Next up in our Australian Wedding Budget series: Wedding Cinematography – or, as just as many call it, wedding videography! You’ll see us use both terms in this guide, because whether you call them videographers or cinematographers, it’s all about capturing your day in motion.

There is nothing quite like seeing your wedding day unfold on film. Yet, as with every part of your wedding planning, choosing whether or not to hire a cinematographer or videographer starts with figuring out your combined priorities. Some couples wouldn’t dream of skipping having a wedding film made. For others, it’s a luxury to consider only if the budget allows. Wherever you land, understanding what goes into the cost can help you decide what the right choice is for you.

Before making any decisions, take the time to watch a variety of wedding films. Your video might be one of the few things you revisit for years to come. Knowing what’s possible can help you choose the right fit in a videographer without overspending.

Thank you to our contributing cinematographers: James Raue of Honeybear Films (and for the main image), Dan of Dan Dimmock Films, Kevin of Images By Kevin, Hamish of La Este Film, Victoria of Veefilms, and Alex of Huemen Media. Their insight will help you unpack what goes into the cost of wedding cinematography and how to get the most value from it.

Cinematographer – VeeFilms

What Does Wedding Cinematography & Videography Cost In Australia?

Wedding cinematography in Australia typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000, with the average sitting around $4,000 for full-day coverage. Some packages start closer to $1,500, while top-tier services can exceed $10,000, depending on what’s included.

So what drives those price differences? It often comes down to things like the number of videographers, how many hours are covered, the cameras used, and the level of editing involved. As one filmmaker explained, “The biggest influences are their years of experience, the quality of their work, and the demand for their work.”

That said, price doesn’t always reflect talent. One cinematographer told us, “I see people charging top-end prices who don’t have the talent to match.” Many suggest that the $3,000 to $5,000 range is often where you’ll find experienced professionals who deliver solid storytelling and dependable service.

Most videographers ask for a deposit to lock in your date, usually between 20 and 50 per cent, with the rest due before the wedding. Some also offer payment plans, which can be helpful if you’re booking photography and videography separately.

What Can Push The Price Of Wedding Videography Up (or Down)?

Before we break down what’s included in a typical wedding cinematography package, it helps to look at what else might shape the final cost. There’s no fixed formula for wedding cinematography costs, but there are a few factors that can make a big difference.

Travel is one of the first things that can change a quote. Travel costs often apply for weddings more than an hour away, and busy cities like Sydney may come with added expenses. One filmmaker explained: “Travel is usually charged for locations more than one hour away. I also charge more for Sydney to cover unexpected costs like parking, Uber between locations, tolls… It’s impossible to find parks in Sydney.”

If you’re planning a regional or destination wedding, accommodation might also be added in. But not everyone sees that as a deal-breaker. “It shouldn’t impact it if you’re looking outside of Sydney,” one filmmaker shared. Another added, “If you’re getting married somewhere amazing in Tassie, interstate or overseas, I’ll do everything I can to make it work.”

Time of year (and day of the week!) can also influence price. Some offer discounts for weekdays or smaller weddings. One said, “Weekday and off-season weddings all receive a discount – and so do elopements and intimate weddings under 40 guests.” But not everyone agrees. Another told us: “An eight-hour wedding in summer is no different to an eight-hour wedding in spring.”

Most agreed that flexibility in pricing tends to happen more at the mid to lower end of the market. “In higher-end markets, all of these factors don’t usually affect pricing, aside from maybe additional travel,” one explained. “But for low to middle-range weddings, videographers might offer discounts for weekday or off-peak dates.”

Hot weather extremes may be starting to factor into pricing, too. One filmmaker told us, “I believe vendors will begin charging more to work in December, January, and February…Equipment is failing, and vendor health is at risk.” They added, “Winter is my favourite season to shoot. You avoid the heat, get better light, and the worst thing that happens is needing a jacket. In summer, everyone’s sweating, the lighting is harsh, and the chance of rain is much higher.”

Experience still plays a big role. One vendor said, “I don’t think pricing reflects talent in this area. I see people charging more because they live in richer areas or have other income streams. Meanwhile, someone mid-range might be incredibly good – experienced, talented, and working hard to build a solid reputation.”

Cinematographer – Honeybear Films, Venue – Three Blue Ducks, Sydney

What’s Included in a Wedding Cinematography Package?

When you book a wedding videographer, most packages follow a simple structure: a set number of hours on the day, one or two shooters, and a professionally edited film. Everything else builds from there. Not every videographer includes the same things – some of what we cover here may come as extras, depending on who you book.

The centrepiece is often the highlight film. Typically six to eight minutes long, this is the polished version that captures the best moments of your day, set to music and often layered with audio from your vows or speeches.

Many filmmakers also create shorter edits for social media, or teaser trailers, that you can share soon after the big day. If you want full coverage of the ceremony and speeches, look for a package that includes them explicitly. These are usually filmed with a static camera and clean audio. While they’re less stylised than the highlight film, they’re invaluable for preserving the full experience.

Other common inclusions might be pre-wedding chats to plan the day, travel within a certain radius, and digital delivery of your films. But beyond the logistics, what really matters is the storytelling. One cinematographer shared, “If a film moves slowly with long repeated cuts, it probably hasn’t had a lot of time spent in the edit. The more dynamic and personal the storytelling feels, the more love has gone into it.”

Wedding Cinematography Extras and Add-Ons 

Different cinematographers include different extras, so it helps to know what to ask about early on. These additions can range from the practical to the purely delightful, and knowing what to expect can help you plan with confidence. As one videographer explained, “Drone footage, extra shooter, extra hours, extra films or extended films – these will increase the price by a few hundred to a few thousand.”

But remember that the best wedding film isn’t the one with the longest list of add-ons. It’s the one that brings your story to life in a way that feels true to you. As one filmmaker put it, “The cost on the day is only one part of it. A lot of the value is in how your story is told after.”

Must-Haves: The Practical Add-Ons

These aren’t always included in your initial quote, but depending on your plans, they might quickly become essentials. Think extra events, extra hours, or a jam-packed timeline that needs more than one set of hands.

You might come across:

  • Additional hours of coverage, often between $200 and $300 per hour
  • A second videographer, typically $100 to $200 per hour
  • Travel and accommodation costs, especially for regional or destination weddings
  • Full-length edits of your ceremony or speeches, if not already included
  • Raw footage, delivered on a hard drive (sometimes with an added fee to cover the drive)
  • Music licensing variation – some filmmakers spend $2,000 per year, others as little as $50, depending on the quality and variety of music use; these fees may or may not be included.
  • Pre-wedding shoots, which can help you feel comfortable on camera before the big day

Cinematographer – Hueman Media

Nice-to-Haves: The Extras That Add Sparkle

These aren’t essential for everyone, but they can add something memorable to your final film or make sharing your story easier.

You might see:

  • Drone footage, sometimes included, sometimes $500 to $1,500 extra, depending on location and weather
  • 4K or high-resolution footage, which might come as an upgrade
  • Same-day or rush edits, which require editing on the go
  • Edits tailored for social media or shorter teaser versions
  • Additional event coverage – like your welcome party, recovery BBQ, or cultural celebrations
  • Live streaming, especially for guests who can’t attend in person
  • Physical keepsakes, such as USBs, DVDs, or printed cases
  • Multiple delivery formats – cloud galleries, USBs, or even Blu-ray
  • Extra revisions beyond a standard number of edits

The takeaway? Every wedding is different. Chat with your videographer about what’s included, what’s optional, and what might pop up depending on your timeline or location.

Cinematographer – La Este Films

What Goes Into The Price We Pay For Wedding Cinematography?<

While it might seem like a lot to pay for a few minutes of edited footage, your wedding videographer is actually dedicating weeks – or even months – to crafting a film that tells your story in the most meaningful way.

Let’s unpack what goes into wedding cinematography pricing beyond the obvious things like gear or experience.

Equipment and Insurance

Wedding cinematography involves serious gear setup. “My typical kit for a wedding is worth over $20,000,” said one filmmaker. That includes cameras, lenses, gimbals, microphones, lighting kits, backup equipment, and all the extra batteries, memory cards, and cables to keep it running.”

And as with any professional service, there’s insurance too. That means public liability insurance, gear insurance, and sometimes even backup staff to cover emergencies. “You’re paying for someone who can still deliver even if something goes wrong – because they’re prepared for it,” one contributor said.

Behind-the-Scenes Costs

Once the wedding day is over, the real work begins. Powerful editing computers, calibrated monitors, and professional-grade software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere are standard. And all those massive video files need secure, long-term storage. One videographer told us, “I never delete a wedding. So I invest in high-capacity drives and cloud systems that let me archive every couple’s footage safely.” And don’t forget the hosting services for all of the video files, too.

Music licensing can also add hundreds or even thousands to the annual cost of running a video business. “I pay over $2,000 a year to access high-quality, legal music,” said one contributor. Another shared, “Music licensing doesn’t have to be expensive. It depends on what kind of music you want your clients to have.”

Then there are the ongoing business costs: websites, marketing, software subscriptions, accounting tools, and admin. “These aren’t hidden costs,” one vendor explained. “They’re just the price of running a sustainable, professional service.”

The Time Investment

So, how long does it really take to create a wedding film? Answers varied from 50 to 80 hours, depending on the style and complexity. That includes admin, travel, shooting, editing, and delivery. “I usually tell clients it’ll take three months, but I try to deliver within two,” said one videographer. Others noted that during busy seasons, the wait can stretch to six months, especially for longer or more cinematic edits.

Here’s where the time goes:

  • Answering enquiries and holding planning chats
  • Shooting the wedding day itself (often 10 to 12 hours on their feet)
  • Backing up and archiving all footage
  • Selecting and editing the final film (which can take a full week or more)
  • Colour grading, music syncing, and polishing the final audio, preparing and delivering files securely.

There’s also a physical toll to consider. “Working a 10-12 hour day, carrying heavy gear around all day, and barely getting time to stop, drink water and eat has a big effect on health,” one shared. “Then, on top of that, there is the cost of missing family time on weekends. So it’s not just the financial costs, but also the health and wellbeing costs.”

Choosing someone at a lower price point might mean compromises – whether that’s faster edits, slower turnaround times, outsourced work, or limited backup systems. That doesn’t automatically mean poor quality, but it’s worth asking the right questions.

One of our cinematographers explained it this way: “We also need to run a profitable business. So the ‘cost’ of choosing the least expensive wedding videographer may be that they are not running a sustainable business, or that they are cutting corners in their processes (e.g. outsourcing their editing or not having back up for vital equipment), are having to shoot more weddings than they can comfortably manage (which in turn affects their service quality) etc, etc.”

In contrast, mid to higher-range pricing often reflects experience, reliable gear, more personalised service, and the time and care it takes to do the job well.

In the end, you’re not just paying for a video. You’re investing in the care, skill and time it takes to create a piece of storytelling that holds your memories forever.

Cinematographer – Dan Dimmock Films

How to Save Money on Wedding Videography

Worried that wedding videography is out of your budget? It’s something a lot of couples struggle with, but there are ways to make it work.

Start by understanding the trade-offs. Lower-cost options do exist, but they often come with limitations. As one cinematographer shared, “You’ll usually find budget videographers lack experience when things don’t go exactly to plan.” That might mean issues with audio, shaky footage, or poor collaboration with your other vendors.

One option worth exploring is hybrid coverage, where the same team handles both photography and video. It’s a streamlined approach that often costs less than hiring two separate businesses. “We offer 4 to 5 hours of coverage with a short highlight film, which is nearly 40 percent less,” said one vendor. Booking both services from the same provider can cut your costs by up to 35 percent.

Next, think about how much coverage you really need. Many couples are trimming their packages down to four or five hours. “Try to get your formalities done early in the night so your videographer can capture the key moments without needing to stay for hours,” suggested one filmmaker.

Flexibility can also open up savings. Some videographers may offer discounts if you’re happy to wait longer for delivery. “You could possibly ask for a discount if your film is delivered at the end of the season,” one professional told us. Payment plans are also common, which can help spread the cost over time.

And if full cinematic coverage just isn’t realistic? That’s okay too. Some teams offer a simpler option: a single-camera recording of your ceremony and speeches with minimal editing. If even that doesn’t fit, you could ask a guest to place a phone on a tripod and hit record.

As one cinematographer put it, “It’s absolutely fine not to have the budget for a cinematic film. What’s not okay is expecting someone to deliver that while working for less than a living wage.”

Be honest about your budget, focus on what matters most, and keep the conversation open. There’s more than one way to tell your story. Find the version that feels right for you.

Cinematographer – Images by Kevin

Final Words of Wisdom When It Comes to Wedding Cinematography and Budget

Choosing a videographer isn’t just about finding someone to hit record. It’s about selecting a storyteller whose work moves you. Watch a lot of films and compare length, cost and aesthetic. As one filmmaker put it, “Make sure their films make you feel something and don’t feel staged. It’s a lot of money to spend if you won’t be satisfied.”

Connection matters too. You’ll be spending a large part of your day with your videographer, so the fit needs to feel right. As one filmmaker shared, “There are plenty of talented videographers out there that have zero personality.” A quick Zoom or in-person chat before booking can help you find someone whose energy aligns with yours. It’s also worth asking your photographer if they’ve worked with that person before. Photo and video teams work closely throughout the day, so a strong working relationship can make everything smoother.

When it comes to the value of videography, the message from professionals is consistent. “Videography brings back the energy, sounds and vision on the day that photography simply cannot do. Photography is great on its own, but if you pair it with cinematography, I truly believe it is the best combination and the best of both worlds. They should coexist with each other, and in my opinion, are just as important.”

Several also noted that your videographer should be upfront about pricing. “Your videographer shouldn’t have any hidden costs; all of that should be included in the pricing,” said one. “Videography is a lasting memory that can be passed on for generations and shown to your children. It’s important memories and encapsulates your vows and promises to each other, and shows your love in moving motions that bring back the emotions of the day.”

As another contributor put it simply: “It’s the best way you can relive your best day. Budget well and have no regrets.”

From the way you spoke your vows through happy tears, to the instantly recognisable laughter from Grandma during speeches, to that awkwardly adorable moment on the dance floor with your toddler nephew (who can’t help but be the star of any family get-together), your film captures it all. The right filmmaker won’t just record what happened. They’ll help you feel the love all over again.

A big thank you to our incredible contributing cinematographers who shared their wisdom and insights: James Raue of Honeybear Films, Dan of Dan Dimmock Films, Kevin of Images By Kevin, Hamish of La Este Film, Victoria of Veefilms, and Alex of Huemen Media.