Wedding Videography Cost: What You Need to Know Before Booking

Kierra Huihui-Gist
May 14
4 min read

A hand holds floral-patterned blue heels with ribbons against a light blue background. Shoes have "SOMETHING BLEU" text inside.

A real-talk guide to understanding wedding video prices, packages & what’s really worth your budget.

📸 From Your Videographer: Let's Talk Numbers and Memories

Hey there, lovebirds! I’m a wedding videographer who’s filmed everything from grand ballroom weddings to backyard elopements. If you’re anything like most couples I work with, you're asking the same honest questions:

How much does a wedding videographer cost?
What do wedding videography packages actually include?
Is it really worth it?

Whether you're in full budget-planning mode or still unsure if video is right for you, I'm here to make this process clear and confidence-boosting.

🎥 So... What Is the Average Cost of a Wedding Videographer?

Let’s start with the big one:The average cost of a wedding videographer in the U.S. is about $2,300, according to the 2025 Real Weddings Study by The Knot.

That said, wedding videographer prices can range anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000+ depending on factors like experience, location, hours of coverage, editing complexity, and package add-ons.

📌 Hard Facts: This number reflects more than just a warm body with a camera — you're investing in storytelling, sound design, editing, backup equipment, and experience managing live events with precision.

💡 Why Does Wedding Video Cost What It Does?

When comparing wedding video prices, here’s what’s typically included:

Included Service	Description
📷 Full Day Coverage	Most packages include 6–10 hours of coverage.
🎬 Edited Highlight Film	Usually 5–10 minutes, cinematic and stylized.
📼 Ceremony Edit	A real-time, multi-camera edit of the ceremony.
💻 Post-Production Editing	This takes 30–60+ hours and includes color correction, sound mixing, music.
📁 Raw Footage	Some videographers include or sell unedited clips.
📲 Social Media Clips	30–60 second reels or trailers for sharing.
💍 Add-ons	Engagement shoots, rehearsal dinner coverage, drone footage, or extra edits.

As seen on Shutter & Sound, common add-on charges include:

$795 for a 15–20 minute feature film
$150–$395 for Instagram edits
$100–$300 for raw footage

These extras affect your total wedding videographer cost, so ask what’s bundled and what’s not.

💸 Breaking Down Wedding Videographer Packages

Wedding videography packages vary widely, but here’s a general tier breakdown to help you compare:

Package Level	Price Range	What’s Included
💡 Basic	$1,000–$1,800	4–6 hours coverage, 3–5 min highlight, limited editing
🌟 Standard	$2,000–$3,500	8–10 hours, highlight film, ceremony edit, 1 videographer, optional raw footage
🎬 Premium	$3,500–$6,000+	Full day + rehearsal, drone footage, second shooter, teaser film, documentary edit

✨ Pro Tip: Some videographers also offer photo + video bundle packages — which can help lower the average cost of videographer wedding services if you're booking both together.

📍 Regional Wedding Video Pricing

Prices vary depending on where you’re getting married. For example:

Buffalo, NY wedding video cost: $1,800–$3,200
NYC/LA wedding videographer cost: $3,500–$6,000+
Midwest wedding video charges: Often closer to $1,500–$2,500

If you're searching for “average videographer cost for wedding near me,” use sites like WeddingWire or The Knot’s budget planner to estimate local pricing.

🤔 Why Does Video Cost More Than It Looks?

Couples often underestimate the hours that go into video production. Unlike photography, video involves:

Syncing multiple audio sources (officiant mic, vows, music)
Stabilized footage across several angles
Storytelling through editing
Licensing music legally
Exporting multiple formats for delivery

It’s not just filming your day — it’s crafting an emotional retelling of it that feels cinematic and timeless.

❗ Real Talk: What You Might Regret NOT Spending On

According to The Knot's 2025 study, 19% of couples said they regretted not hiring a videographer. Why? Because you can’t hear your vows or toasts in a photo. You can’t relive the movement of your first dance or your grandparents laughing in the crowd.

Even if you're planning a modest celebration, your wedding video becomes the one thing (besides your marriage!) that truly lasts.

🧾 Quick FAQ Section

📹 What’s the average price for a wedding videographer?

The average wedding videographer cost in the U.S. is $2,300 in 2025.

💰 What affects wedding video cost?

Coverage hours, editing style, location, and package add-ons all influence wedding video charges.

🎥 Is a wedding videographer worth it?

Absolutely. 1 in 5 couples regret skipping it, especially when they realize photos don’t capture vows, speeches, or motion.

🔍 How can I save on wedding videographer prices?

Book early, bundle with photography, or consider partial-day packages.

📦 What’s Not Usually Included in Wedding Videography Packages?

Travel fees (if your videographer is out-of-town)
Expedited edits (delivery under 30 days)
Raw footage (some charge extra!)
Second shooter (typically in premium packages)

Always ask for a clear contract and itemized list of what’s included — transparency is key when understanding your total wedding video cost.

🎬 Final Thoughts from Behind the Lens

As a wedding videographer, I’ll leave you with this: no two weddings are alike — and your video shouldn't be either.

When you’re budgeting for your big day, don’t treat video as an “extra.” It’s your living memory, your day in motion, and your chance to relive that once-in-a-lifetime feeling over and over again.

And remember — this isn’t about finding the cheapest price. It’s about finding the right person to tell your love story the way it deserves to be told.

📝 TL;DR: What to Know About Wedding Videographer Cost

Average cost of videographer wedding: $2,300
Price range: $1,000–$6,000+
Worth it? Yes — 19% of couples regret skipping it
Watch out for: Hidden fees, lack of editing clarity
Book early, bundle wisely, and budget smart