Hiring a wedding videographer is one of the most important — and most overlooked — decisions of wedding planning. Your photos freeze individual moments, but your video brings the whole day back to life: the sound of your vows, the laughter during speeches, the look on your partner's face as you walk down the aisle. At Maple Tree Films, we've been filming Toronto and Ontario weddings since 2013. Here are the seven questions every couple should ask before booking.
Highlight reels are a videographer's greatest hits. They're polished, music-driven, and designed to impress — but they don't tell you how a videographer handles the quieter moments: the ring exchange, the full vows, the toasts.
Always ask to see a complete film — or at minimum a 20–30 minute ceremony and speeches edit — from a wedding similar to yours in venue type and size. This is the most reliable quality test available, and any professional should be happy to share one.
Many videography studios send associate or junior shooters to weddings while their lead videographer runs the business from the office. Ask directly: will the person whose work I'm watching be at my wedding?
At Maple Tree Films, Steve and/or Melissa shoot every wedding personally. What you see on our website is exactly who shows up on your day.
Poor audio is the most common reason couples are disappointed with their wedding films. Music, crowd noise, and outdoor environments all interfere with capturing clear speech — and there's nothing worse than a beautifully shot film where you can't hear your vows.
Ask your videographer what microphone setup they use for vows and speeches. A professional answer should involve dedicated radio/lapel microphones on the groom and officiant, not just camera-mounted mics. Ask if they can share a sample clip recorded at an outdoor ceremony.
Some videographers delete raw footage after delivery; others archive it for months or years. If having access to unedited footage matters to you — for future edits, family copies, or peace of mind — ask about their raw footage policy upfront and get it in writing.
We offer raw footage as a package add-on and archive client files for an extended period after delivery.
Turnaround times in the industry vary enormously — anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months. Ask for a realistic, specific commitment in writing, and understand what happens if the deadline is missed.
Our typical turnaround is 8–12 weeks from the wedding date. We'll always communicate proactively if anything affects that timeline.
Professional videographers carry liability insurance. This protects you, your guests, and your venue. Most high-end venues in Toronto require all vendors to provide a certificate of insurance before the event — always ask for a copy before signing any contract.
Any videographer who can't provide proof of insurance is a red flag worth taking seriously.
Read the contract carefully before signing. Look for: exactly what is included, delivery timeline and format, revision policy, what happens if the videographer cancels, and how payments are structured. A professional videographer will have a clear, fair contract. If anything seems vague or one-sided, ask for clarification — in writing — before proceeding.
Trust your gut on this one. The contract tells you a lot about how someone runs their business.
Maple Tree Films has been filming Toronto and Ontario love stories since 2013. Based in Prince Edward County, available across Canada.
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