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Wedding Videography Cost

How Much Does Wedding Videography Cost?

Low: Basic: $400-$900

Medium: $900-$3,200

High: $3,500+

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For many couples, videos provide the best way to capture and relive wedding memories. Wedding videographers typically offer packages, although a few do offer ala carte services. Costs will vary based on length of coverage, number of cameras, and style of the edited video or DVD.

Typical costs:

A basic package, which is best for couples who just want to be able to watch the wedding ceremony in the future, costs between $400 -$900.
An enhanced package will run from $900 -$1,200 for coverage of the ceremony and reception.
Deluxe packages, for couples who want different angles of their ceremony and reception with some on-screen titles and music, cost between $1,200 -$1,900.
Couples who want their wedding video to be viewed like a professional movie or documentary on DVD, with interviews and special effects will likely opt for a premium package, generally run $2,200 -$3,200.
Luxury packages run from $3,500 -$6,000 and higher, and are best for couples who want every part of their wedding captured, from the rehearsal through the final song at the reception, edited like a documentary or movie.
For those on a very tight budget, a friend or relative with a good video camera should be able to capture the important moments at a minimal cost.

What should be included:

Basic packages will typically include single-camera coverage of the wedding ceremony only, roughly 60 to 90 minutes, with appropriate lighting, and a minimum of one edited video, with or without music.
Enhanced package costs should also cover the reception, from one to three hours.
Deluxe packages should include two cameras at the ceremony, one or two cameras at the reception, up to 5 hours of coverage, lighting, and at least three copies of the edited DVD with custom music, basic titles or on-screen menus.
A premium package should include two or three cameras at both the ceremony and reception and up to 8 hours of coverage. Coverage may begin with preparation or decoration of the ceremony and reception locations and the bridal party getting dressed, ending after some coverage of the reception. Premium packages should also include custom music, titles and on-screen menus; a photo montage (from a formal portrait sitting or personal photos of the couple); and interviews with the bride and groom (often referred to as a "vignettes" or "Love Story"). These packages often include planning sessions with the couple as well as with other vendors.
Luxury packages should include everything in the premium package with unlimited time coverage. They will likely include additional interviews with parents, siblings, grandparents, and the wedding party, as well as the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and possibly the post-wedding brunch. Some videographers also offer a video "simulcast", which entails replaying edited footage from the ceremony on a screen at the reception.

Additional costs:

Some wedding videographers offer the option of an additional camera for the ceremony, usually in a locked-down location. At an average flat-rate cost of $100, it can be a cost-effective alternative to a second videographer. A second videographer costs between $75 and $125 per hour, and many require a minimum of 2 hours.
Rush editing (from same-day to less than 5 weeks) typically cost between $50 and $195, although some packages will include short-turnaround time.
Extra copies of VHS tapes or DVDs run between $10 and $45.
Photo montages, which involve transferring pictures to video, will either be charged per picture (at an average of $2 - $3 each) or at a flat rate ranging from $145 - $225.
If not included in a package, interviews (with family, friends, etc.) will range from $100 - $500, depending on how many you request.

Shopping for wedding videography:

The Wedding & Event Videographers Association is a good starting point when shopping for a professional videographer. All Wedding Companies and Bridal Guide also provide searchable databases.
Many professional news videographers also do wedding and event photography on the side. The National Press Photographers Association website allows you to search its member database for videographers who shoot weddings. You can also call your local TV station's newsroom and ask whether there are any videographers who accept freelance work for weddings.
Wedding Solutions suggests viewing the work of the least expensive and the most expensive videographer in your area to get an idea of what kind of work is delivered at those prices.
Also, make sure to do in-person interviews before hiring a videographer. Bridal Tips suggests asking videographers how they interface with the emcee, photographer, and caterer. You want a videographer who stays in close contact with the emcee, so they know when to be ready to film the important events such as the cake cutting, garter throw, bouquet toss, first dance, etc. If there is no wedding coordinator, make sure the videographer and the emcee touch bases before the reception begins.