Wedding videographer cost guide

A wedding day is one of the most memorable moments in every person’s life, so its capturing with a camera has become an indispensable part of the celebration. Today the trend for hiring a wedding videographer has evolved because couples want to document the true emotions in acting and not just still images. Statistics say that more than a third of all weddings include wedding videography services.

Here you will learn about:

Wedding videography services include coverage of wedding-related events and their following transformation into short video clips and full feature films. Wedding videographers work mostly on a package-based principle, meaning that you pay not for a particular service but for a complex of them. On average, Americans spend between $1,200 and $1,500 for the wedding photography; however, the cost may go higher should any additional services (such as cinematic effect or employment of a second videographer) be ordered.

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Cost-related questions

What are the typical costs of wedding video services?

The most basic service of a wedding videographer is a short clip of the wedding ceremony. This most popular service costs between $400-$900. Ceremony and reception coverage will cost more, that is about $900-$1,200. More enhanced services with several people working at the wedding, different angles, and several clips plus a feature film will cost some $1,200-$1,900. Luxury packages begin from $3,800 and go higher (here the cost rises due to the number of events covered by the videographer, for instance, it can be a reception, rehearsal dinner, next-day celebration, etc.)

For those willing to make a true film out of their wedding, the cost will be about $2,200-$3,200 and it includes special effects, interviews, and professional editing.

What do wedding videography packages include?

Wedding videography packages can vary depending on the particular videographer, your preferences, and the budget at your disposition. Here are the most general outlines of wedding videography packages for an acquaintance with the possible services:

Basic packages ($)

  • Short edited clip (3-4 minutes)
  • Some raw footage (including toasts and congratulations to the newly-weds)
  • 1 videographer
  • Equipment

Midrange packages ($$)

  • Short edited clip (3-4 minutes)
  • Wedding memories video/presentation for the banquet/rehearsal dinner
  • Raw footage (including toasts and congratulations to the newly-weds)
  • 1-2 videographers
  • Equipment

Luxury packages ($$$)

  • Short edited clip (3-4 minutes) + longer video (5-6 minutes)
  • Feature film/documentary (90-120 minutes) of the whole wedding process (can be even from planning to the day X)
  • Wedding memories video/presentation for the banquet/rehearsal dinner
  • All raw footage from all days
  • 2 videographers
  • Equipment

What additional services do wedding videographers offer?

The above-mentioned packages may look a little poor, yet all of them can be enhanced with additional wedding videography services. Here are some examples of the most popular adds-on:

  • Ceremony-only video $550
  • Separate videos for the ceremony and reception $730
  • Extra copies of the wedding video on DVD $35/DVD
  • Adding in photos and video clips into the final video $350
  • Adding in photos of the wedding day to the video $350
  • Extra unedited footage (if not included) $150-$270
  • Cinematic look for the video (making the video look like a Hollywood film) $250
  • Wedding memories video/presentation (if not included) $750 + screen rental $550
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Factors to consider when hiring a Wedding Videographer

Type of coverage

Wedding coverage in terms of video can be divided into ceremony video, wedding video, and documentary. As not all wedding videographers are skilled enough to offer you, for instance, a documentary or a cinematic video after the wedding, ensure that you verify what services a particular videographer specializes in.

Experience

Experience influences not only the price but the overall quality of your final wedding video. It’s highly advised not to save on a wedding videographer if you want this service to be present. Otherwise, you risk paying money for ugly footage that is shameful to watch even to you.

Time

Generally, the length of the wedding coverage depends on a package you choose. However, if you decide to cooperate with a videographer who works on an hourly basis, it’s highly advised to hire them for the whole ceremony and at least 3-4 hours of reception to get a diverse footage and an interesting film in the end.

Additional cameras

The number of cameras influences the final result. Generally, wedding videographers work with assistants who can shoot from a second angle. Yet, if you want to get the best result then two videographers with two assistants is a perfect scenario.

Copies

Discuss from the beginning the number of copies for your wedding DVD. Some wedding videographers agree to cut down the cost of DVDs if you order at least 5 disks.

Packaging and extras

Carefully consider what service package suits you most and then discuss any adds-on you want to include. In most cases, if you order a package and 3-4 additional services, you will get a discount from a wedding videographer.

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Other frequently asked questions

When should I book my wedding videographer?

The sooner, the better. However, try to have a wedding videographer about eight months prior to the wedding day. This will give you time to discuss all possible details of the shooting and the final video characteristics. Besides that, during this period the videographer will be able to learn about the wedding venue to provide the best footage.

Is there a deposit for wedding videography?

Generally, there is a 1/3rd of the total wedding cost paid on the day of contract signing. This part is a non-refundable one. The rest two-thirds are paid about a month before the wedding.

Do I need to tip my wedding videographer?

Tips are highly welcomed in the wedding vendors industry. Generally, you don’t have to tip wedding videographers who run their own business. The tips of $100-$200 are welcomed for videographers working with a larger company. Besides tipping wedding videographers highly appreciate reviews on their websites, city forums, and in the directories.

How to prioritize the services on a short budget?

If your budget is limited, invest in the raw footage of your wedding because this is the foundation of the future clip, video, or film. It’s better to hire a more qualified wedding videographer but not order the wedding film right away than to hire an amateur who won’t be able to deliver even the quality raw footage let alone the final video.

How long can my video be?

The length of the final video depends on the raw footage you paid for and the type of video you want to receive. The shortest videos are teasers that last no more than 1.5 minutes. Short clips with highlights last about 3-5 minutes. Feature films generally consist of the ceremony time + 40 minutes (which totals in about one hour). And documentaries may run as long as 1-2 hours.

How long does it take to receive the video?

Most wedding videographers deliver the final video in 2-3 months.

Bottom line

Wedding videography services have become very popular among spouses-to-be. Be ready to pay about $1,200-$1,500 for the medium package with a short wedding video and some raw footage. Should you be willing to add a cinematic look to your video or get a full-length documentary of your special day, be ready to pay $3,800+ for a premium wedding videography package.

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