ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.

All British filmmakers who submit a film are automatically considered for this award at no additional cost.

In addition, the judges may nominate and evaluate filmmakers who have not entered a film but have made a significant impact on the wedding filmmaking industry.

A British Wedding Filmmaker is defined as an individual or business registered in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland).

There are no restrictions on experience level, and selection is based on the filmmaker’s overall portfolio and contribution to the craft.

All International filmmakers who submit a film are automatically considered for this award at no additional cost.

In addition, the judges may nominate and evaluate filmmakers who have not entered a film but have made a significant impact on the wedding filmmaking industry.

An international wedding filmmaker is an individual or business whose business is registered outside of the UK.

There are no restrictions on experience level, and selection is based on the filmmaker’s overall portfolio and contribution to the craft.

All filmmakers submitting a film are automatically entered. Additionally, the judges reserve the right to nominate and consider outstanding new filmmakers who have not entered a film but have made a bold new entrance to the wedding filmmaking industry.

There is no geographical criteria.

There are no strict limits on years of experience, but the judges will consider factors such as innovation, growth, and overall portfolio when selecting the winner.

The educator must be actively involved in teaching, mentoring, or training aspiring or established wedding filmmakers.

This includes (but not limited to):

• running workshops, courses, online tutorials, one-on-one mentorship, or creating educational content cross platforms such as YouTube, podcasts, blogs, or social media.

• those who contribute to the education space through public speaking, coaching programs, or community-driven initiatives

This is not an award you can enter yourself. Individuals or teams will be nominated and selected by the judges.

Filmmakers worldwide are eligible, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF eligibility criteria apply to this category.

This award is chosen by the judges as their overall standout film, regardless of geography (e.g. UK or Destination film) or category (e.g. elopement, documentary, etc.)

This award recognises the judges’ favourite entry across the entire spectrum of wedding filmmaking.

All filmmakers submitting a film are automatically entered.

The general BWFF eligibility criteria apply to this category, and there are no additional category-specific eligibility requirements.

The wedding must have taken place within the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

The wedding must have taken place in a venue or location outside of the United Kingdom. This includes international venues or unique locations anywhere in the world.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

The film must be a true elopement, defined as a couple marrying in a very intimate and personal setting, typically without the involvement of a traditional wedding party or large guest list

This includes intimate, small-scale weddings of between 2-25 guests maximum.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

The wedding must showcase a wedding that is deeply rooted in cultural or traditional customs, rituals, or practices.

This could include (but not limited to):

• any cultural wedding type (e.g., Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Muslim, African, etc.)

• a focus on the authentic cultural elements.

The film must authentically represent the cultural elements of the wedding, including traditions, rituals, attire, music, and customs. The wedding should be portrayed in a respectful and culturally accurate manner.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

This category is open to filmmakers globally, with no geographical restrictions, as long as the film adheres to the documentary style.

For this competition, a documentary-style edit is defined as

• a narrative approach that prioritises authenticity, capturing real, unscripted moments , captured as they naturally unfold

• focusing on storytelling through raw emotions, genuine interactions, and immersive sequences, allowing the true essence of the wedding or event to shine.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

If using sound or dialogue not captured on the wedding/elopement day, all sound effects must be properly licensed for use.

It is the entrant's responsibility to ensure all sounds used are legally obtained and comply with copyright laws.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF eligibility criteria apply to this category.

The entry must focus on a couple’s journey outside of the wedding day itself, capturing meaningful moments that add depth to their love story.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• engagement films

• proposal videos

• vow renewals

• milestone anniversaries

• any significant moment in the couple’s relationship.

Additionally, footage captured outside of the wedding day, such as pre-wedding shoots or other personal sessions, when incorporated into the overall wedding film, is also eligible for this category.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

The film should showcase new or unconventional filmmaking or storytelling techniques, or technologies that set it apart from the norm.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• use of equipment such as FPV drones, 360 cameras, VR/AR elements, or unconventional equipment

• editing styles (e.g., non-linear storytelling, creative transitions, non-traditional wedding edits)

• or other technical innovations that enhance the storytelling experience.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

The submission must be a short-form wedding film, specifically edited for social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.).

The Social Edit should adhere to the following:

• Format: Square (1:1), vertical (3:4) or horizontal videos

• Length: between 20-60 seconds long. This time frame ensures the submission is tailored for social media platforms, where brevity and visual impact are key

The Social Edit must be publicly available on a platform like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Facebook.

Submission links should be easily accessible to judges.

Music licensing or original compositions should be properly credited.

This category is open to filmmakers and content creators worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

The music can be either pre-existing (licensed tracks) or original (composed specifically for the wedding film).

If pre-existing music is used, it must be fully licensed for use in the wedding film.

It is the entrant's responsibility to ensure music used is legally obtained and/or comply with copyright laws.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.

The submission can include aerial footage as part of a longer wedding film.

This category is open to filmmakers worldwide, with no geographical restrictions.

All other general BWFF entry rules apply to this category.