This Is the Average Wedding Videographer Cost You Should Know
Whether you're sure about hiring a wedding videographer or are on the fence, it's important to know how much wedding videographers cost. While photographers can capture gorgeous stills of your big day, a videographer will help document the touching sound bites and sweet moments you won't want to forget. Videography is the eighth highest wedding expense, but the cost of a videographer varies among vendors and the services they offer. If you want an in-depth look into the average wedding videographer cost before contacting your desired pro, we got you covered. With the help of The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 12,000 newlyweds, we've gathered all the information you need to know about wedding videography prices, from how it has changed over the years and what's included in a typical package. Let The Knot spill the videographer tea!
In this article:
- Average Wedding Videographer Cost
- How Has the Cost of a Wedding Videographer Changed Over the Years?
Average Wedding Videographer Cost
Based on The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding videographer costs $2,100. This comes in lower than the average cost of a wedding photographer, but it's still a worthy expense if you want to relive your wedding day long after you say, "I do." In 2022, 39% of our survey respondents added a videographer to their lineup of wedding vendors.
Our data indicates hiring a wedding videographer could be a generational trend. In 2022, 41% of Millennials hired a pro to film their big day which is 14% higher than Generation X couples. Additionally, the location of your wedding might be a deciding factor when hiring a videographer—over half of all married couples who hosted an international destination wedding added one to their lineup of pros. With such a memorable and scenic day, it's no surprise that couples are willing to take the extra step to document it.
What Is Included in the Wedding Videographer Price?
If you're wondering how much a wedding videographer costs while doing your vendor search, prices depend on the package you choose. Of course, you're paying for a certain number of hours of coverage on your wedding day, but the post-production editing process is even more time-consuming and costly. While the majority of videographers will produce an edited wedding movie, some offer multiple clips at different lengths (like videography trends such as a wedding trailer for social media or a cinematic feature). Others might also be willing to give you the raw footage for your own personal use. Always read your contract thoroughly before making any final decisions so you know exactly what you'll get after the wedding day.
Tools like The Knot Marketplace are essential for sourcing your vendors. While some wedding photographers also offer videography services, certain pros specialize only in one area. You might be able to lower your wedding videography cost by finding a vendor who does both services in a discounted package. Or, if you're in the market for a videographer with a specific shooting style, like cinematic or documentary, it may be worth doing more research to find someone that fits your vision.
It's important to have open communication with your pro regarding the type of video you want. Because there are so many video shooting styles, take the time to watch couples' wedding films on social media (and check out your desired vendor's examples) to make a list of the important moments you want to have captured. Clips of your wedding ceremony and reception are a must—but also consider behind-the-scenes shots you'll want to relive, like getting ready with your VIPs, and other wedding-related events, like your rehearsal dinner. Whether you want the cake-cutting ceremony or full wedding party speeches filmed, work with your vendor to build a shot list that fits your needs. Or, if you're not sure what you want for your wedding video, allow your videographer to help guide the final product. (They are the experts with all the experience, after all.) Since a wedding videographer is a valuable investment, you'll want to take the time to make sure the final product is what you and your partner want.
How Has the Cost of a Wedding Videographer Changed Over the Years?
The average wedding videographer cost did not change much between 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the wedding videography price was $2,100––a $200 increase from the previous year, with inflation a likely catalyst.
Keep in mind that the average wedding videographer cost is just that, an average. Prices will change based on your location, the number of hours the pro (or pros, if there's a second shooter) will be working and the kind of wedding videography package you select. How much a wedding videographer costs isn't necessarily inexpensive, but many couples find hiring one is worth capturing the best moments of their special day. After all, you'll be busy enjoying the day and won't be able to see and hear everything, but your videographer will be there to ensure your wedding day is archived forever. If your wedding budget allows, a videographer is a great addition to your vendor list, which results in a beautiful wedding keepsake.