So, maybe you're a COVID bride or groom and you decided to downscale your day. Maybe you're a couple, who from the start of saying "I DO", could never see a wedding day with all the bells and whistles. You want to elope and have this moment just be about you and your boo. But now you're sitting here with a couple questions.
How much does an elopement videographer cost?
Will there be enough to capture to make it worth it?
How should I plan for my elopement so it won't feel like a production?
Why should I hire a wedding videographer?
What should I look for in elopement packages with videography?
So many questions so as a elopement photographer and videographer in Virginia, I am here with some answers...
Cost
You may be thinking "I am eloping so I don't need a photographer or videographer for that much time, maybe an hour at most." Here's the thing, your final elopement film can feel as magical, if not more magical than a standard/long-form wedding day if you bring your creative team on for more than just the ceremony. Let your videographer help build out a story. There is so much you can do with proper coverage. I have had clients in awe of their final elopement film due to hiring us for more than just their ceremony.
A solid elopement team of photography and videography with elopement packages can run you around $3,000 - $7,000. Let us be real, you would've spent that money anyways on Uncle Bob and is unlimited bar tab anyways.
Will it be worth it?
This touches back on "should I hire a wedding videographer?"
If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then what does that mean for video? The biggest thing I hear from couples that DO get video is that it captures those in-between moments that photography never will. It's lets you truly be in the moment again, hearing words, feeling the emotions. As a Virginia elopement videographer my perspective is that video should fill in the gaps that a picture never will. One of our recent couples said it best...
They were video ninjas on our wedding day - they captured EVERY. LITTLE. DETAIL. The video they created for us was beyond our wildest dreams, and it is such a special piece we will have to look back on for the rest of our lives. What stands out most, was how our video was created. You can tell how much time, effort, and love went into the editing. Kathykins not only captured beautiful cinematography (including drone footage of our venue!), but told the perfect story through our video. The small moments, whispers, and little details they included show just how talented they are at what they do. The music selection was perfectly matched to the vibe of our wedding day, and not there to cover anything up like you see with other videographers- in fact, the music served as a perfect compliment to the footage/audio.
What do I need?
When it comes to elopement packages, these are my recommendations:
- Work with someone that allows for customizations. Custom packages allow you to build exactly what you need in terms of the services on the day of and the final product deliverables, so don't be afraid to speak up. Elopements are unique in terms of their structure, so the services and final deliverables you're purchasing should reflect that.
- Is there an option to purchase RAW video footage? While purchasing RAW photos is uncommon, purchasing unedited video footage is not and most videographers will sell this to you. Even better are the ones who put it into one video for easy viewing. Highly recommend, 10/10.
- Ask yourself if you're looking watch moments like ceremony and toasts in full length or if the highlights are good enough? From there, work with your videographer to get what you're looking for in terms of 1 film or multiple films.
At the end of the day, the overall recommendation is, yes. You should hire an elopement videographer along side of your photographer if capturing those in-between moments is high on your list of priority. We are always just a DM away if you want to chat more or have questions. We here for you!
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