Your wedding day is a cherished blink of an eye filled with memories that you'll want to relive over and over again. One of the best ways to capture these precious moments is through wedding videography. 

While the idea of having your special day beautifully preserved on film may seem exciting, understanding the costs associated with wedding videography can make a huge difference in your wedding plans. 

In this blog, we'll help you understand wedding videography costs by breaking down what's included in different packages and exploring the value of these services.

The average price range for a professional wedding videographer can be anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. Of course, this range can vary significantly based on factors such as your location, the videographer's experience, and the package you choose. Understanding the average cost can help you budget effectively and make informed decisions about other things you need to buy for your wedding.

A wedding video is more than just a recording; it's a carefully crafted work of art that tells the story of your special day. The cost usually includes: 

• Pre-production consultations
• Day-of filming
• Post-production editing
• Sound mixing
• Creation of highlight reels

Let’s break these down into more detail.

Consultation

Your journey with a wedding videographer typically begins with a consultation. A consultation helps you and the videographer align your expectations, ensuring all significant details align with the plan.

Some factors to bring up during the consultation include:

• Your vision and style
• Number of hours of coverage 
• Logistics and timing
• Important moments to capture (like your vows, first dance, toasts, speeches, etc.)
• Budget and payment concerns

Day-of filming

The heart of wedding videography lies in the day-of filming. Experienced videographers know how to seamlessly blend into the background while capturing every tear, smile, and heartfelt exchange. Their skillful filming ensures that no magical moment goes unnoticed.

Drone footage

For an even more breathtaking experience, many videographers offer drone footage as part of their packages. These aerial shots provide a unique perspective of your venue and surroundings, adding a cinematic touch to your wedding video.

Post-production editing

Once the filming is complete, the real magic happens during the post-production editing process. This is where hours of footage transform into a captivating story. Editing includes color correction, scene sequencing, and special effects to enhance the final product.

Sound mixing

Crystal-clear audio is a vital component of your wedding video. Sound mixing ensures that your vows, speeches, and other audio moments are crisp and easy to hear, allowing you to relive every word spoken on your special day.

Highlight reels

Highlight reels are like the trailers of your wedding video. These condensed versions capture the essence of your day in a short, emotionally charged video. They're perfect for sharing with family and friends who want a quick glimpse into your celebration.

In addition to the standard package, many videographers offer additional services that can add a personal touch to your wedding video. While these come with added fees, they can greatly enhance your overall experience.

If you’d like something extra not included in your chosen wedding videography package, you can talk to your videographer about their pricing options. 

Here are just some of the special touches you can pay for:

Raw footage

Some couples opt for raw footage in addition to the edited video. Raw footage gives you access to every unedited moment captured. It lets you see the entirety of your day, including behind-the-scenes and candid moments you may have otherwise missed.

Additional camera coverage

To capture every angle of your wedding, you might consider additional camera coverage with a second shooter (or more). This is particularly beneficial for larger venues or weddings with numerous guests.

Same-day editing for the reception

Imagine watching a beautifully edited video of the day's events during your reception. Same-day editing is a service that provides you with a sneak peek of your wedding video on the very same day, but it’s not something all videographers can offer.

Pre-wedding or engagement video

Pre-wedding or engagement videos offer a creative way to share your love story. These videos can be displayed at the wedding to set the tone for the celebration.

Guest interviews

Capture heartfelt messages from your loved ones with guest interviews. These snippets add a personal touch to your video and showcase the genuine emotions of your guests.

Social media teasers

Social media teaser videos are a fantastic way to share excitement about your upcoming wedding. These teasers provide a sneak peek of what's to come in your full wedding video.

Travel fees (for destination weddings)

For destination weddings, videographers charge additional travel fees to cover expenses like transportation and accommodations. It's important to discuss these costs upfront.

The cost of wedding videography is influenced by several factors, each contributing to the final price of a package. Here are some key considerations that professionals take into account:

Experience and skill

We've all heard the saying, "You get what you pay for," and it's especially true when it comes to capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments. 

Videographers with years of experience, a robust portfolio, and a proven track record of delivering high-quality products will naturally charge higher fees. They know how to capture the perfect shots and how to handle unexpected issues that might arise, like bad lighting or sudden weather changes. 

If you want to hire someone with years of experience, take this into account when planning your wedding budget. 

Time to prepare

Many people underestimate the amount of preparation that goes into capturing a wedding day. This isn't a point-and-shoot operation: Videographers spend time in pre-production consultations to grasp your vision, plan their shots, scout the location, and often coordinate with other vendors. 

All this meticulous preparation does contribute to the overall cost. However, it ensures that your wedding day is captured seamlessly from start to finish. If you're planning something elaborate or unique, like a bridal party flash mob dance or a surprise guest appearance, the videographer will need time to prepare to capture that moment perfectly.

Staff numbers

While a single videographer might suffice for a more intimate setting, larger weddings often require multiple cameras to capture various angles and moments simultaneously. This means hiring a team of videographers, which will undoubtedly increase your costs. 

However, the benefit is comprehensive coverage that ensures no magical moment goes unnoticed. Plus, more footage means more choices during the editing stage, allowing for a richer, more dynamic final product.

Location

The location of your wedding can significantly influence videography costs. If your wedding venue is far from where the videographer is based, you might incur travel fees. Also, some venues are more challenging to shoot in than others, which can also add to the videographer’s fee. 

A beach wedding, mountaintop ceremony, or grand ballroom all present unique logistical considerations — from the kind of equipment needed to the time required for set up and takedown, all of which impact the cost.

Time of year

The wedding season can affect videography costs. High demand during peak season may result in elevated pricing. On the flip side, choosing an off-peak date could bring about some cost savings. Also, weekday weddings or weddings during less popular months might offer you the chance to negotiate better rates.

Absolutely. A professional wedding video is an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. While wedding photographers capture moments, videographers transport you back to the emotions, sounds, and interactions of your big day.

What should you ask before hiring a professional?

Before finalizing a videographer, learn about their experience, portfolio, equipment, and style. Discuss your vision and ensure they understand your expectations. Here are 10 example questions to ask:

1. Can I see your portfolio or sample videos?
2. How many years of experience do you have in wedding videography?
3. What packages do you offer, and what do they include?
4. Do you offer any add-ons, like drone footage or same-day edits? If so, how much do they cost?
5. How many videographers will be at the event?
6. What is your cancellation policy?
7. How long will it take to receive the final edited wedding video?
8. Do you have a backup option in case of an illness, accident, or emergency?
9. What format do you deliver final videos in?
10. Are any pre-wedding events included in the package price?

When to hire a wedding videographer

Typically, you should try to hire a videographer 8 to 12 months before your wedding date. But it's wise to book your videographer as early as possible, especially if you have a specific one in mind. This guarantees their availability and allows ample time for planning, coordination, and customization.

Let Accrue Savings help you save on wedding costs

As you navigate the world of wedding planning, remember that smart choices can help you achieve your dream wedding while staying within your budget. Accrue Savings is here to support you in finding deals and discounts on various wedding-related purchases, including videography. 

With Accrue, you can create a savings goal and contribute toward it on a schedule that works for you. You can even share your Accrue wallet with family and friends to help you crowdfund your wedding expenses. 

When you use Accrue to save up for big purchases like wedding attire, rings, or flowers, our brand partners will kick in a percentage of your goal, helping you reach your goal more quickly.

Take advantage of Accrue Savings’ partnerships with leading brands and save money on the wedding of your dreams!