Why You Should Invest in a Super 8 Wedding Film

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Imagine a vintage-style wedding video to look back on in 5, 10, or 30 years; a genuine and meaningful wedding film that captures the intentional and raw moments of one of the best days of your life. A wedding film that feels like one of those old home movies you watch when you visit your parents’ house: it’s gritty, nostalgic, and perfectly imperfect. It truly takes you back to that moment and allows you to feel alllll the feels of the day you chose one another for the rest of your lives all over again! That’s what it could look like to have your wedding captured on Super 8 film, aka one of the most magical types of videography to ever exist.

I’ve been a PNW wedding and elopement photographer for over 10 years now and when I discovered Super 8 a few years back, I was IMMEDIATELY hooked. I love a good digital camera (the reliability, the consistency, the ease of use)—but in the age of such high-definition videos, there’s just something so magical about the nostalgic charm of Super 8 wedding films.

Sooo, can you tell what this guide is going to be about yet? I’ll give you one guess. . . it ends in an 8 ;)

couples running through the garden at their garden wedding

Having your wedding filmed on Super 8 adds such a unique way to look back on your wedding day years from now, because it automatically comes with those old-school vibes straight out of the camera—no Instagram filters required! In my (totally biased) opinion, capturing your wedding or elopement on Super 8 is the perfect option for non-traditional couples who want to do things their own way.

I’ve compiled all of the knowledge and expertise I’ve gained shooting Super 8 over the past few years into this big guide for you, so get ready to learn all about why it’s a no-brainer on your wedding day!

What is Super 8 Film?

Okay, so what the heck is Super 8 in the first place? Super 8 is like a messy home video of the way you would see yourselves if you could. Remember those videos your parents just love to embarrass you with at family gatherings, videos of you as a kid swinging on the swing set or running around the beach? Those were probably shot on Super 8!

In more technical terms, Super 8 is this super cool analog film medium that was originally released back in 1965. One roll of film is only about 3 minutes long (sometimes shorter), and is shot on Kodak film with vintage cameras.

A Super 8 wedding video is much shorter than your typical wedding video because of the minimal length of time one roll of film can capture, but that condensed amount of time brings so much character and vintage charm! You have to be really intentional with what you choose to film since you only have so much time—it’s not like our iPhones or digital cameras where we can attempt as many photos as we want. And honestly, that’s what makes it so beautiful to me!

Wait, Super 8 film still exists?

You bet it does! I had the same question when I first started shooting Super 8—how does this actually still exist?! Kodak still sells quite a lot of Super 8 film that you can get pretty much anywhere on the internet: Amazon, B&H, and other camera equipment stores. There’s color film, there’s black and white film, there’s even different types of film that are better for different lighting conditions! It’s pretty dang cool how long this videography medium has lasted, and that it’s kinda making a comeback these days. I love the slogan that Kodak has on their website about Super 8 film: “the magic of analog filmmaking meets modern convenience,” it’s so true!

Are old Super 8 cameras. . . reliable?

This is a great question, and one that doesn’t have a definitive answer! Just like any other type of photography or videography, there are cameras that work better than others, and that serve different purposes. I totally understand the concern around Super 8 cameras specifically since they’re typically from the 60s-70s—so how could they still work today, in 2024?!

While you could technically just head to eBay, add any old Super 8 camera to your cart, and cross your fingers that it works, I’ve actually spent a LOT of time hunting for the perfect Super 8 cameras. I’ve used cameras that work perfectly, that have some issues, and ones that just weren’t trustworthy at all, and I’ve learned a ton about what to look for when I’m buying a new camera (yes, I have a whole collection!).

I won’t bore you with all the details and confusing camera terms, but just to give you a little inside peek into what shopping for these cameras looks like, here are a few of the things I pay attention to when browsing through listings + sellers on eBay:

Film testing: One of the first things I look for is whether or not the camera has been film tested—meaning it’s been used and the film has been developed + scanned successfully! I never buy cameras that haven’t been film tested because it’s not worth the risk.
Condition: Obviously I want to know what the condition of the camera is! I try to go for cameras that are in really great condition and don’t have too much wear and tear, but it’s inevitable that you’re going to have at least SOME evidence of use, being that these cameras are, well, old.
Seller ratings: I definitely check out the seller ratings and reviews to see past customer experiences!
Return policy: This is a huge one, I always try to buy cameras that can be returned within a certain time frame so that I can try it out before using it at a wedding or a shoot and make sure it works.

If you were feeling nervous at all about the reliability of my cameras on your wedding day, I hope that quelled your fears a little bit!! I totally get it and want to make sure you know that I put a whole lotta intention into my Super 8 camera shopping exactly for that reason.

Super 8, like, the movie?

I mean technically yes! Super 8 was actually originally going to be filmed completely using Super 8 film stock and cameras, but they ended up using Super 16 film for some of the sequences that involved CGI. So it was almost fully filmed using just Super 8!

Why You Should Capture Your Wedding on Super 8 Film

Okay, I could go on and on about how much I love Super 8 wedding videos, but to keep it brief, here are the main reasons I think that investing in a Super 8 wedding film is a must!

1. The raw, real moments

When you’re shooting a Super 8 film, you only have a maximum of 3 minutes of film—so it’s not about creating a picture-perfect film like it would be with digital videography. It's about capturing the real and raw moments of the day; it’s about capturing what your young romance feels like. It’s playful, it’s jerky, it’s spontaneous, and it’s in the moment! And how could you not absolutely fall in love with that!

2. The timeless aesthetic with all the home movie vibes

Super 8 film has such a distinct and timeless visual quality that sets it apart from modern wedding videos. Again, don’t get me wrong, modern technology is AMAZING, but sometimes it can get a little. . . boring?! The grainy texture and warm tones of Super 8 film evoke this magical sense of nostalgia, giving your wedding video a classic and cinematic feel rather than the perfectly shot, perfectly edited feel of digital. The vintage look of Super 8 film does an amazing job of really transporting you back in time to your wedding day, allowing you to relive the romantic and intimate moments all over again! Forever!

3. The genuine emotional connection you’ll have forever

Have you ever looked back on home videos from when you were a kid?! They truly make you feel a different type of way than when you watch digital: the footage is a little shaky and less saturated, but it captured a moment in time just as it was. The imperfections of the Super 8 format often enhance the raw and genuine emotions captured on film, really making you feel connected to that moment in time in a way that digital will just never be able to do. Isn’t that why we all plaster film filters on our Instagram photos anyway?!

4. Every Super 8 film is one-of-a-kind

While I absolutely love traditional wedding videography, there is just something so unique about a Super 8 wedding video: the soft focus, subtle vignettes, and film grain create such a dreamlike quality that really enhances the storytelling aspect of your wedding video. Every Super 8 film is beautifully unique, with spontaneous light leaks, unpredictable grain, and wildly unstable zooms—but these imperfections are somehow what makes it so perfect. If you’re obsessed with vintage charm like I am, then a Super 8 wedding film is definitely the way to go!

5. It’s short and sweet

I do love longer wedding videos, but I think it’s so amazing to be able to have a 3-minute highlight reel of one of the best days of your life. You can watch it on your anniversary every year, show it to your kids one day, play it at family gatherings, etc!

Super 8 Wedding Videography FAQs

Now, let’s get into some FAQ’s specifically related to Super 8 film and weddings!

How long is a Super 8 wedding video?

It can range anywhere from 1 minute to 10 minutes; I personally have options for 3-5 minutes and 5-10 minutes depending on how much of your day you want captured!

How much does Super 8 wedding videography cost?

Obviously, I can’t speak for what others charge, but my starting price for a Super 8 wedding video is $2500! Most of my couples add this onto the wedding photography package they’ve already hired me for.

Is Super 8 less expensive than full-service wedding videography?

Usually yes! Super 8 can definitely be less expensive and is a great alternative for a couple who can’t afford full-service videography, but still want a stunning wedding video.

Can we capture our elopement on Super 8 film, too?

Absolutely!! Capturing elopements on film is one of my favorite things to do. Elopements are so intimate and personal and Super 8 truly captures the emotions so well! Whether it’s a day spent exploring in the mountains or a cozy Airbnb elopement, a vintage film will be something so special for you to look back on years from now.

What kind of camera do you use to capture Super 8 film?

Your day will be documented on my vintage Canon 814 + Canon 310 cameras, aka my babies!

Why do you shoot with two different cameras?

Remember when I said that different Super 8 cameras are more reliable than others? Well, all of mine have been purchased with the *utmost* care and attention, but you can still really never guarantee that these old cameras will work all the time. So just in case something happens to one, I always carry around at LEAST one more Super 8 camera on wedding days! I’ve got you, don’t worry!

How will we receive our Super 8 film?

Capturing a super 8 film is a little different than a digital video, in that I can’t access it immediately after shooting it. After your session, elopement, or wedding day, I’ll send off your footage to a lab to be processed and scanned, then once I receive the footage back, I’ll edit it together, add music, and send it off to you! You’ll receive a link for downloading and sharing so you can send it to allll your friends and fam who have been dying to see it.

How will we watch our film once we get it?

Don’t worry it’s super simple and you won’t need anything fancy to watch it. I will send you a link that you can use to watch it directly on your phone or computer.

bride and groom kissing at their garden wedding

How to Choose Your Super 8 Wedding Videographer

Before I show you some real examples of Super 8 wedding films, I wanted to give you a few tips when it comes to hiring your Super 8 videographer!

1. Decide what types of photography & videography you want

First, decide what types of coverage you’re going to want on your wedding day. Do you want digital photography and Super 8 videography? Digital photo, video, and Super 8? This will impact who you hire, as not all photographers and/or videographers offer Super 8, and if you can, it’s best to hire one person to do it all! That’s why so many of my couples add Super 8 onto their photo package—it’s all done by just one person (yours truly).

2. Hire somebody whose style you’re obsessed with

This goes for all of your wedding vendors, honestly! You want to hire a photographer/videographer whose work you LOVE and whose style you’re obsessed with. Because the actual aesthetic of Super 8 is so unpredictable, you want to make sure you hire somebody who has an eye you love, who captures moments in the way you love and will find all the right times to bring out that Super 8 during your wedding day.

3. Make sure your videographer knows their shit

Lastly, make sure they know their shit. Super 8 can be a little finicky and take some practice to get the hang of, so you don’t want somebody showing up to your wedding day who has never shot on Super 8, or who might have bought a camera without the proper research.

bride and groom holding their vow journals at their wedding

Watch Real Super 8 Wedding Films!

Intimate Elopement in Iceland: Super 8 Film

A day of pure bliss, love, and adventure with some of the most amazing people in one of the most beautiful locations! Looking back at this Iceland elopement, capturing it on film gave it the perfect vintage home movie vibe. On a cloudy day in Iceland surrounded by nothing but greenery and rolling hills, this documentary-style film allows you to truly feel the emotion and love of their special day!

Intimate Wedding at the Griffin House: Super 8 Film

With the vintage charm of The Griffin House wedding venue, capturing this beautiful wedding day on film was a must. With weddings, there is so much that goes on that the day can feel like it flies by! They received a 6-minute documentary-style film that allows them to relive those special moments over and over again as many times as they want in a more nostalgic way.

Super 8 Client Testmionials

Wanna hear from some of my couples who have loved their Super 8 films?

“Devin is just as talented as she is kind, warm, and fun. We planned a private elopement and wanted gorgeous photos and videos to share with our loved ones, and that’s exactly what we got. She gave us options on our itinerary, and location, lent us decor, and created such a personalized plan to make our day truly unique. ..."

- Autumn + Konor

"She went above and beyond for us and helped us every step of the way; not to mention her work is INCREDIBLE! Devin not only gave us photos and videos that we will cherish forever, but memories, as well. We cannot recommend her enough!"

- Colten + Kyra

Washington Super 8 Wedding Film Packages

Super 8mm films are the perfect add-on to any photography elopement or wedding package. You can add Super 8 on to your wedding photography collection, or book it all on its own.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

A documentary-style vintage film full of raw and real candid moments
Beautifully edited storytelling film of your day set to custom music
3-10 minutes of vintage Super 8 footage filmed on a real Super 8 camera
Your own personal hype woman who happens to be capturing the special moments
Video link for downloading + sharing
Highlight clip for social sharing
A film 100% unique to your love and your day
Raw, real, genuine connection captured like an old home movie

Learn more