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 |  | 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.
Related articles: Wedding Photographer, Wedding Dance Classes
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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[1] is a good starting point when shopping for a professional videographer. All Wedding Companies[2] and Bridal Guide[3] also provide searchable databases.
- Many professional news videographers also do wedding and event photography on the side. The National Press Photographers Association[4] 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[5] 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[6] 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.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Brianna Martinez in Vista, CA. | Posted: February 8th, 2018 12:02PM |
| Firm: | Videographer: Just need 2 |
Just looking for someone it’s from 4 to 10 but I’m really looking for somebody maybe 4 to 9pm |
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| Posted by: Steven McCain in Newport Beach, CA. | Posted: June 22nd, 2017 07:06PM |
| Firm: www.cinemalifeweddings.com | Videographer: Cinema life Weddings |
Today is a whole different ball game when it comes to wedding videos. When my wife and I first got Married 25 years ago it cost us $3,000 for 2 videographer's all day etc. While it is still fun to show it to our grand kids, the quality is terrible. Now days with technology being on the rise and DSLR camera's being easier to acquire the amount of videographers have doubled. The problem is searching through them all to find someone you or your kids get along with. The quality of my sons video is astounding in comparison to ours, it looks like a movie. |
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| Posted by: AL BUKSNIS [email protected] in New York, NY. | Posted: May 31st, 2017 11:05AM |
| Firm: ALB CINEMA | Videographer: Al Buksnis |
$ 600 Basic to $ 6000 Premium |
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| Posted by: Josh Stancea in Pensacola, FL. | Posted: November 15th, 2016 06:11PM |
| Firm: me | Videographer: Stancea Visuals |
Ceremony Filming (1-2 hours of coverage)
- Full Ceremony Video
- Short Highlight video for friends and family to see
800
Express Cinematic Video (6 hours of coverage)
- Highlight Reel Only (Typically of Ceremony and Reception)
1400
Perfect Combo (8 hours of coverage)
- Highlight Reel (Getting ready to end of reception)
- Full Ceremony Video
1600
Ultimate (8 hours of coverage on wedding day and 2-4 hours another day at a special location)
- Full day of wedding day filming (getting ready to end of reception)
- Additional day to get cinematic shots at a beautiful location of your choice.
- Full Ceremony Video
- 2 Highlight Reels
2200 |
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| Posted by: Brittney B in Atlanta, GA. | Posted: July 26th, 2016 11:07AM |
| Firm: AVPTV.NET | Videographer: @KPTHEARTIST |
They completely exceeded our expectations and for the price, it was unbeatable. Friendly staff to work with and they were very professional. We were hesitate at first to hire a Hip Hop Music Video Director to film our wedding, but the video came out AMAZING. Will definitely recommend them to anyone looking for the same. |
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| Posted by: James O. in Denver, CO. | Posted: April 14th, 2013 12:04PM |
You should expect to budget as much or more for your wedding videographer as you did for your photographer.rnrnFor a quality video, budget at least $3500, anything less and who knows what you'll end up with. |
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| Posted by: fred1 in Boston, MA. | Posted: March 23rd, 2013 08:03AM |
| Firm: bostoneventfilms.com | Videographer: Paul |
We did alot of shopping around and finally settled with boston event films because they have by far the best quality. |
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| Posted by: marthajoy in Renton, WA. | Posted: March 4th, 2013 05:03AM |
| Firm: | Videographer: Martha Montgomery |
I am older, retired and disabled. But have enjoyed making videos since the early 1970's. Recently asked to record a friends Wedding, my first, I decided I wanted to do a profession job for them, just to see if I could. I used 4 different camcorders, Sound recorded by a high grade digital sound recorder, besides on cameras. Made about a 30 min montage for use at the reception using Corel Video Studio Pro 5. All comments were wonderful with comments like they gave been to lots of Weddings and not seen anything as wonderful. I put all camcorders on tripods, as I have essential tremors. One effect loved by all, is a wide shot getting whole scene up front, with heart shaped masks inserted showing close-ups of the couple from each side. All angles are synced, and camera audio muted leaving best audio source for sound. I was able to deliver finished product week after the weddings. Both couples were very pleased with the results. |
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| Posted by: Orlando Marc in orlando, FL. | Posted: February 13th, 2013 03:02PM |
| Firm: freelance | Videographer: freelance |
I just paid $3,400 for my package. I would have happily paid more if needed. I used an experience crew and they did a great job. I did not want to use some newbie with a cheap camcorder that didn't know what they were doing. You get what you pay for, don't go cheap! |
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| Posted by: ernestlsmith in Hampton, VA. | Posted: September 8th, 2012 05:09PM |
| Firm: HD | Videographer: Just 4u Wedding Services |
Never trust your most important day to a friend or family member unless you know they are a professional. Last thing you need is for your wedding to be messed up because none of the video came out right.When I got married i tried to do everything my self. That was a big mistake.I wish i had someone who knew what they was doing on my big day.Since then i have became an videographer and i wish i knew what i know now. |
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| Posted by: Mimi Moore in Lansing, MI. | Posted: August 9th, 2012 05:08PM |
| Firm: | Videographer: Mimi Moore |
I am an aspiring wedding videographer. For $500, I can shoot your wedding from preparation to ceremony to the reception up to the dance party with a single camera. Your $500 will include video coverage of the ceremony and the reception, and an edited music video. |
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| Posted by: RMPG in Hampton, VA. | Posted: June 1st, 2012 04:06PM |
| Firm: RMPGViDEO | Videographer: Self |
Have been (lets say) practicing videography since 2008...don't charge much for finished product. Even though it takes hours to edit 1-4hrs of video footage...Not sure if I'm allowed to do this without a lisence. As you can see my spelling needs work...no dictionary handy right now...Have been told I should charge for my services but don't know how...looking for sugestions...camera was a given...can't afford my own...the one I use now extremely costly... |
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| Posted by: SwagTree in Greenfield, IN. | Posted: May 15th, 2012 07:05PM |
| Firm: SwagTree Productions LLC | Videographer: SwagTree Productions |
SwagTree Productions I believe provides the best value for Central Indiana. Packages start at $450 for 3 HD Camcorders, 2 Cameramen, variety of mics, and courtesy with Professionalism from the Videographers.rnrnCheck out the sample videos at http://www.swagtreevideoproductions.comrnrnCheck out weddingwire.com for special deals that make this low price even lower. |
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| Posted by: Ryan Rodriguez in Grants Pass, OR. | Posted: October 14th, 2011 12:10PM |
| Firm: Table Rock Productions | Videographer: Ryan Rodriguez |
We filmed a total of 8 hours( bridal party getting ready, pre wedding photos, ceremony , reception) we gave the bride and groom 3 copies of the DVD with full menu with 3 different movies to choose from; the music video, the ceremony/reception and just dance, showing the dance party at the reception. The bride and groom were very pleased with the quality of the video. |
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| Posted by: Love to record special memories in Manchester, NH. | Posted: October 12th, 2011 04:10AM |
| Firm: | Videographer: self |
I've offered friends and relatives free wedding videos done by myself with an HD flip camcorder. The twenty dollars is for the blank DVD+R and the jewel cases. I can put a slideshow of photos at the end of the video, title and credit pages to personalize it, using Windows DVD movie maker to edit. While the video is not perfect, it brings tears to the bridegroom and bride's eyes as they watch the video of their wedding and reception. I keep the video an hour and a half long maximum. I can even take snapshots from the video and produce 200 photos. It's enjoyable to present the bride and groom with this special gift and with practice I'm improving my skills. The quality of the video is excellent in good lighting but in low lighting, the picture can become grainy. The sound is great. I bring an extra battery with me as a backup. It records two hours of video. The flip camcorder is easy to carry around and not imtimidating to people. |
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| Posted by: Jor in San Diego, CA. | Posted: April 8th, 2011 01:04AM |
| Firm: Any Unknown or Just beginning | Videographer: New to the business |
There are a lot of videographers out there charging so little for so bad work. It's sad that the middle-class people are going after these deals and the biggest mistake is that it can't be undone because most of it is shot, unless, one decides to remarried so their video will look great. Right now, I'm editing a video shot by a friend and my client is spending more money editing than what she could have had paid on a package. Here's a good rule of thumb: if the videographer you are hiring has had more than 3 years of video experience then he has a good reputation, great videographers will charge from $65 to $150 an hour or offer packages above $700, does he or she have samples you can look at? What's the editing style, a good videographer has a great sense of what editing is and how long it takes to edit. STAY AWAY from those videographers who charge under $500 a package or charge so little like $25 an hour, unless, you really trust him or her. I have friends as videographers and we're all struggling to get jobs because people are jumping into the business and charging so little but most of them don't have the experience. So think more than twice and ask for reels. For more information or tips, visit my website at www.1gproductions.com |
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| Posted by: LaMar in Longview,Tx, TX. | Posted: February 21st, 2011 03:02PM |
| Firm: TIME AND CHANCE VIDEO | Videographer: CARLOS THOMPSON |
ARRIVED HR BEFORE WEDDING DRESS VERY PROFESSIONAL
STAYED TO ENDED OF WEDDING CAPTURED COMPLETE FOOTAGE OF WEDDING PUT CANDID SHOTS OF BRIDE/GROOM |
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| Posted by: Devastated in Denver in Johnston, RI. | Posted: September 26th, 2010 08:09PM |
| Firm: Electric Video | Videographer: Joe Cacicia |
It has been 4 months since our wedding and we still haven't received our video. We paid them in full before our wedding, which they filmed and now they are demanding another $250 just to give it to us. We are heartbroken and cannot believe the unethical practices of this company! |
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| Posted by: Anisha in San Francisco, CA. | Posted: April 10th, 2010 08:04PM |
| Firm: Spotlight Digital Creations | Videographer: Jared Lee |
After meeting with several videographers, we decided to go with Spotlight Digital Creations (www.spotlightdigitalcreations.com) because we were looking for something a little more cinematic and not the typical "cheesy" stuff that usually comes to mind when one thinks about wedding videos. Jared was professional in every sense and created a wedding movie that we could share with family and friends. If your budget allows, I definitely recommend spending the extra money for a quality product. I could have had friends use their cameras, but the quality wouldn't compare. |
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| Posted by: Amber in Sacramento, CA. | Posted: March 1st, 2010 10:03PM |
| Firm: Silas\'s Videography | Videographer: Silas Barker |
Silas did a great job and captured the whole day from us getting ready to some of the dancing at the end. He used multiple cameras and the editing looks fantastic! |
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| Posted by: Jace in Salt Lake, UT. | Posted: November 14th, 2009 12:11PM |
| Firm: Everlasting Legacy Video Productions | Videographer: Jason |
We went with this company because they have experience with all sorts of different filming. They were amazing working with us and they drove everywhere to make the video what we wanted it to be. We were so excited about the final product that I would have paid 3 times what we did for the job they did. It Was Everlastinglegacyvideoproductions.com or everlastingvp.com -- Im not sure but they have 2 websites |
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| Posted by: J Thibeau in Greater Toronto area, Other. | Posted: May 28th, 2009 12:05PM |
| Firm: Jared Thibeau Videography | Videographer: Jared Thibeau |
I usually charge around $1000 to do a little before the ceremony (i.e. at the stylist, limo leaving house), the ceremony, and a couple hours at the reception (arrival, cake cutting, first dance). I always use 2 cameras as I find with just 1 you always miss something important, like the previous post mentioned.
Hi-def has made picture resolution in tough lighting situations easier, but has increased my backup/storage costs as the files are huge! One wedding can take up around 150 GB. But that's about the only downside -- since I started using smaller hi-def cameras instead of bulky mini-DV pro camcorders, it's generally made things a lot easier and I'm very pleased with the results. If you're going at it on your own, grab a Hi-Def camcorder and you'll be glad you did! |
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| Posted by: DIY in California, CA. | Posted: August 15th, 2007 11:08AM |
I've saved money by using my own camcorder for 3 weddings -- my own, my friend's and my brother's. The biggest plus is that it's almost free -- just the cost of a few tapes assuming you already have a camcorder, tripod and video editing / DVD authoring software. Also, although a videographer might attend more than the wedding -- you can bring the camcorder to more places -- the rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner, the after-party. A few tips I've found: 1) If you're doing it yourself, try to have multiple people tape, just in case one person misses something. 2)It's hard for members of the bridal party to tape -- they're usually busy doing something else. It's easier to dedicate someone to just videography -- and be aware that they may have little time to enjoy the actual wedding. 3) One downside is that you may, like me, procrastinate about putting it on a DVD. I have the tapes, but it's been more than a year and I haven't bothered to edit them and cut them into a nice video. 4) Plan for batteries/power cords in advance. I have only one camcorder battery, so after filming the ceremony, I need to plug into an outlet to tape. |
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External Resources: | - www.weva.com/cgi-bin/ecomm/hazel.cgi?action=serve&item=bridesguide/index.html&guid...
- www.allweddingcompanies.com/
- www.perfectweddingguide.com/local-wedding-planning-resources/
- nppa.org/find_journalist
- www.weddingsolutions.com/ws_seo_pages/article/Wedding_Videography_1.html
- www.bridaltips.com/video.htm
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