Home/Get Advice/Finding the Perfect Videographer and Photographer for Your Wedding

Finding the Perfect Videographer and Photographer for Your Wedding

Updated March 23, 2024
by Linda Diproperzio
Credit: The Cinelums

There are so many elements that create your wedding day, and choosing the right vendors is a crucial part of the planning process. While they’re all important, finding a videographer and photographer for your wedding should be a priority. After all, those that are the most in-demand (and talented) in both fields are usually snatched up the fastest. You can start your search right here, but also be sure to ask recently married friends and family members for referrals. Your wedding planner and venue should also be able to help you book someone to capture all of the special moments during your big day.

How much does a wedding videographer and photographer cost?

Data shows that on average, a wedding videographer in the U.S. costs about $1,799, with most couples spending between $1,000 to $2,500, while wedding photographer prices range between $1,150 and $3,000, with the average cost around $2,000.

There are several factors that go into the final cost for a wedding videographer and photographer. Location plays a big role, with vendors in metropolitan cities typically charging more than those in suburban and rural areas. Of course, videographers and photographers with a larger staff, years of experience and the portfolio to back it all up will also cost more. And finally, most photographers and videographer offer different packages, so the price point depends on which one you choose.

In an effort to save money, many couples choose to skimp on their wedding videographer. But that is a mistake say the pros at Dock House Digital. “Experience is crucial when choosing both your photo and video vendors. Not only will experienced photographers and videographers make the process seamless, but experience is a requirement when it comes to a successful working relationship between the two. If your photographer is experienced and your videographer is not, it could cause unforeseen issues on the day of the wedding which could affect the outcome of your wedding photos and also the guest experience.”

Bride and groom embracing outside
Photo Credit: BEVideography

What's covered in a wedding videographer and photographer's prices?

A basic videographer and photographer package will typically include:

Hours

You’ll be booking these vendors for a set amount of hours on the big day, so you’ll need to decide when you want them to start (do you want them there when you’re both getting ready or can they meet up at the ceremony location?) And keep in mind that additional hours will cost extra. In addition, some photographers include engagement photos in their basic packages.

Second Shooters or Assistants

Find out if your package includes a second shooter/cameraperson for both the photographer and videographer. Trust us, you will want to pay extra for this if needed to ensure they capture every special moment throughout the wedding day.

Editing

Both the wedding photographer and videographer’s packages should include editing services. Raw Footage/Unedited Images. Couples should also get a copy of both the raw video footage and all of the images from the event.

Prints

Some photographers include a certain number of prints in their basic packages. These are the photos that you will frame for your home. Any additional prints will be extra.

Albums

The photographer might offer a complete wedding album as part of the package.

Final Video

The videographer will deliver an edited video, complete with music, in your chosen style.

Tips to save money on your wedding photographer & videographer

Book early

If you’re having a long engagement, book your vendors as soon as possible so that you get the current year’s prices. Remember that costs go up every year.

Customize your package

Find a videographer and photographer that will allow you to “create” a package that fits your budget.

Go two-for-one

Many companies offer videography and photography services and will offer a discount if you book both with them.

Hire for less time

The less hours they work, the less they will charge. Figure out which moments are the most important—the ceremony, the first dance, the cake cutting—and then plan your event so that the videographer and photographer can capture everything within their time frame.

Get married during the off season

Holding your wedding during slower months will save you money on all of your vendors.

Is a wedding videographer worth it?

Simply put, yes! "Photography is amazing because it is, quite literally, freezing a moment in time, to never be replicated again, while video allows you to feel the emotion when you hear your partner reciting their vows to you, the reaction at your First Look, your loved ones' expressions as you walk down the aisle—it brings you right back to that very moment and allows you to relive the day in a way a photo never could," explains the pros at Dock House Digital.

What are the different wedding photography/videography styles?

A trained videographer will be able to shoot in your preferred style, whether that’s cinematic, short form, documentary or traditional. Photographers often offer similar styles, including photojournalism, traditional, fine art, fashion and vintage. You don’t need to have the styles for the videography and photography match, so choose which you prefer for each one. Look at examples online and hire the vendor who can best pull off that style.

How to find the perfect wedding photographer/videographer for your wedding style

In addition to searching for photographers and videographers here, one of the best ways to find vendors for your big day is to ask family and friends who have recently tied the knot for their recommendations. Once you have a list of possible candidates, read some online reviews and then meet every one of them in person or at least virtually. Not only do you want to look through their portfolio of work, but you also want to make sure your personalities fit. Remember, you will likely be spending all day with these pros, so you want people you will actually enjoy being around.

Bride and groom in front of lake and mountains
Photo Credit: VVisual

When should I book my photographer/videographer?

ASAP. A great wedding photographer and videographer books up fast, often a year (or more) in advance. As soon as you have your wedding date set, start reaching out to interview potential candidates.

Important questions to ask a videographer/photographer before booking

  • Are you available on my wedding date?

  • Have you ever worked at my venue before?

  • Do you have experienced working in my preferred style?

  • What kind of equipment do you use?

  • What are your various packages and what do they include?

  • Can I see examples of your work?

  • Will you have an assistant with you at the wedding?

  • When will I be able to see the raw footage and unedited images?

  • When will the final product be finished?

  • How much is the deposit—and what happens if we have to postpone the event?

  • Can I see an example of the contract you offer?

Ready to start looking for your professionals? Use the Love Stories TV vendor directory to start searching for wedding photographers and videographers here. And before you sign on the dotted line, learn more about contracts.

Home/Get Advice/Finding the Perfect Videographer and Photographer for Your Wedding

Finding the Perfect Videographer and Photographer for Your Wedding

Updated March 23, 2024
by Linda Diproperzio
Credit: The Cinelums

There are so many elements that create your wedding day, and choosing the right vendors is a crucial part of the planning process. While they’re all important, finding a videographer and photographer for your wedding should be a priority. After all, those that are the most in-demand (and talented) in both fields are usually snatched up the fastest. You can start your search right here, but also be sure to ask recently married friends and family members for referrals. Your wedding planner and venue should also be able to help you book someone to capture all of the special moments during your big day.

How much does a wedding videographer and photographer cost?

Data shows that on average, a wedding videographer in the U.S. costs about $1,799, with most couples spending between $1,000 to $2,500, while wedding photographer prices range between $1,150 and $3,000, with the average cost around $2,000.

There are several factors that go into the final cost for a wedding videographer and photographer. Location plays a big role, with vendors in metropolitan cities typically charging more than those in suburban and rural areas. Of course, videographers and photographers with a larger staff, years of experience and the portfolio to back it all up will also cost more. And finally, most photographers and videographer offer different packages, so the price point depends on which one you choose.

In an effort to save money, many couples choose to skimp on their wedding videographer. But that is a mistake say the pros at Dock House Digital. “Experience is crucial when choosing both your photo and video vendors. Not only will experienced photographers and videographers make the process seamless, but experience is a requirement when it comes to a successful working relationship between the two. If your photographer is experienced and your videographer is not, it could cause unforeseen issues on the day of the wedding which could affect the outcome of your wedding photos and also the guest experience.”

Bride and groom embracing outside
Photo Credit: BEVideography

What's covered in a wedding videographer and photographer's prices?

A basic videographer and photographer package will typically include:

Hours

You’ll be booking these vendors for a set amount of hours on the big day, so you’ll need to decide when you want them to start (do you want them there when you’re both getting ready or can they meet up at the ceremony location?) And keep in mind that additional hours will cost extra. In addition, some photographers include engagement photos in their basic packages.

Second Shooters or Assistants

Find out if your package includes a second shooter/cameraperson for both the photographer and videographer. Trust us, you will want to pay extra for this if needed to ensure they capture every special moment throughout the wedding day.

Editing

Both the wedding photographer and videographer’s packages should include editing services. Raw Footage/Unedited Images. Couples should also get a copy of both the raw video footage and all of the images from the event.

Prints

Some photographers include a certain number of prints in their basic packages. These are the photos that you will frame for your home. Any additional prints will be extra.

Albums

The photographer might offer a complete wedding album as part of the package.

Final Video

The videographer will deliver an edited video, complete with music, in your chosen style.

Tips to save money on your wedding photographer & videographer

Book early

If you’re having a long engagement, book your vendors as soon as possible so that you get the current year’s prices. Remember that costs go up every year.

Customize your package

Find a videographer and photographer that will allow you to “create” a package that fits your budget.

Go two-for-one

Many companies offer videography and photography services and will offer a discount if you book both with them.

Hire for less time

The less hours they work, the less they will charge. Figure out which moments are the most important—the ceremony, the first dance, the cake cutting—and then plan your event so that the videographer and photographer can capture everything within their time frame.

Get married during the off season

Holding your wedding during slower months will save you money on all of your vendors.

Is a wedding videographer worth it?

Simply put, yes! "Photography is amazing because it is, quite literally, freezing a moment in time, to never be replicated again, while video allows you to feel the emotion when you hear your partner reciting their vows to you, the reaction at your First Look, your loved ones' expressions as you walk down the aisle—it brings you right back to that very moment and allows you to relive the day in a way a photo never could," explains the pros at Dock House Digital.

What are the different wedding photography/videography styles?

A trained videographer will be able to shoot in your preferred style, whether that’s cinematic, short form, documentary or traditional. Photographers often offer similar styles, including photojournalism, traditional, fine art, fashion and vintage. You don’t need to have the styles for the videography and photography match, so choose which you prefer for each one. Look at examples online and hire the vendor who can best pull off that style.

How to find the perfect wedding photographer/videographer for your wedding style

In addition to searching for photographers and videographers here, one of the best ways to find vendors for your big day is to ask family and friends who have recently tied the knot for their recommendations. Once you have a list of possible candidates, read some online reviews and then meet every one of them in person or at least virtually. Not only do you want to look through their portfolio of work, but you also want to make sure your personalities fit. Remember, you will likely be spending all day with these pros, so you want people you will actually enjoy being around.

Bride and groom in front of lake and mountains
Photo Credit: VVisual

When should I book my photographer/videographer?

ASAP. A great wedding photographer and videographer books up fast, often a year (or more) in advance. As soon as you have your wedding date set, start reaching out to interview potential candidates.

Important questions to ask a videographer/photographer before booking

  • Are you available on my wedding date?

  • Have you ever worked at my venue before?

  • Do you have experienced working in my preferred style?

  • What kind of equipment do you use?

  • What are your various packages and what do they include?

  • Can I see examples of your work?

  • Will you have an assistant with you at the wedding?

  • When will I be able to see the raw footage and unedited images?

  • When will the final product be finished?

  • How much is the deposit—and what happens if we have to postpone the event?

  • Can I see an example of the contract you offer?

Ready to start looking for your professionals? Use the Love Stories TV vendor directory to start searching for wedding photographers and videographers here. And before you sign on the dotted line, learn more about contracts.