Wedding Videographer Cost: Average Prices and Packages

Wedding videography captures the moments that photos alone can't preserve—your partner's voice during vows, your family's laughter during speeches, and the energy of your celebration in motion. Many couples wrestle with whether videography fits their budget and which package makes sense for their priorities.

Understanding videography costs helps you make confident decisions about preserving your wedding memories. This guide breaks down what influences pricing, what's included in different packages, and how to choose coverage that matches both your vision and budget.

What Does a Wedding Videographer Cost?

Wedding videography captures your celebration on film, creating lasting memories you can watch and share for years to come. A videographer records the moving moments that photos can't preserve, including your vows, speeches, and first dance.

According to The Zola Wedding Cost Index, wedding videographers cost an average of $3,993 nationally. Most couples spend between $3,200 and $4,800 on videography services. This represents about 8% of your total wedding budget.

Location significantly impacts pricing across different markets. In San Francisco, California, videographers average $6,091 for 150-guest weddings. Salt Lake City, Utah videographers charge around $3,005 for similar coverage.

Wedding videography packages typically fall into three categories:

• Budget packages: Basic ceremony and reception coverage with simple editing
• Standard packages: Full-day coverage with multiple video formats and professional editing
• Premium packages: Cinematic production with multiple videographers and advanced techniques

Understanding these price ranges helps you plan your video budget and choose coverage that matches your priorities.

What Affects Wedding Videography Pricing?

Several key factors determine how much you'll pay for wedding videography. Coverage hours, team size, and location create the biggest impact on your final cost.

Coverage hours and timeline

The length of videography coverage represents the most significant factor in determining wedding videographer rates. Most professionals structure pricing around specific time blocks.

Your coverage options include ceremony-only packages for couples wanting just the essentials. Half-day coverage captures ceremony plus reception highlights or getting-ready moments. Full-day coverage spans from preparation through your grand exit.

Each additional hour beyond your package typically increases costs. Consider your wedding timeline carefully when selecting coverage hours. Venues in different locations or long breaks between events may require extended coverage periods.

Solo videographer vs team coverage

The size of your videography team directly affects both quality and cost. Understanding each option helps you choose what works for your celebration.

A solo videographer provides personalized service at a lower cost. You'll work closely with one professional who understands your vision. Single-camera coverage limits simultaneous angles during key moments like your ceremony processional.

Two-person teams capture multiple perspectives and better coverage of simultaneous events. They can film your reactions and your partner's during important moments. Full production teams offer comprehensive coverage with specialized equipment like drones or steadicam shots.

Team size correlates directly with the complexity of your final video product. More videographers mean more angles, perspectives, and creative possibilities

Location and travel costs

Your wedding location impacts videography pricing through local market rates and travel expenses. Urban areas typically cost more due to higher demand and operating expenses.

Destination weddings require consideration of travel-related costs beyond base rates. These expenses include transportation, lodging, and meals for multi-day celebrations. Some videographers include travel within a certain radius in standard pricing.

Event videography pricing structures vary by region and venue accessibility. Remote locations or venues requiring special permits may increase overall costs.

What's Included in Wedding Videography Packages?

Wedding videography packages and prices are typically structured in tiers to meet different needs and budgets. Most packages combine filming services with post-production editing.

Basic packages

Entry-level packages focus on essential wedding moments with straightforward coverage and editing. These usually include 4-6 hours of coverage with one videographer capturing key events.

Basic packages typically deliver a highlight reel of 3-5 minutes featuring your most important moments. The editing style focuses on chronological storytelling rather than complex cinematic techniques. Delivery occurs 4-6 weeks after your wedding via digital download.

What's typically not included at this level:

• Extended coverage: Additional hours beyond the basic package
• Multiple formats: Only one edited video instead of various lengths
• Raw footage: Unedited video files for personal use
• Specialized equipment: Drone footage or additional lighting

Standard packages

Mid-tier packages expand coverage and deliverables while maintaining reasonable pricing. Standard packages typically include 6-8 hours of coverage from getting ready through reception dancing.

You'll receive multiple video formats, including both highlight reels and longer documentary-style edits. Professional audio capture ensures clear ceremony vows and reception speeches. Enhanced editing includes color correction and smooth transitions.

Additional features often available at this level:

• Drone footage: Aerial shots of your venue and ceremony
• Second shooter: Additional camera angles for comprehensive coverage
• Faster delivery: 3-4 weeks instead of longer timelines
• Multiple formats: USB drives plus digital files for easy sharing

Premium packages

Luxury videography services offer comprehensive coverage with cinematic production values. Premium packages feature all-day coverage with multiple videographers ensuring complete documentation.

The editing process incorporates advanced techniques like color grading, custom graphics, and curated music selection. Some premium videographers create same-day highlight reels for reception viewing.

Premium package features typically include:

• Multiple videographers: Complete coverage from various angles
• Advanced editing: Color grading, motion graphics, and custom music
• Raw footage access: Unedited video files for personal projects
• Custom delivery: Wooden boxes, custom USB drives, or premium packaging
• Multiple edited versions: Social media cuts, full ceremony footage, and family versions

Feature	Basic	Standard	Premium
Coverage Hours	4-6 hours	6-8 hours	8-12 hours
Videographers	One	One or Two	Multiple
Edited Videos	Highlight Only	Highlight + Documentary	Multiple Formats
Special Features	Basic Editing	Audio + Drone	Full Cinematic Production

What Additional Costs Should You Plan For?

Beyond base package pricing, several additional expenses can impact your final videography investment. Planning for these costs prevents budget surprises.

Wedding videographer cost per hour for overtime typically ranges from $200-$400 depending on your market and original package. Celebrations running longer than expected commonly trigger these charges.

Travel expenses apply when your venue falls outside the videographer's standard service area. Even local professionals may charge extra for venues requiring extended travel or overnight stays.

Rush delivery fees apply if you want videos faster than standard timelines. Common additional costs include:

• Additional edits: Changes beyond standard revision rounds
• Raw footage: Unedited video files for personal use
• Extra copies: Physical media or additional digital files
• Special equipment: Drone permits or additional lighting rentals

Clarify all potential additional costs upfront to avoid invoice surprises. Many videographers provide detailed contracts outlining when extra charges apply.

How to Budget for Wedding Videography

Wedding videography typically represents 8% of your total wedding budget according to The Zola Wedding Cost Index. This percentage provides a helpful starting point for your planning.

Begin by assessing your overall wedding budget and determining your videography allocation. Consider which specific moments matter most to you both. Your ceremony vows, reception speeches, and first dance rank highest for most couples.

Balance is key when considering wedding photographer and videographer costs together. Both services complement rather than compete with each other. Many couples successfully book both a wedding videographer and photographer, sometimes from the same company.

Smart ways to save on videography

Several strategies can help reduce your videography investment without sacrificing quality memories.

Book during off-season months when videographer demand decreases. November through March typically offers lower rates, excluding major holidays.

Limit coverage hours by focusing on essential moments only. Start coverage at your ceremony if getting-ready shots aren't priorities. End after first dances instead of staying through final send-offs.

Choose digital delivery to avoid physical media costs. USB drives and custom packaging add $50-$200 to packages while digital galleries provide identical access.

Bundle services by booking videography with photography through one vendor. Many companies offer discounts when you book multiple services together.

Book early to secure current pricing before annual increases. Many videographers raise rates each season, so early booking protects against future costs.

Consider newer professionals building their portfolios. Talented videographers with 1-2 years experience often provide excellent quality at reduced rates.

How to Choose the Right Videography Package

Selecting the perfect package starts with identifying your non-negotiable moments and preferred video formats. This systematic approach prevents feeling overwhelmed by options.

First, determine which moments feel essential to preserve forever. Most couples prioritize ceremony footage, but consider whether preparation, parent reactions, or reception speeches matter equally. Think about what video formats you actually want to receive and watch regularly.

Next, evaluate packages based on your priorities. Look for coverage capturing your essential moments and videographer styles matching your vision. Consider delivery timelines, especially if you want content to share on social or for anniversary celebrations.

Review complete wedding films, not just highlight reels, to understand storytelling approaches and technical quality. Ask potential videographers about experience with weddings similar to yours in size, style, and venue type.

"We loved looking back at our wedding videos. There was nothing more special than re-hearing our vows & our loved one's speeches.” - Allison, Zola Couple

Questions to ask potential videographers:

• Experience level: How many weddings have you filmed?
• Equipment backup: What happens if equipment fails?
• Delivery timeline: When will we receive our final videos?
• Revision policy: How many editing changes are included?
• Music licensing: Is licensed music included in package pricing?

Remember that professional videography creates irreplaceable memories becoming more precious over time. Unlike photos, video preserves the sounds, voices, and movement of your celebration.

Ready to explore your options? Browse wedding videographers in your area to compare styles, packages, and pricing that match your celebration needs.

Wedding Videography Budget FAQs

How much should I spend on wedding videography if my total budget is $30,000?

Following the 8% guideline from The Zola Wedding Cost Index, you'd allocate around $2,400 for videography services. This falls within the lower end of the typical range but can still secure quality coverage with careful package selection.

Can wedding videographers reduce their package price if I book early?

Many videographers offer early booking incentives or maintain current-year pricing for next-year weddings. Ask about booking discounts when you're 12-18 months out from your wedding date.

What's the difference between wedding videography and wedding cinematography pricing?

Cinematography typically costs more due to advanced equipment, multiple camera setups, and complex post-production editing. Wedding cinematography focuses on artistic storytelling while traditional videography emphasizes documentation.

Should I hire the same company for photography and videography to save money?

Bundling services often provides cost savings and ensures coordinated coverage between both professionals. However, compare bundled pricing against hiring specialists separately to ensure you're getting the best value for your priorities.