How much does a videographer cost?
How much does a videographer cost?
$75 – $350 hourly rate
$700 – $2,000+ daily rate
$500 – $2,300 average total cost
Videographer prices
Videographer prices are $75 to $350 per hour or $700 to $2,000+ per day. Videography rates depend on the event type and length, number of videographers, and package type. Professional videographers cost more for corporate events and weddings than for sports games, performances, and birthdays.
| Event or charge type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $75 – $350 |
| Day rate | $700 – $2,000+ |
| Non-corporate event (performance, sports game, birthday party) | $300 – $1,000 |
| Wedding | $1,400 – $3,600 |
| Corporate event | $1,000 – $3,500 per day |
| Music video | $600 – $3,500 per day |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.
Videographer rates per hour & day
Videographers charge different rates according to the event type and duration.
| Rate | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate (non-wedding projects) | $75 – $350 |
| Hourly rate (weddings) | $125 – $350 |
| Day rate | $700 – $2,000+ |
| Travel rates | $0.50 – $1.50 per mile |
Videographer rates depend on:
Event type – Videography for corporate events and weddings typically costs more than for sports games, performances, and other parties.
Event length – Videography packages typically come with either 2 hours, a half-day, or a full day of filming, depending on the event type.
Video crew size – Rates increase for projects that require multiple videographers. However, some companies offer discounts on the hourly rate for each additional cameraperson.
Editing – Video editing rates are $20 to $150+ per hour, depending on experience and the project type. Some videographers include editing in their package price or flat rate while others charge for it separately.
Add-ons – Videographers typically charge separately for add-ons like highlight reels, Instagram edits, or live streaming.
Holidays – Expect to pay premium rates to hire a videographer for events held on holidays like Christmas or New Year's Eve.
Geographic location – Videographers charge more in New York City, Los Angeles, and other major metropolitan areas.
Videographer hourly rate
Videographer hourly rates are $75 to $350 per hour for corporate events, recitals, sports games, and birthday or anniversary parties.
Wedding videographers charge $125 to $350 per hour for the first cameraperson plus $100 to $200 per hour for a second videographer.
Videographer day rate
Videographer day rates are $700 to $2,000+, depending on the event type. Videographers charge $1,000 to $3,500+ per day for corporate events requiring multiple cameras.
Confirm your contract includes both filming and editing the video. Many videographers charge separately for editing.
Videographer travel rates
Videographers charge travel rates of $0.50 to $1.50 per mile beyond the first 30 to 50 miles. Additional travel expenses include hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation.
Videographer payment schedule and deposit
Videographers typically require a 50% deposit upon booking. The remaining 50% is due 1 week to 30 days before the event.
Large video production companies may split the cost into four payments instead:
25% deposit to book the date
25% on or up to 30 days before the day of production
25% upon delivery of the first rough edit
25% upon delivery of the final product
Average videographer cost by project
Average videographer costs start at $250 for real estate projects and small non-profit events. Corporate commercials and marketing video projects can cost more than $5,000.
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Weddings | $1,400 – $3,600 |
| Birthday parties & anniversaries | $350 – $1,000 |
| Recitals & performances | $300 – $800 |
| Sports games | $300 – $650 |
| Mitzvahs | $800 – $2,000+ |
| Documentary videos | $500 – $3,000+ |
| Corporate events | $1,000 – $3,500 per day |
| Corporate commercials and marketing videos | $1,000 – $5,000+ |
| Non-profit events | $250 – $650 |
| Music video | $600 – $3,500+ |
| Real estate videography | $250 – $600 |
Event videography packages & pricing
Event videography pricing is $300 to $1,000 for non-corporate events like recitals, performances, sports games, and parties.
Videographers charge $1,000 to $3,500 per day for corporate events, which typically require multiple camerapersons filming at the same time.
Wedding videography charges
A wedding videographer costs $1,400 to $3,600 on average, with most couples spending around $2,500. Prices depend on the package, add-ons, number of videographers, and event length.
Freelance & professional video production charges
Video production costs $800 to $4,000 per finished minute, depending on the video type and whether you hire a freelance videographer or a larger production company.
A music video costs $2,000 to $50,000+, depending on the crew size and production level.
Real estate videography costs $250 to $600 for a video walkthrough of the home.
Commercial videos cost $1,000 to $5,000+ for videography and editing alone.
| Service | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Main videographer | $75 – $350 |
| Second videographer | $25 – $200 |
| Actors or presenters | $50 – $500 |
| Narrators or voice overs | $25 – $100 |
| Script writer / marketer | $30 – $150 |
| Video director | $25 – $200 |
| Video editor | $20 – $150+ |
| Video rendering | $25 – $75 |
| Project management | $25 – $200 |
| Equipment rental | $25 – $200+ |
| Studio / location rental | $100 – $500 |
| Special effects | $30 – $200 |
| Makeup artist cost | $50 – $120 |
| Hair stylist cost | $50 – $150 |
Photographer & videographer cost
Though the fields are related, photography is typically booked separately as most videographers don't offer photography services.
The average cost to hire a photographer is $100 to $250 per hour or $25 to $100 per edited image, depending on the event type and their experience level.
A wedding photographer costs $1,600 to $3,600 total, with most couples spending around $2,500. Wedding photography prices depend on the package, add-ons, location, and number of photographers.
Videography pricing sheet
Many videographers offer a la carte pricing for extra services or add-ons:
| Service | Price range |
|---|---|
| 4K UHD video | $300 – $1,200 |
| Additional shooting hours | $75 – $350 per hour |
| Ceremony or event live-stream | $250 –$800 |
| Cinematic / special effects | $250 – $500 |
| Documentary edit add-on | $350 – $850 |
| Documentary video only | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Drone / aerial event coverage | $200 – $600 |
| Extra DVD, Blu-Ray, or USB drive | $25 – $65 |
| Guest interviews | $100 – $400 |
| Highlight film (3 – 5 minutes) | $350 – $850 |
| Instagram edit / 60-second teaser | $200 – $400 |
| Jib/crane filming | $500 – $800+ |
| Photo insertion in video | $150 – $350 |
| Photo montage to play at reception | $250 – $750 |
| Raw footage | $150 – $500+ |
| Rehearsal dinner coverage | $500 – $1,500 |
| Save-the-date / Love story video | $400 – $1,400 |
| Second videographer | $400 – $800 |
| Wedding ceremony-only video | $400 – $1,000 |
Videographer FAQs
What is a videographer?
A videographer records and edits video footage for live events and small-scale productions, such as weddings, corporate events, commercials, and documentaries. Many videographers also handle sound production for these events.
Do videographers provide raw footage?
Some videographers provide raw footage for an extra fee of $100 to $500+. Raw footage is the unedited footage of your event with hundreds of video clips in separate files, not one continuous video. Raw footage does not incorporate high-quality audio from external microphones.
Raw footage is typically only useful to customers with their own video editing experience as it includes video with no color correction, shaky camera shots, and no audio enhancement.
Are videographers worth it?
A videographer is worth it to capture more than a photograph can. Your event only happens once, and a video allows you to relive your favorite memories from that special day.
How much to tip a videographer
Tip $50 to $100 to the lead videographer and $50 to $75 for the assistant or second shooter. However, tipping a videographer is not expected if the videographer owns the business. Consider tipping if the videographer works for a larger video company or exceeds your expectations.
How to find and hire a videographer
Before choosing a videographer near you, be sure to:
Look for videographers whose style matches the video type you like best.
Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
Interview your favorite videographers and discuss your ideas and vision.
Ask the videographer about their pre-event, event day, and post-event process.
Get a detailed contract in writing that breaks down everything included in your package, the payment plan, and the refund and cancellation policy.
Discuss the video usage rights to confirm how you and the videographer can use the footage. Videographers often retain the copyright to use the videos for marketing and social media.
Don’t make the last payment until you’ve received the final video.
Questions to ask videographers
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best videographer:
How many events have you filmed, and which event types do you specialize in?
How many events do you film per year?
What’s your videography style and approach?
Can we see examples of finished videos you created?
What packages do you offer, and how much do they cost?
Can you describe your editing process?
Do we get any input into the final product?
How do you choose the music for the video, and can we choose the music?
If you charge a travel fee, what does it cover?
What is your payment schedule and required deposit?
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Do you carry backup videography equipment?
When will we receive our edited video?
What format will you deliver our video in?
Will we own the rights to the video, or are there any sharing or use restrictions?
Will you share our videos on your website or social media?