The average U.S. wedding cost $33,000 in 2024, according to the most recent data from Zola. Don’t worry if you think that’s outrageous — you’re not the only one. There are many ways to cut costs if you want to spend less, like trimming your guest list or making your invitations.
That said, videography is one area that’s worth the splurge. Your wedding is one of the most special moments of your life, and capturing it on film allows you to relive those memories forever.
Though hiring a professional wedding videographer is an investment, watching your wedding day for years to come is priceless. You’ll want a high-quality video, especially if you want to share it with loved ones or rewatch it on every anniversary. In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best wedding videographer for your vision and budget.
The average cost of a wedding videographer in the U.S. is $1,799, with most couples spending between $1,000 to $2,500. Every videographer uses a different pricing model — for example, some charge by the hour while others charge for the entire day.
Factors that can influence the cost of a videography package include:
Wedding videography packages can be very simple or include lots of bells and whistles. There are no rules for what should be included, as long as it matches your preferences and expectations.
Videographers usually offer several packages that determine how much your wedding video is:
A basic package will be your most affordable option, including the best moments from your wedding day in a short highlight reel. While it will cost less than more inclusive packages, you can still count on the videographer to capture your big day with the same high quality and attention to detail.
Depending on the vendor, you may also be able to upgrade the basic packages with add-ons like a second videographer and additional clips of key moments from your wedding.
A mid-tier package will provide more footage of your special day, which might include a longer video with sweet dialogue that’ll keep you swooning for a lifetime. You’ll also get a wider variety of shots, such as cinematic shots of the venue from above with a drone and multiple videographers capturing the event from different angles.
Here’s what you might find in a mid-level package:
A videographer’s premium package will be the most inclusive offering, providing enough coverage for you to relive your wedding day from beginning to end. While this package will be the most costly option, it’s a worthy investment for couples who want to capture every detail.
In addition to everything you get with the basic and mid-tier packages, a premium package might also include:
Generally, couples allocate about 10% to 15% of their total budget to a videographer, but this number depends on the videographer’s pricing and the couple’s overall budget.
Interested in hiring a videographer but want to ensure it fits into your budget? These tips are right up your alley:
Finally, be sure to look at the videographer’s portfolio to make sure you like what you see. Their website should have a page dedicated to previous weddings to help you gauge quality, which can help you decide whether their services are a worthwhile investment.
To determine the right videography package for your wedding, consider yourvenue and the timeline of your big day. Think about which moments you would like to capture the most. Often, videographers will charge more for the most important points of the day, such as your first kiss as a married couple, special dances and speeches.
You’ll also want to consider your vision for a wedding film. At the end of the day, what kind of final product do you want?
For example, higher-cost packages require more creative editing to stitch all the footage from the day together and combine it with effects like music and dialogue. If you’d prefer something simple with minimal editing, go for a more basic package.
For a high-quality video at a budget-friendly price, look no further than Shutter & Sound. Our wedding video prices range from $2,800-$4,500. With three different packages to choose from, you can select the best option for your budget and timeline. You can also save 10% when you book with us by bundling two or more services.
We’re transparent with our pricing because we want you to make the best decision for your wedding. Check out our video gallery to see if our videography style matches your vision.
We’ll capture your love story in a memorable way that reflects your relationship. Explore our videography packages, and contact us for booking information today!