The cost of a wedding video can differ significantly based on several variables, including the videographer’s experience, the length and style of the video, location, and the services offered. Couples should budget, on average, between $1,000 and $3,500 for a professional wedding video.
Basic packages include just a highlight reel, while more comprehensive packages involve full-day coverage, multiple cameras, and edited feature-length films. High-end videographers may charge $5,000 for luxury packages with personalised touches and cinematic quality. Couples must assess their budget and video preferences to find the right balance.
Let’s get straight to the point
A wedding video can cost anywhere from $1,200 to over $20,000, depending on various factors such as the videographer’s experience, location, hours of coverage, and extra features like drone footage or additional camera operators.
Basic packages may offer short highlight reels with one videographer, while mid-range and premium packages provide full-day coverage, multiple camera operators, and professionally edited films.
Additional costs may include rush editing, raw footage, and travel expenses. Couples should carefully consider their budget, package options, and desired video style to make the best choice for their wedding day.
The Average Cost Of A Wedding Videographer
A wedding videographer’s price can vary significantly, depending on various factors such as their experience, the number of hours required, and the location of your event. Here’s a general breakdown of the average cost:
- Low-end videographers: $1,200 to $1,500
- Mid-range videographers: $7,001 to $12,000
- High-end videographers: $20,000 or more
Location, experience, and the complexity of the shoot all influence these prices. Be sure to get an estimate from your potential videographer before deciding.
Factors That Influence The Cost
The following factors can impact how much you’ll pay for your wedding videography:
- Location: Videographers in major cities or destination weddings may charge more due to higher living costs or travel expenses.
- Experience: A more experienced videographer will typically charge higher rates.
- Hours of coverage: Longer weddings or full-day coverage can increase the final bill.
- Number of videographers: Some packages include one or two videographers, but you can add more for an additional fee.
Videographers often offer a variety of packages to suit different budgets and requirements. Below are common elements of these packages:
Standard Wedding Videography Packages
- Basic Package:
- 3-5 minute highlight video
- Full wedding film (20-30 minutes)
- One videographer
- Professionally edited footage
- Mid-Range Package:
- 3-4 minute highlight video
- Full wedding film (including vows and speeches)
- Two camera operators
- Wedding footage for the rehearsal dinner or reception
- Premium Package:
- 5-6 minute short film
- Full documentary-style video (up to 120 minutes)
- All raw footage
- Two videographers
- Drone footage (optional)
Most packages are customisable, and additional features such as extra camera operators, special effects, or drone footage may be added for an extra fee.
Package Extras You Might Consider
In addition to the basics, many videographers offer add-ons to enhance your wedding video. These include:
- Additional Videographer: $75 to $125 per hour for extra coverage.
- Rush Editing: $50 to $195 for expedited delivery of the final product.
- Raw footage: $150 to $270 for unedited video clips.
- Special Cinematic Effects: $250 to give your video a film-like quality.
- Drone Footage: $2,000 to $3,000 for aerial views of your wedding.
Low, Mid-Range, And Premium Packages Explained
The amount you spend on wedding videography will depend largely on the type of package you select. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect for different price ranges:
1. Entry-Level Packages
If you’re on a tight budget, entry-level packages will likely cover only the essentials. These packages cost between $881 and $1,234 and typically include:
- 5 hours of coverage
- One camera operator
- A short, edited video (3-4 minutes)
2. Mid-Range Packages:
For couples looking for more comprehensive coverage, mid-range packages, which cost between $1,410 and $2,116, offer more features such as:
- All-day coverage (from preparation to the last dance)
- Two camera operators
- Edited video and raw footage
- Additional editing features, such as a behind-the-scenes documentary
3. Premium Packages:
Specialised packages are intended for couples who desire the best for their wedding day. These packages, ranging from $2,292 to $4,409, typically include:
- Full coverage of the wedding, from preparation to the reception
- Multiple camera operators
- Special features like aerial drone shots or film-quality editing
- Extended-length videos (90-120 minutes)
Some videographers also offer Ultra-level packages, starting from $5,290, which turn your wedding video into a full-length feature film with tracking shots, elaborate lighting, and even drone imagery.
Additional Costs You Might Encounter
A few other factors can increase the total cost of your wedding videography in addition to the standard packages.
1. Hours Of Coverage
Most videographers include a set number of hours in their packages. If your wedding day extends beyond this, expect to pay additional fees for extra coverage, typically between $500 and $1,000.
2. Drone Footage
Want aerial shots of your venue? Drone footage is a popular add-on that may cost from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the location and drone work required.
3. Additional Camera Operators
Some videographers may charge extra if you want multiple angles of your wedding captured. Hiring a second videographer usually costs between $250 and $500. Alternatively, you can opt for a stationary camera, which can cost around $100.
4. Travel Expenses
If your wedding occurs outside the videographer’s usual area, you’ll likely need to cover their travel expenses, including flights, accommodation, and meals. Some videographers may charge a flat destination fee for long-distance travel.
5. Extra Editing
Most videography packages include a set number of edits. If you need additional edits or want changes after the final video has been delivered, expect to pay $750 or more, depending on the complexity of your requests.
6. Post-Wedding Events
Expect to pay extra if you want your rehearsal dinner or other wedding-related events recorded. Depending on the videographer’s rates, adding rehearsal dinner coverage could cost an additional $500 to $1,000.
What To Expect From The Editing Process?
Editing is one of the most time-consuming aspects of wedding videography. Most videographers will offer a set amount of editing time in their packages. You can expect the following process:
- Initial Review:
- The videographer will send you the first draft of your wedding video.
- You can request a round or two of changes before finalising the video.
- Editing Time:
- Basic highlight films can take around 40-50 hours to edit.
- Editing full-length films, like the ceremony or speeches, typically takes 10-15 hours.
- Final Product Delivery:
- Once editing is completed, your wedding video will be delivered via DVD, USB, or online streaming platform.
Many videographers will also offer physical copies like DVDs or Blu-rays, which often come with additional costs.
Equipment Used By Wedding Videographers
Your videographer’s equipment will heavily influence your wedding video’s quality. Entry-level packages might include only basic equipment, while premium packages may feature:
- High-definition cameras
- Professional-grade lighting
- Lenses for different effects
- Microphones and recorders for crisp sound
- Drone cameras for aerial footage
Selecting a wedding videographer requires you to ask what equipment they will use. The more elaborate the setup, the higher the cost and the better the final product.
Choosing The Right Videographer
Selecting the right wedding videographer goes beyond just budget considerations. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the best choice:
- Watch their previous work: Watch at least three full wedding films from your shortlisted videographers before committing. This will give you an idea of their style and whether it matches your vision.
- Ask about experience: More experienced videographers may charge more, but they can offer superior sound, editing, and cinematography.
- Get a clear contract: Make sure everything is outlined, including the hours of coverage, editing process, and delivery timeline.
Conclusion
Investing in a wedding videographer is a way to capture one of the most important days of your life. While prices vary based on experience, location, and the number of hours covered, most couples can expect to pay between $7,001 and $12,000 for quality wedding videography. Additional features like drone footage, extra videographers, and post-wedding events will increase costs. Ultimately, your spending will depend on how important a high-quality wedding video is to you.
FAQs About Wedding Video
Why Do You Need A Wedding Video?
While cost is a factor for some, the real importance of wedding videos comes from their capacity to bring your special day back to life. Videos, in contrast to pictures, provide the voices, noises, sounds, and actions of one of the most memorable days of your life and keep it saved forever.
How Much Should You Spend On Videography For A Wedding?
In the land of the free, the average cost of a wedding videographer is approximately $1,799; most couples opt to spend between $1,000 and $2,500.
Do Wedding Videographers Provide Raw Footage?
After the shooting, some videographers will email you the raw (uncut, unedited) video so you may watch it before editing starts and mark any moments you want to keep or exclude, such as your fiancé’s voice breaking during his vow reading.
What Should Be Included In A Wedding Video?
- The bride and groom are getting ready.
- They walk down the aisle.
- The ceremony.
- The first dance.
- The bride and groom are dancing with their parents.
- Speeches from the wedding party.
- The cake cutting.
How Long Should A Wedding Montage Video Be?
We advise keeping your slideshow between five and ten minutes long to keep your guests interested and involved. That works out to be between 60 and 120 pictures. If you decide to use video, make sure the segments are relatively brief to maintain the slideshow’s speed.
