How Long Is A Wedding Video? [And What Should Be Included?]

Wedding videos are cherished momentos. A beuatiful nostalgic piece of your special day. If you are planning on getting your wedding day recorded, you are naturally going to want to know long the footage will be. Here is what you will want to know.

So, how long is a wedding video? The average wedding videographer will provide a wedding video between 5-15 minutes in length. Although some videographers have been known to provide up to 25 minutes of footage. Price, wedding style, and venue are other factors that influence the total time provided.

Less than 20 minutes may seem short, but there is actually a reason for it.

They are a highlight reel.

Not to be confused with a recording of events. But the best parts.

Ones that can be watched be watched time and time again, either between the couple or with family and close friends.

But of course, what is considered a highlight real and how much footage that needs to be included will vary.

Besides, many videographers will edit their footage to provide the best representation of the day.

Let us now take a closer look at some of the most important considerations regarding the wedding video; from what should be included, to how much you should look to pay.

What Should Be Included In A Wedding Video?

A wedding video should encompass the wedding day; capturing all the key elements; the venue, the bride and groom, the bridal party, and other key people of the day. It should also capture the special moments including but not limited to; the walk down the aisle, the speeches, and important dances.

However, the truth is, many videographers will offer different packages.

In fact, many videographers tend to offer a shorter, 3-5 minutes highlight version (short film), along with a secondary, ~30-minute longer documentary-style version.

And as you would expect, these will be available at different price points too.

Sometimes they will be provided together for a flat fee, other times you can purchase either individually.

Either way, a decent and experienced videographer should know what and when to film. And do so in accordance and with your preferences and requirements in mind.

Nevertheless, let us quickly take a look at the typical events recorded on the big day:

Pre-Ceremony

A good videographer will arrive to the venue early, and be there to film all of the getting ready shots, including:

• Bride and groom getting ready,
• The bridal party (bridesmaids and groomsmen) getting ready,
• The ceremony venue from the outside, including the landscape,
• The ceremony venue from the inside,
• The arrival of guests at the venue,
• The arrival of the Bridal party at the venue

Wedding Ceremony

The best videographers will make their way into the venue t the right time to capture the course of events:

• Guests being taken to their seats,
• The ceremony aisle, including any decorations,
• Any musicians playing,
• The Groom by the alter,
• The mother of the bride,
• The bridal party walking down the aisle,
• Any flowers girls, or ring bearers,
• The full processional, including the vows, exchanging of rings, and first kiss.
• The Recessional
• Bride and groom leaving the venue

It’s generally advised to speak with your wedding videographer ahead of time to point out and make them aware of key guests and those to film.

Wedding Reception

The after-party should be recorded too; which is where the better videographers tend to stand out:

• The inside and outside of the venue (particularly if this is different from the ceremony)
• Reception decorations,
• Wedding breakfast footage,
• Guests at the bar,
• First dance
• Important dances (including parents)
• Toasts
• Cutting of the cake,
• Guests dancing
• Last dance
• Throwing of the Bouquet.

How Long Should It Take To Get Your Wedding Video Back?

Wedding videos typically take from 2 weeks to 3 months to be returned by a videographer. Although, the amount of footage, preferences, and editing requirements will all influence the total time.

This is something that will differ by videographer and company used, although it should be agreed and documented in the contract.

Some videographers and companies may even provide an approval edit to review and sign off before the full package is delivered.

Generally, the longer or more complicated the footage, the longer it will take to get back. Along with how busy the videographer and company are.

For instance, during the height of the wedding season (summer), it is fair to assume that the delivery and turnaround time will be longer than say in the winter months.

What Is A Reasonable Price For A Wedding Videographer?

The average price for a wedding videographer is between $1000-$2000. Although, there are wedding videography packages available for up to $20,000. So, what you consider as reasonable will depend on your budget, what you want to be filmed, and your expectations in regards to the footage.

For your average video package, in the $1000-$2000 price range, videographers will typically provide up to 8 hours of footage, with around 45 minutes of editing. The video will be provided by USB.

However, with more editing comes more cost; particular if you want any creative highlights or work done that requires more time or skill on the part of the videographer.

Nevertheless, experts generally recommend that you set aside 5-10% of your total wedding budget for videography.

So, considering that the average cost of a wedding was $30,000 in 2020, the video price would be in the region of $1500-$3000.

Sounds about right.

Then again, you may want to invest a little more in the video, and pull back the budget elsewhere. Or, you may even want to spend less.

Just consider the following factors in mind. Each of these will largely influence the total cost:

• Location of the wedding in relation to the videographer,
• Date of the wedding (peak vs off-peak season),
• Experience and reputation of the wedding videographer,
• Time spent filming,
• The number of videographers used.

One of the best things you can do to find a ‘reasonable price’ is to research local videographers in your area.

Compare prices, what they provide, and consider what footage you truly want and need.

Finally

Wedding videos vary in length.

That’s just the way it is.

There are several different factors that influence the total footage captured and provided by a videographer.

But a lot has to do with price.

How much are you willing to pay and what level of expertise in filming and editing do you require?

Nonetheless, what is more important than the total length of a wedding video is the quality.

Ensuring that all the significant moments are captured. And captured well.

Of course everyone has their own preferences.

So perhaps the best thing you can do is your due diligence and your research.

Look into local videographers, seek out former client reviews and be sure to ask them important questions that matter to you.

You’ll likely be paying around 5-10% of your total wedding budget on your wedding venue, and it does not come cheap.

But its absolutely worth it.

Few couples regret it.