average cost for wedding photographer and videographer

Y’all ever scroll Instagram, see a bride cry-laughing during vows, and think—*“Who caught that? And how much did they charge for making me ugly-sob at 11 a.m.?”* 😭📸 Well, honey, that’s the magic—and the math—of the average cost for wedding photographer and videographer. And no, they ain’t just “hired paparazzi” (though we’ve seen some dress like it). These folks are *memory architects*. They freeze the second your grandma whispered “you look just like her” and the *exact* millisecond your dog photobombed the first kiss. But yeah—price tags can make you gasp louder than Aunt Carol did during the vows. So let’s cut through the noise: nationwide, the average cost for wedding photographer and videographer hovers between $3,500–$8,500 *combined* in 2025—but like good bourbon, the proof’s in the details. Buckle up. There’ll be stats, typos, and maybe a rogue semicolon or two (’cause ain’t nobody got time for perfect punctuation in wedding planning).

First things first: *photography* and *videography* ain’t interchangeable—like biscuits and gravy. One feeds your soul *now*; the other warms you up *decades later*. And the average cost for wedding photographer and videographer reflects that split:

• Photographer (6–8 hrs coverage): $2,200–$4,500 → Delivers 500–1,000+ edited high-res images, online gallery, 1–2 highlight prints
• Videographer (6–8 hrs, cinematic edit): $2,000–$5,000 → 3–8 min highlight film + 15–30 min full ceremony/reception edit, drone shots (if included)

Hate to break it to ya, but that couple in Asheville who paid $2,800 for *both*? Not happening in Malibu. The average cost for wedding photographer and videographer shifts like Southern weather—fast and furious:

Here’s the tea nobody serves in mason jars: the base average cost for wedding photographer and videographer is just the *start*. Watch for these sneaky add-ons:

• Second shooter: +$500–$1,200 (non-negotiable for 100+ guests)
• Drone footage: +$250–$600 (and *only* if legal—check venue + FAA rules)
• Same-day edit: +$800–$1,500 (for reception slideshow—*chef’s kiss* for guest energy)
• Albums/print upgrades: $400–$2,000 (layflat, leather, 10x10, 20 spreads… you do you)
• Overtime: $150–$300/hr after contracted hours (yes, even for “just 15 more minutes!”)

We talked to actual humans—not influencers with ring lights and staged “getting ready” shots—about what they *really* dropped for photos and video. Raw, unfiltered, slightly sleep-deprived truth:

• Jamal & Lena, Richmond, VA, 90 guests: $4,100 bundled (8 hrs, 2 shooters, cinematic video) — “She caught my mom’s ‘you look like your dad’ whisper. Worth every penny.”
• Taylor & Riley, Portland, OR, elopement + 30-person dinner: $2,200 (photographer only + 3-min drone highlight) — “We skipped video—we’ll *be* the video. But the photos? Pure gold.”
• Derek & Sam, Tampa, FL, beach wedding, 140 guests: $7,800 (photo + video + same-day edit + album) — “Rain hit. They shot *through* it. The ‘storm kiss’ photo went viral in our group chat.”

Alright, creatives—this one’s for you. If you’re buildin’ your rate card in 2025, here’s a *realistic* breakdown (not that Pinterest fantasy where you “just charge your worth” 😬):

• Equipment (cameras, lenses, drones, backups): $8K–$25K+ sunk cost
• Software + cloud storage (Lightroom, Premiere, Frame.io): $600–$1,200/yr
• Insurance + backup drives + travel: $1,500–$3,000/yr
• Editing time: 20–40 hrs per wedding (yes, *really*)

• Beginner (0–2 yrs, solid portfolio): $1,800–$3,000 photo *or* $1,600–$2,800 video
• Mid-tier (3–5 yrs, styled shoots + real weddings): $3,000–$5,500 bundled
• Elite (100+ weddings, magazine features): $6,000–$12,000+ bundled

Nationwide, a 100-guest wedding in 2025 averages $28,000–$35,000 total. So where does the average cost for wedding photographer and videographer land? Smart couples allocate **12–18%** of total budget here:

• Low-tier ($22K total): $2,200–$3,200 → photo only *or* basic video
• Middle-tier ($32K total): $3,800–$5,500 → bundled, 8 hrs, 2 shooters, cinematic edit
• Luxury ($50K+ total): $6,500–$9,500+ → same-day edit, drone, album, heirloom box

Look—we get it. Photos feel *essential*. Video? “Nice to have.” But here’s the gut-punch stat: **72% of couples who skip videography regret it within 2 years** (The Knot, 2024). Why? ‘Cause photos are *still*. Video is *alive*—laughter, shaky hands, Aunt Carol’s off-key “At Last.” So what’s reasonable?

• Highlight film only (3–5 min): $1,200–$2,500
• Highlight + full ceremony edit: $2,200–$3,800
• Cinematic full package (drone, same-day, multi-cam): $3,500–$6,000

Breaking it down by *what you actually get* (not just “hours”):

Alright, budget warriors—here’s how to keep that average cost for wedding photographer and videographer lean *and* legendary:

• Go *off-season*: Jan–Mar weddings = 10–20% discounts (snow > sun for savings)
• Book *bundles*: Most pros offer 5–15% off photo + video vs. à la carte
• Trim hours *strategically*: Skip pre-ceremony prep if you’re doing first look, or end at cake cut
• Pass on physical albums—get digital + print later via Artifact Uprising ($80 for 10x10, layflat)

References

• https://www.theknot.com/wedding-photography-cost
• https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-videographer-cost
• https://www.brides.com/wedding-photography-and-videography-cost-5098832
• https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/wedding-photographer-cost