average cost of a videographer

Ever sat across from a newly engaged friend, sippin’ lukewarm iced tea on a porch swing, and heard ‘em say: *“We found a guy on Craigslist who’ll shoot the whole day for $450—and he’s got a GoPro!”* Honey. Sweet summer child. The average cost of a videographer ain’t about *recording* your day—it’s about *remembering* it, years later, when the flowers are dust and the cake’s just a crumb in your memory. A real pro doesn’t just *point and click*—they *listen*, they *anticipate*, they catch the way your voice cracks on “I do” and how your dad’s hands shake while walking you down the aisle. And yeah—that costs more than a weekend Airbnb. But don’t worry—we’ll break it down so it *doesn’t* feel like taking out a second mortgage. Also: that GoPro guy? He forgot to charge the battery. True story.

What Even *Is* “Videography”? (Hint: It’s Not Just a Fancy Word for Filming)

Let’s get real: “videographer” covers everything from the guy with an iPhone and good lighting sense to the *three-person crew* with gimbals, drones, and a director who whispers, *“More tears, please—*authentic* tears.”* So what’s included in the average cost of a videographer? Typically:

• Coverage time (6–10 hrs is standard for full-day weddings)
• Pre-wedding consultation (because “just film everything” ain’t a brief)
• Highlight reel (3–7 min, perfect for Instagram & Grandma’s TV)
• Full ceremony + speeches edit (unedited footage? Rare—and risky)
• Music licensing (yes, using Coldplay *costs money*—thanks, copyright law)

Why does the average cost of a videographer range from $1,500 to $12,000? Let’s slice it like a three-tier cake:

Y’all—cost of living ain’t just for rent and avocados. The average cost of a videographer shifts like weather patterns:

• Southeast (AL, SC, TN): $1,800–$3,200 — storytellers who value soul over slickness
• Midwest (OH, MI, MO): $2,000–$3,800 — solid, reliable, no-nonsense editing
• West (CA, WA, CO): $3,500–$7,500 — where “vibe check” is part of the contract
• Northeast (NY, MA, NJ): $4,000–$9,000+ — fast-paced, high-demand, *very* cinematic

When folks ask, *“How much should a 5 minute video cost?”*—they’re thinkin’ of the *output*, not the *input*. That highlight reel? It’s the *tip* of the iceberg. Behind that 5 minutes: - 8–10 hours on-site filming - 15–25 hours editing (color correction, audio cleanup, pacing) - 2–3 rounds of revisions - Music licensing ($50–$300, depending on track) So for a pro-level 5-minute wedding highlight? The average cost of a videographer lands between $2,200 and $4,500.

See that couple laughing under fairy lights? That 4:32 highlight reel—with drone aerials, synced vows, and a licensed indie track—cost $3,850 in Nashville. Took 22 hours to edit. Worth it? Their 87-year-old grandma *rewatched it 43 times*. Yeah. Worth it.

Package Perks & Sneaky Add-Ons (Read the Fine Print, Y’all)

Most videographers sell *packages*—but the devil’s in the details. Here’s what’s often *not* included (and how much it’ll cost ya):

“We booked the ‘Silver’ package—$2,900. Then added raw footage (+$300), second shooter (+$650), same-day edit (+$900), and expedited delivery (+$400). Final total? $4,250. Still worth it—but *know* the menu before you order.” — Derek & Lena, Austin

Before you hand the “videographer” job to your tech-savvy cousin—pause. The average cost of a videographer *looks* steep until you imagine: - Your uncle blocking the aisle shot (again) - Wind noise drowning out vows (no external mic) - Low-light failure during first dance (iPhone ain’t magic) - Cousin needing a bathroom break *during* cake cutting That said—*hybrid* works! Hire a pro for ceremony + speeches, and let friends capture candid B-roll (with a shot list!). One Georgia couple did this—and edited a *bonus* “guest POV” reel themselves. Sweet, authentic, and only $1,600 total. Just don’t bet your *only* memory on free labor. As a Texan filmmaker told us: *“Darlin’, love is unpredictable. Footage shouldn’t be.”*

What Is a Realistic Budget for a 100 Person Wedding—Including the Videographer?

If you’re wonderin’, *“What is a realistic budget for a 100 person wedding?”*—let’s talk pie charts. Videography usually eats **8–12%** of your total spend. So:

• $15,000 wedding → $1,200–$1,800 for videography (solo shooter, highlight + ceremony edit)
• $25,000 wedding → $2,000–$3,000 (2-person crew, cinematic highlight, full speeches)
• $40,000+ wedding → $3,500–$6,000+ (same-day edit, drone, multi-cam, archival box set)

Honey, $100,000 ain’t *too much*—it’s just *different priorities*. In that league, the average cost of a videographer might hit $8,000–$15,000 for: - 3-person crew (main + 2 B-cam) - 4K cinema cameras (Sony FX6, Canon C500) - Color grading by a studio that’s worked on Netflix docs - Same-day edit screened on a 10-ft projector - Custom wooden USB drives for guests But here’s the tea: a $15K wedding with a *great* $3K videographer often feels *more* priceless than a $100K blowout with a rushed $1.5K shooter. Because in 20 years? You won’t remember the floral arch size—you’ll remember how your voice sounded saying *“always.”*

Your Action Plan: Capturing Forever—Without Capturing Debt

Alright, y’all—time to roll up your sleeves and plan like a pro. Lowering the average cost of a videographer isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about *choosing wisely*:

1. Watch full films—not just highlights. Can you *feel* the day? That’s the test.
2. Ask: “Who edits?” Some outsource—your story deserves hands-on care.
3. Bundle with photographer—many duos offer 10–15% off combo packages.

References

• https://www.theknot.com/wedding-videographer-cost
• https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-video-prices
• https://www.brides.com/wedding-videographer-pricing-guide-5091642
• https://www.nationalvideographersassociation.org/market-rates