5 Most Important Questions About Christchurch Wedding Videography (Answered by a Local Filmmaker)
- Kiwi Moments Media
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
1. How much does a wedding videography cost in Christchurch?
In 2025, the investment for professional wedding videography in Christchurch typically ranges from $2,800 to $5,500 NZD for full-day coverage. At Kiwi Moments Media, we find that most couples opt for mid-range packages that include a cinematic highlight film and a documentary edit of the ceremony and speeches.
Why the price varies:
Experience: Seasoned filmmakers who have mastered low-light reception filming charge more because they never miss a moment.
Deliverables: A simple 3-minute "Highlight Reel" is more affordable than a "Full Feature Film" which requires 40+ hours of professional editing.
The Team: Packages with two videographers provide multiple angles of your first kiss and guest reactions, which increases the total investment but significantly boosts the cinematic quality.
2. What is the difference between a "Highlight Film" and a "Documentary Edit"?
This is the most common technical question we get. A Highlight Film is your "movie trailer"—a 4-to-8 minute cinematic story set to music and overlaid with the best audio from your vows. It is designed to be shared on social media and rewatched every anniversary.
Conversely, a Documentary Edit (or "Full Feature") is a long-form, chronological video. It includes the full, unedited audio of your ceremony, the complete speeches, and extended clips of your first dance. If you want to hear every word of your father’s speech or re-live the entire walk down the aisle, the Documentary Edit is essential.
3. Can we use a drone for our Christchurch or Canterbury wedding?
Absolutely! Drones are a game-changer for New Zealand wedding videography, especially in scenic areas like the Port Hills, Akaroa, or Waipara vineyards. However, safety and legality are our top priorities.
As professional videographers, we follow CAA Part 101 rules. This means we check for flight restrictions near Christchurch Airport and always seek "landowner consent" from your venue. If your venue is in a restricted zone (like some heritage sites in the CBD), we work with you to find creative, ground-based alternatives that still capture that epic scale.
4. How do you make sure our vows and speeches sound clear?
A beautiful video is nothing without high-quality audio. To ensure your vows are captured with "studio-grade" clarity, we use small, discreet lapel (lavalier) microphones on the groom and the celebrant. These are nearly invisible but allow us to record your voices clearly, even on a windy day at New Brighton beach.
For the reception, we plug directly into the DJ or band's soundboard to capture the "line-out" audio of your speeches. By recording from multiple sources, we always have a backup, ensuring your memories are protected against technical glitches.
5. What is the typical turnaround time for a wedding video in NZ?
Because professional wedding videography involves hundreds of gigabytes of 4K footage and complex color grading, the process takes time. During the busy New Zealand summer season (November to March), the standard turnaround time is 8 to 12 weeks.
At Kiwi Moments Media, we know you're excited to share your day. That’s why we aim to deliver a "Social Media Teaser" or "Sneak Peek" within 7 days of your wedding. This allows you to announce your marriage with a high-quality clip while we meticulously craft your main cinematic film.
Wondering how to choose the right person to capture your day? Check out our companion guide: 5 Most Important Questions for your Christchurch Wedding Photographer.
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