How much does videography usually run?

For the real deal, I've seen where some girls are paying a lot! I'm using an inexperience person as I could care less about a video I probably won't watch 10 years from now but FW wants one. We are paying $250. I've seen as much as $2500 for one. I guess it depends on your area and what you want.

I just started researching videography, and in my area, where everything seems to be expensive, they start around $2k and go upwards of $4500. Yikes. We really want one though, so I need to do more research!

We just booked ours for $650 which is pretty cheap in my area.

In my area for a good professional it starts around $900 for the most basic package and then upwards of $2,500 for their longest packages. We are paying $1,300.

We're paying $1000 for 8 hours of SD coverage. I think this is on the low-end of normal for the Washington DC area. I've seen a lot of photographers offer combined photo/video packages that may work out to costing less since you're doing both services with them.

Personally, I don't think it's worth it, I wanted to borrow a camcorder and set up a tripod to get the ceremony, but FH really wanted a nice professional video.

We're paying $400 in Orlando but we know the videographer, his standard rates start at $1000

We're paying 1500 for 3 videographers and all day coverage!

I'm in CA and the cheapest for good quality is $2000

You can't get a really good one around here for less than $1000, and that's for a very basic package. If you want the bells and whistles, you're looking at $****!

I don't really get what all the hype is about a videographer. Is it necessary? It seems like a unnecessary expense for a video my fiance will probably tape over with a football game one day. Isn't having a full day's worth of photography enough? (Not being condescending or anything here, I just really want opinions! )

I think watching the video, and especially the highlight reels, set to your special music really takes you back to that day and to that moment. It's totally different than just looking at a photograph.

I think hiring a videographer is totally worth it. If we have to skimp on something else, so be it!

I'm paying $3600 but it's a pkg that includes the video, wedding photos, engagement photos, and an engagement video!

@ Tori- No, videographer is not necessary, like many things in life videographer is not a essential one but more of a want. For me video is very important because i will have a live memory of what happen on that special day to see again and again. Yet, its a choice. There are many brides here not using videographer and that's perfectly fine...

to answer the question i am spending 2,000 for three videos and full day coverage

I guess I'm just picturing strange men creeping around with a camcorder on their shoulder. I have to remind myself that it IS 2011, not 1991. Quality is definitely better now!

Just to chime in here, eventhough we are in Atlanta, so the prices may vary by region, but hiring a videographer is totally worth it!

Videography is 'photography in motion!'

Our basic packages start at about $795 for the basic package with ceremony and reception. We have extras that increase the price from there, but its pretty reasonable to find a great videographer without it being too expensive! But of course expense is relative to your budget, vision for your wedding and location.

Best wishes!

Although flowers can change a bland room in amazing spectacle, they will only last one day, the band or DJ will stop playing by the end of the night, the cake will be eaten and the chairs and linens will be put in storage awaiting their next use...the venue will have another bride dancing her first dance the next day. But a wedding film will make you laugh, cry and get emotional all over again. Imagine being able to show your children and grandchildren what your wedding day was really like? Imagine watching them get emotional as they watch their parents and grand-parents say their vows....think about it....your capturing a piece of history for your family forever...what is that really worth to you?

Most couples still think that the cost should be factored on the number of hours of filming. If all you want is one videographer and a stationary camera which could wind up in the middle of the aisle by all means hire the least expensive person in your region. You are not likely to watch the resulting video. The knowledge, skill and real talent that goes into good filming is important. At least as much as the days, often weeks that go into editing a feature film.

So much wedding video has been unprofessional garbage that wedding videos were devalued. But when an experienced pro quotes a fee, consider that this is not their hobby this is probably their day job. They probably take deep pride in their art and are committed to quality and creative work. You can waste a little money and never watch the video again. Or you can hire someone with talent, experience and dedication who will make a wedding film that you will watch on every anniversary.

It is true that a video is pictures set to motion. I also agree that a video of the day can take a person back to that special occasion. As a videographer I pride myself in capturing the flavor and spirit of that couples wedding. When you add family members comments... there is really nothing like it! It is well worth the investment.

I work in the DC area and our packages run from $750-950 for a professional product.

Just throwing this out there. I'm currently about to graduate from film school, so I know the amount of work that goes into creating even a short video. It probably sounds ridiculous to many you to spend thousands of dollars on a videographer for just a day, but you have to consider that their job doesn't end when the wedding is over. They still have to go home and edit your video for you, which is a long and tedious process of finding the perfect shots, many of which were done in one take. Plus your not considering the fact that their job also involves controlling light, and other things that are only made possible by their technologically advanced equipment, which they paid A LOT of money for, so that they could give their clients, such as yourselves, the best quality video possible. They also have to make you look good, and weave around you excited guests who step into the middle of the shot because they think they are photographers. Rant over.

For a student, I would look at their work. Ask them for a demo reel, base your offer of payment on the quality of their work, and how much you can afford to pay them. Make sure you also consider what a professional would charge, you don't want them to feel underpaid, or that their work is not appreciated just because they are not as experienced, and you are doing them a favor by giving them work.

Wedding videography is Photography that captures 30 still pictures per second - or more. You can capture every single emotion - while it is developing into a memory that lasts a lifetime.

At American Creative Film Productions we use 3 HD Camera's and 3 Professionals at every wedding shoot.

Our prices are extremely affordable. We work for you and we keep working for you until you are completely satisfied with every scene.

This is the best reference that I have ever received:

“We absolutely cannot say enough about Mr. Bettini’s talent, sense of professionalism, and easygoing manner. Throughout the first meeting, the wedding day, and the editing process following the wedding, he was responsive, and a pleasure to work with. He takes into account every aspect of the day. He is very discreet throughout the ceremony. Even with all his equipment he is able to blend in with everyone else.

We received our video and we absolutely LOVE it!!! The quality is amazing and he captured all the special moments perfectly. It really came down to his incredible videography skills, editing, and artistic style. As we are saying our vows to each other, Mr. Bettini does a split screen so that he captures the expression on both of our faces. He incorporated our prep time in the beginning all the way through to the end of the reception. We have been hearing the best feedback from every single friend and family member (no exaggeration) who has viewed it, from "it is by far the most beautiful wedding video I have ever seen," to "this is amazing--I've already watched it 10 times!"

Like others, we briefly debated whether or not to have a videographer, but it is one of the best wedding investments we made. Photos are one thing, but to truly capture the moments, the words, and the scenes in action is priceless. And Mr. Bettini is really the best in the business. I didn’t know what to expect, but Mr. Bettini exceeded all of my expectations from the cost of his packages to the quality of his work. I would highly recommend him. He is AWESOME!!! “

Stacey & Chad Sokol

See the short version at his website