Average Cost Of A Videographer For A Wedding

Wedding videography is an important aspect of capturing the memories of your special day. There are many talented wedding videographers available, but the cost can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Here is an overview of what you can expect when hiring wedding videographers in Los Angeles or Seattle.

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Average Cost:

The Average Cost of wedding videography in Los Angeles is between $2,500 and $4,500. This price range typically includes at least 6 hours of filming, a highlight reel, and an edited video of the ceremony and reception. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the length of the video, the amount of editing required, and the experience and reputation of the videographer.

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Factors Affecting Cost:

There are several factors that can affect the cost of a wedding videographer in LA. These include:

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1. Length of Coverage: The amount of time that the videographer will be present at your wedding can greatly affect the cost. A full-day coverage package will cost significantly more than a half-day package. The average for wedding coverage is 8 hours, but can range anywhere from 4-12 hours based on the length of the wedding. 

2. Experience and Reputation: A more experienced and reputable videographer will typically charge more for their services. If you're looking to save a few dollars, you can hire a videographer who is just starting out and looking for more experience. 

3. Editing: The amount of editing required for the final video can also affect the cost. Highlight videos range anywhere from 2-10 minutes generally, and the cost can vary greatly depending on the length of the video. Other factors, such as if the couple desires a full feature edit, or edited versions of important moments, such as the ceremony, dances, and speeches, or any raw footage delivered will incur additional fees as well. 

4. Equipment: The quality of the equipment used by the videographer can also affect the cost. High-quality cameras/audio/drones and other equipment will cost more to rent or purchase, and so the videographer may charge more for their "equipment fee". However, this should always already be factored into the package pricing, and never be an additional fee seen on an agreement. 

5. Travel: If your wedding is outside of the Los Angeles area, the videographer may charge extra for travel expenses. Some videographers charge a travel fee, while others only charge for expenses, such as transportation, lodging, and food. 

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Your Budget and What You Can Expect:

Here is a general outline of what kind of videographer you can expect to get at different budget ranges:

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$0 - $500: Brand New Videographer

At this price range you will find videographers without much or any experience shooting weddings. This can be risky, so make sure you check out their other work to see their potential. The gear used will likely be entry level and not top of the line. However, everyone has to start somewhere, and there are still plenty of videographers just starting out who can create a beautiful video for you. This is a good option for anyone on a tight budget who just wants to make sure their special day gets documented.

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$500 - $2000: Entry Level Videographer

At this price range you will come across videographers who have shot a few weddings before, but don't have a ton of experience yet. This is good news because it means they should have examples of their work to show. However, they may not have enough experience yet to have developed a consistent style or to be fully comfortable with all the commotion that goes on during a wedding day. Make sure you are clear what exactly your expectations are and what you do or don't like about their previous work to help guide them in the right direction. 

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$2000 - $7000: Experienced Videographer

Videographers within this price range should have a good amount of wedding experience under their belt. They have likely invested in higher quality equipment and are going to be a lot more comfortable working with the bride and groom and the fast paced nature of the wedding day. Most couples in Los Angeles book within this price range, as it is usually a pretty safe bet that you will receive a high quality product. 

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$4500 - $7000: Professional Videographer

At this price the videographer should be doing weddings full time, it is not just their job but their passion. They will likely have spent thousands of dollars on high quality equipment and have perfected their craft and their style. You should know exactly what you are getting by looking at their previous videos about the quality and detail they put into their videos. They should be extremely comfortable working with couples to create something truly special for them. 

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$10,000+: Luxury Videographer

Videographers at this price point specialize in luxury videography. They will have the highest quality equipment and will create stunning and cinematic videos. These are very often destination weddings that happen at some of the most desirable locations across the globe, but there are also many that happen right here in Los Angeles. If you want not just a wedding video, but a work of art, then you should opt for a luxury videographer. 

 

Tips for Saving Money:

If you're looking to save money on your wedding videographer, there are a few things you can do:

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1. Look for package deals that include both photography and videography services. Many videographers offer packages that include both services at a discounted rate.

2. Consider hiring a less experienced videographer who is just starting out. While they may not have as much experience, they may still be able to create a beautiful video at a lower cost.

3. Limit the amount of time that the videographer will be present at your wedding. A shorter coverage time will result in a lower cost.

4. Limit the amount of edited deliverables. If you don't plan on sitting down for 30 minutes and rewatching your entire ceremony again, maybe all you need is a good highlight video to remember the most important parts. 

 

Clearly there are a lot of factors that can affect the cost of your wedding videographer. We hope that this information has given you the knowledge of what exactly you can expect to receive for your money in order to help you make the best decision possible for you. While the average cost of a wedding videographer in Los Angeles is typically between $2,500 to $4,500, there are videographers available at any price point, and so you always have an opportunity to have your day captured and your love story told through the magic of video!