An updated guide to Super 8 wedding films in 2026.
What is Super 8?
Super 8 film is a vintage motion picture (video) format from the 1960’s. This type of video has become increasingly popular for the approach that it brings to the wedding day in addition to the grainy film elements. The motion picture will be recorded on a long film roll – a mini version of the type of film rolls that you have likely seen in the theatres in the early 2000s. The film roll is developed and then processed into a digital video that is then viewable. It is a timeless and unique format. Super 8mm is also called analog video.
See how Super 8mm is blended with photography on a wedding day here: https://kellymillerstudios.com/multi-day-wedding-in-buena-vista/
What does Super 8 coverage look like on wedding day?
Super 8 allows you to re-live your day and share all those intimate memories with friends and family for years to come as a nostalgic digitalized video that was shot on film. It adds an additional candid perspective to your day in a vintage format that you can feel all the fun and emotions in.
During your day, there will be moments from details, guest interactions, and other key events that are shot as short 3-15 second clips on the film roll and then compiled all together to create a larger video. You will hear the film roll in the camera as it captures each moment in the background.
The small Super 8 camera creates an environment that allows couples and guests to feel in the moment. Guests will often connect with the Super 8 medium as something they’ve seen online or that they remember from their childhood. It can compliment traditional 4K digital videography or be a stand alone option depending on your personal preferences.
Some differences between 4K Digital Videography and Super 8:
| 4K or High Resolution Digital Video | Super 8 |
|---|---|
| High quality video in a modernized format. | Film scans are grainy, have a nostalgic look. The processed film is digitalized so you can watch on a modern format. |
| Wedding videography will often include audio, recordings of vows and speeches from multiple camera angles. | Super 8 film is soundless and audio is not recorded. There are smaller snippets of select moments, sometimes filmed with multiple cameras. |
| Multiple digital cameras, tripods, and mic/audio accessories, one or two videographers. Often a larger production. | Smaller production, 1-2 Super 8 cameras, handheld by your filmmaker, one or two people filming. |
| Recorded onto SD Cards or memory cards, results can be seen in real time on camera, and backed up for safe-keeping. Moments can be re-recorded. | Shot onto film, must be developed and processed to see results. Film is digitalized, then the film itself is re-rolled and kept in storage. Once filmed, the moments are permanently recorded. |
What should we expect our Super 8 film to look like?
Each Super 8 video is completely unique in the sense that every moment recorded is exactly as it happened. Due to the nature of Super 8 film, there is no digital viewfinder showing what is being recorded and the final results. The filmmaker won’t see the final result of the film until is it developed and digitalized.
Each film may contain variations in color, grain, and quality. The film is nostalgic to view – taking you back to watching old home videos. Your video will be highlights throughout your day, some moments that may have went unnoticed, and details that make up your day. What makes every video so special is the imperfections, candid moments, and realistic outlook on your day.
Depending on your package, your video may vary in length and may or may not include your vows on audio or a 4K digital hybrid. Your film will be edited to tell a cinematic story, with licensed music added to your film.
Highlights Film:
Hybrid Video with 4K Digital and Super 8:
What should we look for when hiring a wedding videographer that captures Super 8?
There has been a big resurgence in Super 8 films in regular cinema and production as well as weddings. It can be a really unique way to capture that day and many people have picked up capturing moments on this medium. With Super 8 being a truly vintage medium – there are some inherent risks that come with the process and the film. I would encourage couples to chat with their videographer regarding their personal experience with the medium, how they work to keep your film safe, and their approach to capturing your day. The majority of cameras require some technical knowledge as they are manually focusing each moment being captured, and adjusting for the lighting at hand.
Finding someone who is well versed in the format and confident in the process of developing, digitalizing and safe keeping the film is important. One thing to note is that moments are not typically guaranteed on film. Many videographers will offer a different approach to backing up moments – this could include filming on two cameras, offering a digital backup, a second videographer, etc. In addition I would recommend asking to see video examples of their work so that you can see how the final results look in different scenarios. Each filmmaker/videographer may have a different styling or approach to filming as well as editing and compiling the footage.
Super 8 Wedding Videographer
If you are looking to have your day captured on Super 8 or have questions about this format, you are welcome to reach out. I’d be so excited to capture your wedding day on Super 8. I have been filming weddings on Super 8 for five years, and approach the day with a documentary style.
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