Do you need permission to film guests at your party or wedding?
Short answer: at your own private event, hosts and guests film all the time, and being open about it is the safest and kindest approach. The details depend on where you live, whether audio is recorded, and your venue. This guide covers the basics so you know what to check. It is general information, not legal advice.
Video versus audio
Laws about recording audio of conversations are different from laws about taking pictures or video in a place where people are gathered. Some states let one person in a conversation record it. A smaller group of states require everyone in the conversation to agree. The rules also change when a conversation is private. Since a video usually includes sound, hosts who record audio of private conversations should know their state's rules.
For a state-by-state overview, see the Reporters Committee's recording guide. If you have a specific concern, ask a local attorney.
Venue rules come first
Many venues, houses of worship and officiants have their own filming rules, including limits on flash, tripods or recording during a ceremony. Ask before the day, and follow whatever they say. A venue can ask you to stop even if the law would allow filming.
What hosts usually do
- Tell guests in the invitation. Add a simple line such as: "We will be collecting photos and videos from guests during the event."
- Post a sign. A small sign at the entrance or on the QR code card says guests may be recorded.
- Give people a way out. Let guests know they can opt out, or sit out of the camera.
- Be careful with children. Check with parents before sharing clips of children.
- Be careful posting online. Ask before posting clips of guests on social media.
How ReelKept by Lumi handles it
Guests who join a ReelKept event must be 18 or older. Before they can film, they must tick a box agreeing to be recorded and to the Guest Agreement and Terms. The host gets the film first and can share it. We also give hosts invitation wording that tells guests how clips are used.
A suggested invitation line
We will be collecting videos and photos from guests during the event. By attending, you agree you may be recorded and that recordings may be shown to other guests and used in a film. Please tell us if you would rather not be filmed.
Ask a local attorney if you want wording for your own situation.
A note about children
Children are a special case. Check with a child's parent or guardian before you film them or share their clips, and be more careful about posting them online than you would be with adults. At ReelKept events guests must be 18 or older, so an adult is always the one filming.
If a guest asks you to remove their clip
- Thank them and take the request seriously. It costs you nothing.
- Remove the clip from anything you share or edit, and delete your copy if they ask.
- If you used a service to make a film, ask it to rebuild the film without that guest. In ReelKept, a change request can leave a guest out of the film.
- Remember that copies other people already downloaded are outside your control, so ask promptly and say so honestly.
Questions people ask
Is it legal to film guests at my wedding?
Filming at a private event where everyone knows it is happening is common. Rules about recording audio of private conversations vary by state, and venues set their own rules. This is general information, not legal advice.
What if a guest does not want to be filmed?
Respect that. Let them sit out of the camera, and leave their clips out of the film if they ask. ReelKept lets hosts remove a guest's clips from the film.
Do I need written permission?
Not usually for a private party, but telling guests in advance is a good practice. Ask a local attorney about your situation.
Can I post guests' clips on social media?
Ask first, especially for children. Posting is a different question from filming.
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Last updated October 16, 2026.