How Much Does Wedding Videography Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed

Most couples opt to hire a photographer to capture their wedding. In fact, our data shows that 9 out of 10 couples hire a photographer for their big day. However, far fewer couples hire a videographer, with just a third choosing to immortalise their wedding on video.

But, documenting your wedding by using the skills of a videographer is a unique and highly personal way of capturing the magic. Video is different from photography because it can be a lot more natural and encapsulates those special moments as they happen. Your photographs are wonderful, but nothing can replicate the beaming smiles and happy tears that happen in the moment.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at the average cost of a wedding videographer, what can influence the cost and what level of skill and experience you might expect for your budget.

What’s the average cost of a wedding videographer?

In South Africa, couples typically spend between R15,000 and R50,000 on wedding videography, which is in line with the average cost of a professional photographer. This price range reflects the cost of hiring an experienced videographer who uses professional-grade equipment and offers a high-quality, cinematic final product.

Several factors influence the total cost, including the videographer’s experience, the quality of equipment used, travel distance to your venue, and the amount of editing involved. Full-service packages that include coverage of the ceremony, reception, drone footage, and a highlights reel usually fall between R20,000 and R50,000.

Day rates for camera operators often range from R3,000 to R10,000, while post-production editing can add another R4,000 to R8,000 depending on the complexity of the edit and the desired final format. These costs also cover pre-wedding consultations, setup time, backups, and delivery.

While wedding videography may seem pricey at first glance, the final result is a beautifully crafted film that captures the emotions, atmosphere, and once-in-a-lifetime moments of your wedding — making it a worthwhile investment for many couples.

What’s included in the cost?

Unlike a wedding photographer, a videographer is someone who won’t spend a portion of the day ‘directing’ you — instead, they’ll blend into the crowd and naturally capture your wedding. In some ways, you could compare it to a documentary as it tells the story of your wedding day, from the moment you start getting ready to the moment the two of you are whisked away together at the end of the night.

What’s included in the cost depends entirely on the package you choose, but can include:

• You and your other half getting ready
• Your guests arriving
• Footage of the ceremony (some videographers may offer just this as a basic package)
• Footage of the wedding breakfast, if you have one (including speeches)
• Footage of the evening reception (including cutting the cake and the first dance)
• Video editing and post-production
• A USB or DVD of the finished film

If you’re on a budget, should you hire a videographer instead of a photographer?

While a videographer is generally more affordable than a photographer, you may want to think twice before choosing video in place of the more traditional photographs. Videography is a lovely way to complement your photographs rather than replace them, so don’t let the cost be the deciding factor. Remember, even though the average cost of a photographer is more than the average cost of a videographer, there are options available. There are even vendors who will be able to offer a package that includes both photography and videography.

What can affect the cost of a wedding videographer?

While our ultimate wedding budget breakdown found that R15,000–R50,000 is the average amount couples in South Africa spend on a wedding videographer, there are plenty of factors that can affect the final cost:

• The date: Expect to pay more than the average costs if your wedding is taking place during peak times, such as during the summer months or on a Saturday. 
• Venue: Where your venue is located — and how far your videographer needs to travel — can have a big impact on the cost. If your wedding is in a major city like Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban, you’ll likely pay more than you would for a videographer based in a smaller town or rural area.
• The style: The price will vary depending on whether you want the videographer to cover the ceremony alone or the entire day.
• Experience: The more experience a videographer has, the higher their price will be. On the flip side, you’ll likely receive a far more professional and polished video.
• Time: How long do you need the videographer to be there? Is there footage needed before or after your wedding? How long will post-production take to get the final product you’re after?
• Additional crew: If you’re keen on the more dynamic style that multiple cameras allow, then a second camera person will bump up the cost.
• Additional equipment: Are lights, additional cameras, or even drones needed to get the look you want?
• Multiple copies: Your package may include a limited number of copies of your final film on USB or DVD.

There may also be optional extras that can bump up the cost, such as:

• • Expedited post-production and delivery
  • Video messages from friends and family
  • Montages set to music
  • Unedited footage

What should you be aware of before you book your wedding videographer?

What experience level can you expect for your budget?

Your budget will determine the level of experience, and therefore skill, your wedding videographer has. Check out the below table to get an idea of what your budget might get you.

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