When planning a wedding, couples spend months curating every detail, from the floral palette to the venue lighting, all in hopes of capturing something unforgettable. But what happens to the moments that don’t make it into the final wedding video?

Most videographers will deliver a beautiful teaser and a polished highlight film.. but they’ll keep the raw footage to themselves. At Emma Cleary Photo & Video, we believe in doing things differently.

That’s why every couple who books one of our video packages receives all of their raw wedding video files—no hidden costs, no gatekeeping, and no missed memories. It’s rare in this industry, and for good reason: we think your story deserves to be fully yours.

What Is Raw Wedding Footage (and Why Most Videographers Don’t Share It)

Raw wedding footage is the unedited video straight from the camera — before the music, color grading, cropping, and curated edits. It’s everything we captured on your wedding day: the behind-the-scenes laughs, the unfiltered moments, and the ambient details that bring the story to life.

So why don’t most videographers include it?

The truth is, many studios see raw footage as “unfinished” or worry it might not align with their brand if shared. Others charge high fees to release it or avoid delivering it altogether. But we trust our clients. And we believe that those in-between moments are just as meaningful as the final cut.

Why We Include All Raw Video Files in Every Package

At Emma Cleary Photo & Video, raw footage isn’t extra – it’s essential. Here’s why we’ve built it into every wedding videography package:

• Transparency: You get everything we filmed—no questions asked.
• Full Storytelling: Relive every unscripted moment, from the toast bloopers to the quiet glances between you and your partner.
• Archival Value: Save it all now so you can revisit it years from today

When you book with us, you’ll receive:

• A 1 minute teaser
• A 5 minute highlight film
• A 30+ minute full-length feature film
• All raw video files (delivered via google drive)

What You Can Do With Your Raw Wedding Footage

Think of your raw footage as your personal wedding archive. While your edited films tell a beautifully refined story, the raw files give you access to everything else—the full vows, the uncut speeches, the dance floor chaos, and the quiet little things in between.

Here’s how couples often use their raw footage:

• Contact us for future edits or a custom version for your first anniversary
• Share raw clips with family or friends who couldn’t attend
• Save for your children to watch one day

How Our Video Packages Stand Out

Our couples choose us because we blend refined editorial style with practical, transparent service. And our video packages reflect that:

Fast delivery: All files—edited and raw—delivered within 2–4 weeks

Full coverage: Packages include teaser, highlight, full film + raw files

Client-first access: You don’t need to ask twice—we already include it

Whether you’re getting married at The Plaza, a Brooklyn garden, or a downtown loft, we believe your wedding film should be as complete as your memories.

FAQs: Should You Ask for Raw Wedding Footage?

Should I ask my videographer for raw footage?
Yes! Especially if it’s important to you to own the full memory of your day. Just know that many videographers don’t include it or charge extra.

Why is it rare to get raw footage from wedding videographers?
Most studios only deliver their final edited films. They may view raw footage as unfinished or off-brand—or prefer to maintain creative control.

Is the raw footage watchable?
Yes! While it’s not color graded or edited to music, it’s still professional video. Many couples love seeing the raw, authentic moments that don’t make the highlight reel. Sometimes you may need video editing programs in order to view all of the files, so please keep that in mind.

Your Wedding Story, Fully Yours

You only get one wedding day but when you have every frame, every laugh, and every quiet moment captured, it lasts a lifetime. We’re here to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

If you’re looking for a NYC wedding videographer who gives you full access, we’d love to be part of your story. Check out all of our packages here!