Photography vs. Videography for Your Proposal — Do You Need Both?
You’ve chosen the location, practiced what you’ll say, and maybe even picked out the ring together—your proposal is going to be perfect. But there’s one big question left: Should you hire a photographer, a videographer, or both to capture the moment?
At One Moment Hawaii, we’ve documented hundreds of proposals across the islands, and we get this question all the time. Below, we’ll break down the difference between photography and videography for proposals, the unique value of each, and whether it’s worth investing in both.
Proposal Photography: Freezing the Moment
What it captures:
The exact moment you get down on one knee
Raw reactions and joyful expressions
Post-proposal portraits (celebration, ring shots, candid smiles)
Beautiful, shareable stills you’ll frame or post online
Why couples love it:
Instant impact: Photos are perfect for sharing the news with friends and family
Visual storytelling: A strong gallery of images will walk you through the emotions of the moment
Versatility: Easy to use in save-the-dates, wedding websites, or framed keepsakes
Great for: Couples who want high-quality images to announce their engagement and preserve key memories
Proposal Videography: Reliving the Emotion
What it captures:
Your full proposal in real time, with sound and motion
The words you said, the tears, the laughter, the setting
Reactions you might’ve missed in the moment
A highlight film that tells the story from start to finish
Why couples love it:
Emotional impact: Video brings the moment back to life in a way that photos can’t
Audio: Hearing your proposal and their response makes it feel real every time you watch
Legacy: Something to share with future generations, or replay on anniversaries
Great for: Couples who want to preserve not just the look—but the feel—of the moment forever
So… Do You Really Need Both?
In short: Yes, if you want the full story.
Here’s why combining photo + video is the most popular option:
PhotographyVideographyInstant, shareable imagesA cinematic story you’ll replay for yearsPerfect for announcements & framingPerfect for reliving emotion and hearing your wordsCaptures key still momentsCaptures the entire experienceOne-time reactionFull-motion memory
Most of our couples say they almost didn’t book video—but after seeing their film, they couldn’t imagine not having it.
Proposal Packages with Photo + Video
At One Moment Hawaii, we offer flexible proposal packages with:
High-resolution photography
Cinematic 4K highlight video
Next-day sneak peeks for social sharing
Add-ons like drone footage, decor setups, and content creator reels for Instagram/TikTok
Popular combo packages start around $999, making it an affordable way to capture your once-in-a-lifetime moment from every angle.
Final Thoughts
Your proposal will last only a few minutes—but the way you remember it will last forever. Photography gives you beautiful, timeless images. Videography gives you movement, sound, and soul. Together, they create a full experience you can relive again and again.
Ready to plan the perfect proposal with full coverage?
View our proposal packages here or contact us to get started. We’ll help you pull off the surprise—and make sure it’s captured beautifully.
