding, so book it early.
1. Get comfortable on camera before the wedding
Honestly, having a camera pointed at you feels strange at first. Almost everyone starts a little stiff. That is exactly why the engagement session earns its place: it is a low-pressure afternoon where nothing is at stake.
You get to see how we work, and we get to know the two of you. By the wedding day, the cameras are familiar and so are we, which is when the real, unguarded moments happen. Comfort above all is how we approach every film, and this is where it starts.
An engagement film: Martin & Luc on Centre Island
2. A save the date people actually watch
Paper invitations are lovely, but a short film of the two of you on your wedding website does something paper cannot. It gives guests, especially the out-of-town ones who rarely see you, a real glimpse of your relationship as it is right now.
Most couples embed the film on the homepage of their wedding website (The Knot, Zola, and Squarespace all make this easy) or send it with the save the date. It sets the tone for the celebration before anyone has booked a flight.
3. Something personal to play at the reception
The film keeps working on the wedding day itself. Some couples loop it quietly on a screen during cocktail hour. Others play it just before their entrance into the reception. Either way, it gives your guests a quiet, personal moment with the two of you before the party picks up.
An engagement film: Thanusha & Ernest in Yorkville
How our engagement sessions work
We keep it simple and flexible:
- The session. A dedicated two hour session, enough time to explore the location and settle in without feeling rushed.
- The film. We edit the footage into a short cinematic film, usually one to two minutes, that is easy to share, embed, or loop on a screen.
- The location. Anywhere in the GTA that means something to you. If you are not sure, we have plenty of suggestions: for a natural setting, spots like the Scarborough Bluffs or High Park; for an urban feel, the Distillery District, Osgoode Hall, or the Financial District.
- The coordination. We can film alongside your photographer during your engagement photo shoot, or plan a separate day just for video.
If you are still getting your head around the different film types, we wrote a plain-language guide: types of wedding films explained.
How to get your engagement video
We believe in this session enough that we built it into our two most popular packages. The engagement video is included free with Classic and Complete, the packages that come with two videographers.
Two things worth knowing so you can plan:
- Book it early. The free engagement session expires two months before your wedding date. That window exists so the film is ready in time to be useful (for your website, your save the dates, or the reception).
- It is a session, not a credit. The free shoot cannot be converted into other services or a discount, so the best move is simply to use it.
Booked a different package, or not booked with us yet? Engagement sessions are also available on their own. Get in touch and we will walk you through it.
An engagement film: Jennifer & Adam at the Fairmont Royal York
Frequently asked questions
What is an engagement video?
An engagement video is a short film of a couple made before their wedding, usually one to two minutes long, shot at a location that is meaningful to them. Couples use it as a save the date, on their wedding website, and at the reception.
How much does an engagement video cost?
At Silver Leaf Weddings, the engagement video is included free with the Classic and Complete packages. Standalone engagement sessions are also available; get in touch and we will put together the details for your date and location.
When should we film our engagement video?
As early as you can. The free session included with Classic and Complete expires two months before the wedding, and filming early means the finished film is ready for your save the dates and wedding website.
How long does the engagement session take?
We set aside a dedicated two hour session. That is enough time to explore your location, get comfortable in front of the camera, and capture a real variety of moments without rushing.
Can we film it during our photography engagement shoot?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with wedding photographers and can film alongside them during your photo session. If you prefer, we can also plan a completely separate day just for video.
Do we have to talk on camera?
No. Our documentary style is about capturing your natural connection, so there are no lines to memorize. If you want to include letters to each other or a short interview, we are happy to build that in.
Where in the GTA do you recommend filming?
The best location is one that reflects you as a couple. For a natural setting, we love the Scarborough Bluffs, High Park, and local conservation areas. For an urban backdrop, the Distillery District, Osgoode Hall, and the Financial District all film beautifully.
Your engagement is a short, distinct chapter, and it deserves to be remembered as clearly as the wedding itself. Ready to plan yours?
Last updated: July 2026