What's Included in a Wedding Video Package? | Soul Motion NJ
You've started looking at wedding videographers and you're quickly realizing — every package sounds slightly different. Highlight film, feature film, social reel, raw footage, drone... what does it all actually mean, and what do you actually need?
This is a question I get from almost every couple I talk to, so I want to break it down as clearly as possible. Here's what a wedding video package typically includes, what the different deliverables actually are, and how to figure out what's right for your day.
The Core Deliverable: Your Wedding Film
Every wedding video package should include at least one edited film. But there are a few different types, and they serve different purposes.
Highlight film — This is the most common deliverable. It's a condensed, emotionally-driven edit of your wedding day, typically 4–8 minutes long. Think of it as the "movie trailer" version of your day: the ceremony moments, the first dance, the speeches, the look on your partner's face. It's what you'll share with family and friends and come back to most often.
Feature film — A longer, more complete edit — usually 20–40 minutes. It captures the full arc of the day in sequence: getting ready, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception. Less cinematic shorthand, more your actual day. This is the one you'll watch on anniversaries, or show your kids someday.
Main events edit — A straight, uncut recording of specific events — typically the ceremony and speeches. No music, no cuts. Just what happened, as it happened.
Most packages lead with the highlight film. The feature film and main events edit come in at higher tiers.
Social Reels
A social reel (also called a teaser or short film) is a 60–90 second vertical edit made for Instagram and TikTok. It moves fast, hits the emotional high points, and is optimized for sharing. If you want to post something from your wedding right away — without waiting weeks for the full film — this is it.
Some packages include same-weekend delivery of the reel, which means you could have something ready before you're even back from your honeymoon.
Number of Filmmakers
This matters more than most couples realize. One filmmaker covers a lot — but two filmmakers mean two perspectives simultaneously. When you're exchanging vows, one can be on your face and one on your partner's. When the first dance starts, one is on the wide shot and one is in close.
Entry-level packages typically include one filmmaker. Mid and upper-tier packages include two, sometimes with an additional assistant for lighting or second angle.
Drone Footage
Aerial drone footage adds scale and context — your venue from above, the surrounding landscape, an establishing shot before the ceremony. It's a nice-to-have, not a must-have. If you're getting married at a venue with beautiful grounds, it's worth it. Indoor-only weddings don't benefit as much.
Drone coverage usually comes in at the top tier of packages, or as an add-on.
Delivery, Storage, and Format
A few things worth checking when comparing packages:
- Turnaround time — Highlight films typically take 2–4 weeks. Feature films can take 4–6 weeks. Same-weekend reels are an exception. Make sure you know when to expect each deliverable.
- How you receive it — Most videographers deliver via a private online gallery with download access. You should be able to download your films in full quality (4K if it was shot in 4K).
- Archival storage — Does the videographer keep a backup copy on their end? For how long? Drives fail — this matters.
What's Typically NOT Included
Raw footage — Most videographers, including me, don't include raw footage in standard packages. Raw files are massive (hundreds of gigabytes), and more importantly, the edit is the work — raw footage without context isn't really useful to you. Some videographers offer it as a paid add-on if you want it.
Music licensing — Your videographer handles this on the backend. The songs in your film are typically licensed through platforms like Musicbed or Artlist so the video can be shared publicly without being taken down. You usually don't pick the music yourself, but a good videographer will work with you on tone and style.
Photographer coordination — Your videographer and photographer need to work together on your day. A good videographer is used to this. But it's worth mentioning if you want them to connect before the wedding.
What Does Wedding Videography Cost in NJ?
Wedding videography in New Jersey typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000+, depending on experience, package tier, and what's included. Here's how the market breaks down:
| Tier | Typical NJ Price Range | What You Usually Get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $800–$1,500 | 1 filmmaker, highlight film, online delivery |
| Mid | $1,500–$3,000 | 1–2 filmmakers, highlight + feature film, reel |
| Premium | $3,000–$5,000+ | 2 filmmakers, full package, drone, same-day reel |
The most common regret couples report after their wedding is not booking a videographer — or booking one at the lowest price and being disappointed with the result. A film that actually captures what the day felt like is worth the investment. A forgettable one isn't worth any price.
What Should You Actually Book?
Honest answer: it depends on how much you want to have after the wedding.
If you want something beautiful and emotionally true that you'll share and rewatch — The Perfect Package covers it. Two filmmakers, a real film, a reel.
If you want everything — a complete record of your day delivered fast, with all the extras — that's The Heirloom Collection.
If budget is the main constraint but you still want a genuine film — The Essentials does the job.
What I'd push back on is the idea of cutting corners on this specifically. Your flowers will fade. Your cake will be eaten. The video is the only thing that gives the day back to you. It's worth getting right.
Ready to Talk Through Your Options?
Every couple I work with has different priorities, and I'm always happy to walk through what makes sense for your day before you commit to anything and we can find a time to talk.
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Soul Motion is based in Cranford, NJ and films weddings across New Jersey, New York, and the tri-state area. Available in English, Portuguese, and Russian.
