How much does a wedding videographer cost?
How much does a wedding videographer cost?
$1,400 – $3,600 average cost
Average cost of wedding videographer
A wedding videographer costs $1,400 to $3,600 on average, with most couples spending around $2,500. Wedding videography prices range from $1,000 to $12,000, depending on the package, add-ons, location, number of videographers, and hours of coverage.
| National average cost | $2,500 |
| Minimum cost | $500 |
| Maximum cost | $12,500 |
| Average cost range | $1,400 to $3,600 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.
Wedding videography prices by package
Wedding videography prices range from $1,000 to $12,000, depending on the package. Most packages include an edited highlight video, a longer documentary film, or both. Higher-level packages include extras like a 1-minute teaser video, drone coverage, or raw footage.
| Package type | Average cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic package | $1,000 – $2,000 |
|
| Standard package | $2,100 – $3,000 |
|
| Premium package | $3,100 – $4,000 |
|
| Platinum package | $4,100 – $6,000 |
|
| Luxury package | $6,100 – $12,000 |
|
Wedding videographer charge per hour
Wedding videographers charge $125 to $350 per hour. Most packages include six to ten hours of coverage, with additional time charged at an hourly rate. Adding a second cinematographer costs $100 to $200 per hour.
Hourly rates can be misleading because post-production video editing often takes the videographer two to three times as long as the event itself.
Wedding videography pricing sheet
Most videographers offer packages and a la carte pricing for extra services or customizations:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Wedding ceremony-only video | $400 – $1,000 |
| Documentary video only | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Documentary edit add-on | $350 – $850 |
| Highlight film (3 – 5 minutes) | $350 – $850 |
| Instagram edit / 60-second teaser | $200 – $400 |
| Ceremony live-stream | $250 – $800 |
| Drone / aerial coverage | $200 – $600 |
| Raw footage | $150 – $550 |
| Save-the-date / Love story video | $400 – $1,400 |
| Guest interviews | $100 – $400 |
| Rehearsal dinner coverage | $500 – $1,500 |
| Photo montage to play at reception | $250 – $750 |
| Photo insertion in wedding video | $150 – $350 |
| Cinematic / special effects | $250 – $500 |
| 4K UHD video | $300 – $1,200 |
| Extra DVD, Blu-Ray, or USB drive | $25 – $65 |
| Second videographer | $400 – $800 |
| Additional hours | $125 – $350 per hour |
Wedding video and photography prices
The average cost of a wedding photographer is $1,600 to $3,600, depending on the location, package, add-ons, event length, and number of photographers. Wedding photography and videography are typically booked separately.
Additional wedding videographer rates and charges
Wedding videographer rates depend on the following factors:
Number of videographers and assistants
Number of hours and locations
Videographer's experience and reputation
Equipment, including extra cameras, wireless microphones, and lighting
Travel expenses for distances over 30 to 50 miles
Length of the final highlight film and documentary film
Extra videos, including a 1-minute teaser video, Instagram edit, or save-the-date video
Additional filming before the wedding day for couple interviews
Add-ons like drone footage, rehearsal dinner coverage, raw footage, or a photo montage
Turnaround time for final edited videos
Video delivery format, including online, USB, or DVD
Remember to factor in the cost of meals for your videographer and the second shooter or assistant.
Wedding video editing rates
Wedding video editing costs $250 to $400. Editing is typically included in the videography package, but buying the raw footage add-on gives you the option to hire a different video editor later to create additional highlight films or anniversary videos.
Wedding video cost for raw footage
Wedding video raw footage costs $150 to $550 as an add-on to a videography package. Raw footage is the unedited footage of your wedding day and contains hundreds of video clips in separate files, not one continuous video. Raw footage does not incorporate high-quality audio from external microphones.
Typical wedding videographer payment schedule
Wedding videographers typically require a 50% deposit upon booking to reserve your date. The remaining 50% is due two weeks to 30 days before the wedding. Final edited videos are delivered within 30 to 90 days after the wedding, depending on the film length and type.
Frequently asked questions
Should I have a wedding videographer? Is a wedding video worth it?
A wedding videographer is worth it to capture elements a photograph can't – words spoken, vows, toasts, reactions, and laughter. Your wedding only happens once, and you can't go back and capture those moments on video later. A wedding video allows you to relive your favorite memories from that special day.
When should I hire a wedding videographer?
Hire your wedding videographer at least 8 months before your wedding date, or up to 12 months in advance for weddings during the peak season.
Do you tip a wedding videographer?
Tipping a wedding videographer is not required if the videographer owns the business. Consider tipping if the videographer works for a larger video company or exceeds your expectations. Tip $50 to $100 to the lead videographer and $50 to $75 for the assistant or second shooter.
How many videographers do I need for a wedding?
Having two videographers allows you to capture special memories of your wedding day from multiple angles, adding variety for a more cinematic look and providing more opportunities for creative shots. With two videographers, you'll also get footage of key moments happening simultaneously in two different locations.
Tips to find a cheap wedding videographer on a budget
Follow these tips to save money on wedding videography:
Choose a shorter video length.
Reduce the number of coverage hours.
Record the ceremony only.
Select a basic package with only one cinematographer.
Skip the add-ons like drone coverage, guest interviews, or a photo montage.
Book your wedding during the off-season or on any day other than Saturday.
Hire a videographer with less experience or choose a package with an associate videographer instead of the studio's lead videographer.
Combine your photography and videography package.
How to find and choose a wedding videographer
Before choosing a wedding videographer near you, be sure to:
Decide which video style you like best and look for videographers whose style closely matches it.
Determine which end products you want, including highlight films, documentary films, and add-ons.
Ask for referrals from friends, family, your wedding planner, the venue, and other wedding vendors.
Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
Interview your favorite videographers and discuss your ideas and vision.
Ask the videographer about their pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding 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, giving them the right to use the videos for marketing and social media.
What questions to ask wedding videographers
How would you describe your videography style and approach?
Do you have our wedding date available?
How long have you been filming weddings?
How many weddings have you filmed?
How many weddings do you film per year?
Can we see a finished wedding video you created?
What packages do you offer, and how much do they cost?
How do you choose the music for the film? Can we choose the music?
When will we receive our finished, edited wedding video?
What format will you deliver our video in?
Will we own the rights to the video? Are there any sharing or use restrictions?
Have you shot at our venue before?
Can you describe your editing process? Do we get any input into the final product?
Will you use a microphone to capture our voices during the ceremony? Will it be wired or wireless?
How many videographers and assistants does the package include?
Do you charge a travel fee? What does it cover?
How much do you require on deposit? What is your payment schedule?
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Do you have liability insurance? What does it cover?
Do you carry backup videography equipment?
What happens if an emergency comes up and you can’t be present on our wedding day?
Will you be sharing our wedding videos on your website or social media?
Have you worked with our photographer before?