How much does wedding videography cost?

A wedding videographer’s flat rate typically includes the videographer’s presence on your wedding day; footage of all of the important moments, including the wedding ceremony, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.; the post-production editing process; the equipment your videographer uses, which should be up-to-date and in good working order (drone footage is usually extra); and the final product, however you agree it will be delivered (DVD, USB, etc.).

Many videographers sell their services in packages with tiered pricing, which allows the client to select the level of coverage desired and the desired final product. For example, videographer Gary Magill in Oakland, California, offers two wedding day packages, a basic package and a premium package:

• Basic Package: $1,400. This includes:

  • Footage during and after the ceremony, including highlights requested by the couple
  • Two cameras with audio equipment
  • DVD including a 3- or 4-minute edit to a song of the couple’s choice and a 45- to 50-minute raw footage edit covering the entire event
  • Recordings of well wishes to the couple

• Premium Package: $1,800. This includes:

  • Two videographers
  • Aerial videography
  • Footage during and after the ceremony, including highlights requested by the couple
  • Two cameras with audio equipment
  • DVD including a 3- to 4-minute edit to a song of the couple’s choice and a 45- to 50-minute raw footage edit covering the entire event
  • Recordings of well wishes to the couple

Factors that affect the cost of a wedding videographer include their level of experience, the amount of time your videographer spends at the wedding, the number of videographers or assistants required, their travel expenses, the kind of final product you’d like to receive, and any extras you may want.

Videographer’s Reputation and Location

It may seem obvious, but a person with 10-20 years of videography experience is going to charge more than an entry-level videographer or someone who does it as a hobby. The less experienced videographer may not produce the same quality of work, but will be cheaper.

Areas with a higher cost of living also typically see higher costs for wedding videography services. In addition, highly requested videographers or those with celebrity credits often charge higher fees.

Amount of Time Videographer Is Present

The amount of time the videographer needs to be present on the wedding day will affect the final price. Most weddings require around six to ten hours of coverage; the more time your videographer films, the more it will cost, especially if you want footage of the rehearsal dinner or of the bridal party or groomsmen getting ready.

Number of Staff

You will typically have the option to add multiple cameras, which means there will be a “second shooter” who ensures wider coverage of your wedding and captures different angles. The videographer may also bring an assistant, who is there to do everything from carrying gear to setting up cameras. The more people involved in the production, the more it will cost.

Travel Expenses

If your videographer has to travel a long distance or stay overnight, you may be required to pay the costs of gas and/or a hotel.

Additional Videography Services and Costs

Here are a few examples of add-on pricing services from Thumbtack wedding videographers.

A wedding videographer’s flat rate typically includes the videographer’s presence on your wedding day; footage of all of the important moments, including the wedding ceremony, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.; the post-production editing process; the equipment your videographer uses, which should be up-to-date and in good working order (drone footage is usually extra); and the final product, however you agree it will be delivered (DVD, USB, etc.).

If your videographer owns their own studio, they will not expect a tip. If the videographer works for a larger company, however, then it is a good practice to tip between $50 and $200 depending on the final price. If there is more than one person (who does not own the company), then a tip between $50 and $100, depending on their role, is appreciated.

You should start looking for a wedding videographer soon after you’ve picked the location and date of your wedding. Things to keep in mind when choosing the right person are your budget; whether the videographer’s style aligns with what you want; their experience; the timing of when you’d like the final product; whether they require a second shooter or assistant (and how that factors into the price); whether you are able to provide input on the final cut; their online reviews; and, perhaps most important, what kind of rapport you have during the planning process. You’ll be spending one of the biggest days of your life with this person; not only do you want to make sure you get along, you should feel that they understand your nuances and which important moments you would like the final product to capture.

There are several ways to save money on wedding videography, including:

• Opting for a shorter video: You may be happy with a tighter edit of the event.
• Cutting down the amount of time the videographer is present: Consider whether you want video of just the ceremony, or don’t mind if the videographer leaves halfway through the reception.
• Asking for raw footage only: You can have it edited later or edit it yourself.
• Skipping the extras like a photo montage, drone footage, or well wishes from guests: Decide what’s essential rather than just nice to have.
• Hiring someone with less experience, like a film student: A videographer who’s early in their career will charge less than a more seasoned pro. In addition, shop around for multiple quotes, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.