About the Wedding Video-Recording Licence (WVRL)

As your wedding day is a very special occasion you may be planning to capture some precious moments on film, video tape or DVD. If you include music, whether live, pre-recorded or added during the editing process, then you may need a Wedding Video-Recording Licence.

What is it?

The Wedding Video-Recording Licence is a simple and convenient way to ensure you have complied with copyright law. It provides permission, on behalf of the copyright owners, for all the music you are likely to use in creating the video of your wedding day.

Why do I need it?

Whenever music is performed or recorded, copyright is involved. The law requires that permission be obtained in advance from the copyright owners and the appropriate fees paid.

Weddings and receptions are no exception. When they are filmed or video-recorded, any music used during the event or overdubbed afterwards, whether live or from a commercial sound recording, is protected by copyright.

What does the licence cover?

If you are planning to video your wedding service, your reception and perhaps an evening disco, then you need to think about copyright issues. For example, will the person making the video be recording the following?:

The hymns and worship songs sung during the service.
Any music or songs performed live while you are signing the register.
Any music from a commercial CD, DVD or tape whilst filming (or over-dubbed afterwards).
The performance of a live band at the reception.
Any music played at a disco.

It is possible that some of the music sung during the ceremony itself will be in the public domain e.g. traditional hymns. But everything will need to be checked. And that?s where we come in! We are a one-stop provider of licences and information on all copyright issues.

If you have any questions or concerns about whether you are covered for recording your wedding service check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Terms and Conditions

Click on the icon below to download a pdf of the terms and conditions.

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